Miranda Batch NFL Story

Richie Incognito: The Product of a Bigger Problem?

Bullying scandal sparks debate over whether the culture of the NFL is too harsh for athletes

Richie Incognito has been suspended from the Miami Dolphins after derogatory comments toward teammate Jonathan Martin were made public. Martin left the team, saying he was unable to be a part of a locker room culture that promotes such a harsh exchange of words. His departure has prompted a discussion over whether the NFL should implement stricter punishments on bullying or allow the harsh locker room talk to continue.

Martin recently sat down with Jay Glazer of Fox Sports to discuss the scandal.

Richie Incognito shares his side of the story and talks about why he should not be considered a bully.

Incognito: "This isn't an issue about bullying"

Incognito was accused of calling teammate Jonathan Martin
the N-word and hazing Martin along with the rest of the team.
Photo Credit: Jim Wildman, Associated Press

Incognito claims that Martin was his best friend on the team and the way they talk to one another is simply a product of NFL culture. When discussing their relationship, Incognito used the culture to defend his language.
"No matter how bad and how vulgar it sounds, that's how we communicate, that's how our friendship was."
Some believe that Incognito is valid in defending his behavior this way, but many people are speaking out against locker room culture, arguing it is in need of reform.

Locker Room Culture

Martin has yet to publicly comment on the scandal, but plans
to remain in the NFL.
Photo credit: Kevin Leahy/Miami Herald

The NFL is notorious for being an environment where hazing and bullying are acceptable. While this has been a part of the culture for years, the recent scandal involving Martin and Incognito has prompted people to reconsider the way players interact. Christopher Gasper of the Boston Globe is in favor of the NFL cracking down on bullying, saying that instead of understanding the seriousness of bullying, the NFL is more interested in protecting locker room culture.

“Instead of questioning a culture that condones hazing, the reflex reaction of many immersed in that culture is to question the toughness of the alleged victim.”

In Defense of Incognito

Incognito’s comments toward Martin were harsh, but not anything unexpected given the culture of the NFL, according to Los Angeles Times opinion writer Neal Gabler. Incognito called his actions a “product of the environment,” and Gabler claims this is true. While also acknowledging that Incognito and the rest of the NFL are “living in a time warp,” Gabler says that in the context of the NFL, this type of language is still considered acceptable.
Martin "walked into a twisted world," according to ESPN writer Jason Whitlock. Calling him a "sellout," Whitlock claims that Martin went along with the culture as long as he could, but clearly did not realize what he was getting himself into. Whitlock claims that the culture is the larger issue to be dealt with, not Incognito alone.

Where do you stand?

Is Incognito justified in his remarks because he was just going along with the culture, or did he go too far? Do you think the NFL should adopt new anti-bullying policies to prevent future scandals? Sound off in the comments below!