By Aaron Marks
The Miami Dolphins suspended Richie Incognito after repeated allegations that he harassed teammate Jonathan Martin. Martin left team facilities a few days before, citing emotional issues.
Over the next few days, several outlets reported that Incognito had bullied Martin on a several occasions. The most egregious examples occurred when Incognito threatened Martin and his family, and even called Martin a racial epithet in one voice mail message.
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| Dolphins Guard Richie Incognito is accused of taking hazing rituals too far on teammate. Jonathan Martin (Jim Waldman/AP) |
More Attention Turned to NFL Locker Room Culture
It has become apparent that this is not an isolated incident. Many people are now turning their attention to the pervasiveness of bullying and hazing in all NFL locker rooms around the league. On FOX NFL Kickoff, Former NFL players Randy Moss, Ronde Barber, and Brendon Ayanbadejo discussed how Incognito's behavior was nothing out of the usual for an NFL player.
Former players Barber, Moss, and Ayanbadejo discuss incognito's behavior on FOX NFL Sunday.
Even some of Incognito's black teammates were very accepting of his behavior. In fact, one player referred to him as an "honorary" black person. He told The Miami Herald, "I don't expect you to understand because you're not black. But being a black guy, being a brother is more than just about skin color. It's about how you carry yourself."
In a recent interview with FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, Incognito defended himself on some of these grounds. He told Glazer that he did not intend to hurt Martin, and he was treating him the same way he would treat any other teammate.
Incognito defends himself in an interview with FOX Sports' Jay Glazer.
NFL, Dolphins Worried about Image
Whether or not Incognito's behavior was normal for NFL locker room culture, both the league and the Miami Dolphins organization is not taking the situation lightly. A source close to the team said that Incognito would never play for the team again. They are planning on cutting him as soon as possible. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has appointed an independent investigator to examine the full extent of NFL locker room behavior.
However, the implications for football in the U.S. may be more severe. Many parents are already steering their children away from football amid growing fear of head injuries. Now that more light has been shed on NFL locker room hazing, Americans' perception of football as a sport are not going to get any better.
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| Offensive Tackle Martin says Incognito's treatment crossed the line. (Kevin Leahy/Miami Herald) |
As for Martin, he says he is not willing to play for the Dolphins again. He says he does not blame Incognito for his departure, but rather the entire Dolphins team. He plans on resuming his career in the NFL next season.
Do you think Incognito should have been suspended? Does this action merely make him a scapegoat for a larger problem. Comment below.
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