NFLPA Not Investigating Incognito or Dolphins Players

Team Says the Notion of Bullying is Based on Speculation

“Over the course of my football career, I have witnessed — and participated in — the making and breaking of countless young men” wrote Brendon Ayanbadejo in his reaction to reports that Jonathan Martin’s leave of absence from the Miami Dolphins is the result of being bullied by other teammates.

Ayanbadejo shared in dramatic detail a hazing incident that he was part of during his playing days in the NFL and the ability of a warrior culture sometimes to take control rather than individual common sense.

According to a report by Jeff Darlington, fellow Dolphins teammate Richie Incognito said he contacted Martin and the two exchanged text messages on Friday. Reportedly, Martin texted the following message to Incognito,

“Yeah, I’m good man. It’s insane bro, but just know I don’t blame you guys at all. It’s just the culture around football, and the locker room got to me a little.”

ESPN had reported that the Incognito’s role in alleged harassment of Martin was under review by the NFL Players Association. On Saturday the NFLPA issued the following statement  saying that it had not launched an investigation.

“We have an obligation to protect and support all of our members. We take official investigations very seriously and in this case, we have not launched an investigation into Richie Incognito or other players in Miami.

The NFLPA believes that management has an obligation to ensure a safe and professional workplace and we will continue to be in close touch with our player leaders and all players involved as the information develops.”

The NFLPA statement confirms there is no current investigation of players stemming from the incident but leaves open the possibility that they are conducting an investigation into the actions of the team’s management.

On Sunday the team released statement supporting the fact that its players are not under investigation,

“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.”

“The 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. Our primary concern for Jonathan is his overall health and well-being. As an organization, we take any accusations of player misconduct seriously.

Martin didn’t play in Thursday night’s 22-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and its not expected that he will play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10. Miami’s HC Joe Philbin said during his postgame press conference. “With respect to Jonathan, he’s been excused with a non-football illness.”