The Miami Dolphins suspended offensive lineman Richie Incognito indefinitely on Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, for conduct detrimental to the team, following reports that he sent teammate Jonathan Martin threatening and racially charged messages.
According to reports from ESPN and Sports Illustrated, a voicemail left for Martin included a racial slur, insults and threats directed at Martin and his family. Martin, a second year offensive tackle, left the team on Oct. 28 and was placed on the non football injury list while away. Reports at the time said Martin was dealing with harassment from teammates that went beyond typical rookie hazing, and that a lunch table incident was the final straw before he walked out of the facility.
Incognito responded on social media to what he called false speculation about the situation, according to SB Nation. TMZ also published video from a separate bar incident that it said showed Incognito using a racial slur. The allegations are still being reviewed, and Incognito had not been charged with anything.
The team issued a statement saying, “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.”
The story quickly became a larger conversation about locker room culture in the NFL and what treatment should be considered acceptable between teammates. More details are expected as the league looks into it.
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