Miami Dolphins Bullying Jonathan Martin? Team Suspends Richie Incognito
Are the Miami Dolphins bullying teammates? The team has suspended starting guard Richie Incognito after accusations of inappropriate behavior were brought forth by Jonathan Martin, who asked for a leave of absence last week.
In a statement late Sunday night, the Miami Dolphins announced that Incognito has been suspended while the team, the NFL, and the NFL Players Association investigate harassment allegations.
“We believe in maintaining a culture of respect for one another and as a result we believe this decision is in the best interest of the organization at this time. As we noted earlier, we reached out to the NFL to conduct an objective and thorough review. We will continue to work with the league on this matter.”
The suspension of Incgonito came after representatives for Martin contacted the team regarding allegations of harassment and player misconduct. The Dolphins said in a statement they have asked the NFL to investigate the matter.
“We received notification today from Jonathan’s representation about allegations of player misconduct. We are taking these allegations very seriously and plan to review the matter further.” the statement reads.
“We have also reached out to the NFL and asked them to conduct an objective and thorough review. As an organization, we are committed to a culture of team-first accountability and respect for one another.” the Miami Dolphins said of the bullying allegations.
According to Fox News things finally came to a halt for Martin after a “lunchroom incident” in which Martin came to sit at one of the tables and the players eating their food at the time allegedly got up and left, this led Martin to leave his team.
Martin has allegedly been bullied and teased by Miami Dolphin players since joining the team as a 2012 second-round draft choice.
The latest details are that racially charged comments might have been part of the harassment suffered by Martin, Fox reports.
There are also reports that Incognito got Martin to contribute $15,000 to help finance a trip to Las Vegas by some Dolphins last summer, even though Martin did not want to travel with the group.
Rather than being forced to go, Martin gave Incognito the $15,000, sources told ESPN, fearing there would be consequences to face if he didn’t hand over the money.
Richie Incognito has been a controversial player throughout his career. In 2009 he got into a verbal altercation with then-Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo for multiple penalties in a game.
Incognito was also suspended for the 2004 season while playing for Nebraska due to off-field incidents and he was voted the second-dirtiest player in the NFL from a player poll in the Sporting News before the 2012 season.
He took to Twitter to defend himself slamming ESPN:
@espn shame on you for attaching my name to false speculation. I won't be holding my breathe for an apology
— Richie incognito (@68INCOGNITO) November 3, 2013
@AdamSchefter Enough is enough If you or any of the agents you sound off for have a problem with me, you know where to find me #BRINGIT
— Richie incognito (@68INCOGNITO) November 3, 2013
@espn @CBSSports @NBCSports @FOXSports @ProFootballTalk I want my name CLEARED
— Richie incognito (@68INCOGNITO) November 3, 2013
Meanwhile, the Dolphins return to practice to get ready for Monday Night Football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, minus Richie Incognito.
It is not clear whether Jonathan Martin will re-join the team. The Dolphins have until Tuesday at 4 pm ET to remove his name off the non-football related illness list.
Tell us how you feel about the allegations of Miami Dolphins bullying Johnathan Martin and Richie Incognito’s suspension.
