Miami Dolphin’s Bullying Scandal Overblown or Justified?

Mixed opinions arise after Incognito’s alleged bullying of ex-teammate Jonathan Martin. 

The fine line between bullying and football pranks has caused controversy in the Jonathan Martin scandal. Here’s the story timeline.

•  Miami Dolphin’s Jonathan Martin left the team before their Thursday night game due to a bullying situation.
• It was discovered on Friday that teammate Richie Incognito was the source of the bullying.
• Incognito was indefinitely suspended on Sunday.

“You can ask anyone in the Miami Dolphin’s locker room, who had Jonathan Martin’s back the absolute most? And they’ll undoubtedly tell you me,” Richie Incognito told Jay Glazer in his FOX interview.  

Richie Incognito talks about his relationship with Jonathan Martin. Nov. 10, 2013. 

Incognito denies any role in the matter. He says that they were brothers and his behavior was coming out of love.

Whose fault?

Jonathan Martin, 24, left Miami Dolphins 
possibly due to bullying and emotional issues.
(Photo by: Kevin Leahy/Miami Herald)

The Sun Sentinel says that Martin didn’t leave because of bullying. He left because of “emotional issues.”

Martin, however, left the Dolphins after a cafeteria prank was pulled on him. One teammate said, “Martin just snapped.”

The scandal then became national news when it was discovered that Incognito left Martin a voicemail with a racial slur. He threatened to kill his teammate and threatened to slap Martin’s mother.

Incognito says that he regrets his racist profane language but it wasn’t meant seriously. It stemmed from our brotherhood, not bullying.

One of the texts from Martin to Incognito says, “I'm good man. It's insane bro, but just know I don't blame you guys at all. It's just the culture around football, and the locker room got to me a little."

Richie Incognito, 30, suspended from team
after allegedly bullying Jonathan Martin.
(Photo by: Jim Wildman/AP)

NFL Locker Room Culture

“None of it shocks me,” Giants kicker Josh Brown, a former teammate of Incognito’s in the NFL.

Although, the story is centered in Miami, it created buzz in the locker rooms of other NFL teams.

Jet’s Offensive Willie Colon addressed the hazing that occurred with his teammates. He said, “It's kind of like that rite of passage and I had to pay a heavy bill. It's a culture that's changing, that needs to change, because you're messing with a guy's way of living.”

Many players recognize the bad culture. It’s not a regular work environment. But can you imagine an NFL locker room without hazing, jokes and pranks?

Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said, “This is something we take very seriously and will not be tolerated.”

Do you think the entire NFL league needs to address its rules on workplace environment? Should this kind of harassment be closely watched? Comment below with your opinions.

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