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The time has now come to end the once time-honoured practice of hazing in the NFL after the Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin scandal.
What was once a light hearted, fun attempt at toughening and welcoming new players to the NFL system has degenerated to the point of racial slurs, verbal abuse and forking out ludicrous amounts of money.
The case under the microscope of Incognito versus Martin highlights the need for team staff and the league itself to look after the welfare of their most prized assets – the players.
This includes providing a safe and productive environment where the players feel comfortable in their surroundings, but also to be able to access help whenever they see fit and can ultimately perform at their highest level.
Two weeks ago Martin left the Dolphins team facilities citing ‘emotional reasons’ and flew out to California to be with his family as well as undergoing counselling.
On November 3 senior Miami Dolphins guard Incognito was suspended for ‘conduct detrimental to the team’ amid accusations he bullied and harassed Martin as far back as last season.
The next day various reports surfaced with information concerning Incognito making racists threats and slurs towards both Martin and his family.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter obtained one particular voice mail left on Martin’s phone in April from Incognito.
“Hey, wassup, you half n—– piece of (expletive). I saw you on Twitter, you been training ten weeks. I want to (expletive) in your (expletive) mouth.”
“I’m going to slap your (expletive) mouth. I’m going to slap your real mother across the face (laughter). (Expletive) you, you’re still a rookie. I’ll kill you.”
It is important to note that Incognito is white and Martin is bi-racial. These threats and slurs whether intended to be received as jokes and friendly banter are utterly disgusting but most importantly completely unacceptable.
This practice of belittling, bullying and hazing goes so far beyond what is morally right to the point where Martin has voluntarily distanced himself from that environment.
The allegations against Incognito are starting to pile up at a steady pace portraying him as a serial bully.
The National Football Post reported last week that Incognito held meetings for other Miami Dolphins offensive lineman at a strip club in South Florida and fined those team mates who were not in attendance.
Also a police report from 2012 revealed that Incognito allegedly sexually harassed a female volunteer at a Dolphins annual golf tournament with a golf club – however no charges were laid.
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) released a statement concerning all parties involved.
“We expect that the NFL and its clubs create a safe and professional workplace for all players and that owners, executives, coaches and players should set the best standards and examples.”
“It is the duty of this union to hold the clubs and teams accountable for safety and professionalism in the workplace.”
The Associated Press reported last week that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has appointed independent investigator Ted Wells to investigate and prepare a report to be made public of any possible misconduct at the Dolphins’ team facilities.
Incognito’s team mates have come to his defence with quarterback Ryan Tannehill expressing that both Incognito and Martin were best friends two weeks ago.
Defensive tackle Paul Soliai described Incognito as ‘hard-working’ and ‘funny’ but also as the man to put a smile on everyone’s face.
The general consensus appears to be the team is supporting Incognito through this delicate situation and Martin may not be welcome back at the team in the near future – if at all.
Both of these young men will not play for the Dolphins again this season and only until the final report is released will the public learn just what exactly happened in Miami.
Incognito’s career is definitely on the brink of collapse if it isn’t already and a source close to Martin revealed he is not willing to play for the Dolphins again.
Incognito during his interview with Fox Sports on Sunday confessed that the voicemail left on Martin’s phone was from him but said his conduct was normal.
“I’m not a racist, and to judge me by that one word is wrong,” Incognito said. “In no way, shape or form is it ever acceptable for me to use that word, even if it’s friend-to-friend on a voice mail.”
The attention must now turn to Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin who has been unusually quiet on the subject and continues to dodge questions regarding Incognito and Martin.
What did he know about the relationship between the two? Why didn’t he have a better grasp on the situation in the Dolphins’ locker room?
These questions remain unanswered and as the script normally reads – Philbin might be unemployed in the near future.
Opposition players in the NFL offered some insight into the hazing process where they have been forced to cough up as little as $40 for doughnuts and on the extreme end as much as $12,000 and $18,000 in unnamed expenses.
Hazing has long been a traditional part of sport and locker room culture but surely after this intense and shocking scandal it is time to cut it loose.
If not for the sake of just how stupid and unnecessary it is – but for the sake of players involved whose lives are inherently affected.
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