Ex-Dolphins offensive line Coach Jim Turner has waded into yet another controversy as an assistant coach at Texas A&M. Back in 2012, Turner was singled out as the main culprit in the bullying scandal that made headlines, when Jonathan Martin accused Richie Incognito and the Dolphins organization of systematic bullying.
The Wells report specifically called out Turner as being “aware of the running joke that Player A [Martin] was gay and on at least one occasion, he participated in taunting.” Turner was subsequently fired by the Dolphins for his involvement in the scandal,and joined Texas A&M as their offensive line coach in February 2016.
Now it appears that the same issues that led to his firing from the Dolphins have followed him to Texas A&M. According to SBNation, Turner and another assistant led a presentation during a female fan event that was intended be a fun way to teach women about football, but those sentiments quickly soured.
The jokes presented in slides in front of a crowd of over 700 women, were sexually suggestive,derogatory,and demeaning towards women. Some of the slides featured tips for run-blocking that were filled with sexual innuendo and sexually suggestive phrases that were inappropriate on many levels. Many women at the event were appalled by the presentation and began sharing pictures of the slides on Twitter. Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin later apologized for the fiasco:
“There is absolutely no place in our program or in our University community for inappropriate conduct or degrading comments towards women, or anyone, regardless of intent.
While I was in attendance at the Chalk Talk event this week, I was engaged in meeting participants, taking photographs and signing autographs and I was unaware of the contents of Jim and Jeff’s presentations until this morning. Upon learning of the details, I immediately consulted with Director of Athletics Scott Woodward, and made the decision that both Jim and Jeff will be suspended without pay for two weeks effective immediately and will serve 20 hours of community service. I have addressed the issue with both of them and have their commitment to be better representatives of our program.
On behalf of Aggie Football, I want to apologize for the comments at Chalk Talk and also for my failure to review their individual presentations. I want to thank the almost 700 women who came out this week who not only participated in the program but who supported a worthy cause in the Twin City Mission.”
Jim Turner is very fortunate to get a second chance with a major football program after the Dolphins bullying scandal, but this shows he learned nothing from the events that took place inside the Dolphins locker room. His latest transgression has all the hallmarks of person that is out of touch with how people should be treated, and there should be questions on if he should be allowed to lead young men.
Flip the pages to see the offensive slides.