It's a generally understood principle that every story has two sides, with the truth lying somewhere in the middle. That's especially true in Miami. We've got Jonathan Martin's version of events, and we've got Richie Incognito's. While very few people actually know what went on in the Dolphins locker room and how this situation spun so out of control, what we do know is that this situation goes far beyond bullying and hazing.
From everything that's come out in the media, it's clear that Richie Incognito is no saint. Some of the stuff he's been accused of, whether it's true or not, is pretty reprehensible. It's also worth noting that he wore out his welcome on three different college teams, and you can chalk Miami up as the latest NFL stop where he's had some problems. But, while he's by no means blameless, I refuse to believe that this situation is entirely of Richie Incognito's making.
Just like I refuse to believe Jonathan Martin is an innocent victim in all of this. My first reaction when I heard this story was, "You play in the NFL. Be a man." To an extent, I still feel that way. You're making millions of dollars to play professional football, yet you can't handle getting picked on? To the point where you have to check yourself into the hospital, then you have to go home with your parents? C'mon.
No good was going to come out of this situation, but Martin has to be given plenty of blame himself. It doesn't escalate if he doesn't go to the press. The careers of Richie Incognito, Joe Philbin and Jeff Ireland (and that's just the list so far) aren't blown to pieces if not for Jonathan Martin. The culture of the entire Miami Dolphins franchise isn't thrown into question if not for Jonathan Martin.
There are some things that should be left in the locker room. And this is one of them. Locker rooms are places that police themselves. If there's a problem between two guys or a group of guys, that's where it should be handled. Airing your team's dirty laundry in public is just going to make everybody look bad. Why do you think those Dolphins who were asked said they'd be more willing to welcome back Richie Incognito than Jonathan Martin?
Incognito clearly did something that made Martin feel uncomfortable. And there was clearly something that happened that pushed Martin past his breaking point. But we don't know what it was. Just like we don't know the details of what exactly went on. Or who knew what and what was done about the escalating situation. All we know is hearsay. And even that's more than the public should know.
Martin has said he wants to continue his career. But there's no way he'll be able to continue it with the Miami Dolphins. From all accounts, it looks like one of the main reasons this problem escalated in this way is because Martin simply didn't fit in in the Dolphins locker room. And now he's taken down a respected, veteran team leader, who also appears done in Miami. Incognito wants to resume his career, too (which he has every right to), and he expects to be activated once his suspension is over.
We're probably a long way away from there being any sort of resolution to this drama. Jonathan Martin has given his statement. Richie Incognito still has to give his. The NFL will conclude its investigation, and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross will conduct his own. Who knows what the end result is going to be? But what we do know is that this has changed the culture of the NFL locker room forever. I have no doubt that there will be some sort of memo sent out by the league that details what's acceptable and what's not.
One thing is clear, though. What happened in Miami is not acceptable. And I'm not just talking about Richie Incognito's hazing/bullying and whatever led to it. The entire situation is unacceptable. Worst of all, it never should've come to this.
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