While the major focus around the Miami Dolphins this week should have dealt with the team's impressive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, a win that helped the team snap a four-game losing streak while also keeping themselves in the AFC East picture alongside the New England Patriots and the hot-and-cold New York Jets, multiple reports say that the franchise is now dealing with internal matters. Currently sitting at 4-4 in the division and with plenty of time remaining, the future still looks bright for the Fins and while that is certainly a positive, other news dealing with inside matters have those involved with the decorated franchise distracted from the playing field.
According to multiple reports, Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Jonathan Martin -- who left the team last week to reportedly deal with emotional issues -- is now involved in a situation concerning teammate Richie Incognito, who was recently connected to allegedly have bullied the second-year pro out of Stanford. Huffington Post reports that Incognito, a nine-year NFL veteran and 2012 Pro Bowler, has been linked to harassment that ultimately led to Martin leaving the Dolphins team. In addition to supposedly bullying Martin -- allegations Incognito strongly denies -- other reports indicate that Incognito and other veteran members of the team forced younger Dolphin players to pick up various financial tabs as well. Issuing a statement, the Dolphins organization says that in no way will any mentioned actions be tolerated and they will obviously continue to show support for Jonathan Martin.
"The Miami Dolphins, including coach Joe Philbin and Jonathan's teammates, have been in communication with Jonathan and his family since his departure from the club and continue to be in contact," the organization said in a recent statement. "Our primary concern for Jonathan is his overall health and well-being. As an organization, we take any accusations of player misconduct seriously. The notion of bullying is based on speculation and has not been presented to us as a concern from Jonathan or anyone else internally. The reports that the NFLPA is investigating our players are inaccurate. Additionally, the NFL offered its assistance during this time, which we appreciated and gladly accepted. We will continue to make Jonathan's health and well-being a focus as we do with all of our players."
Due to the recent allegations against him, USA Today is reporting that Richie Incognito has been suspended by the Miami Dolphins for conduct detrimental to the team. With concerns continuing to grow over the severity of what has potentially taken place, the suspension -- handed to the offensive lineman in the latter hours of November 3 -- came only a short time after the team dismissed reports of any internal wrongdoing.
Reportedly uncomfortable about returning to the organization that drafted him in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, FanSided.com notes that Jonathan Martin feels uncomfortable with the situation in Miami and one of the main reasons Martin has not come out to formally accuse anyone of extreme bullying or abuse is because he fears retribution.
RELATED: Cristiano Ronaldo Blasts FIFA President Sepp Blatter After Impersonation Video: Watch It Here!
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
