Miami Dolphins players have spoken out in defence of Richie Incognito, who has been suspended indefinitely over allegations of racist bullying against teammate Jonathan Martin. The controversy has split the team, with several players questioning Martin's motives for leaving the squad last week after a lunchroom prank.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill described Incognito as a 'great teammate' who brought laughter and cohesiveness to the locker room. 'If you had asked Jon Martin a week before who his best friend on the team was, he would have said Richie Incognito,' Tannehill said. Offensive lineman Tyson Clabo added: 'What's perceived is that he was a racist, psychopath maniac. The reality is Richie was a good teammate.'
The incident that triggered Martin's departure occurred on 28 October when he sat down to eat and all other players at the table stood up and walked away. Tannehill and offensive lineman John Jerry said they had been targets of the same prank before and had laughed it off. Martin, however, left the team and is now in California with his family.
The NFL has appointed New York attorney Ted Wells to investigate the allegations, including claims that Incognito used racial slurs against Martin, who is biracial. Jerry, who is black, said of Incognito's alleged language: 'I know the type of person he is and I know he don't mean it that way.'
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said the team will cooperate fully with the investigation. Coach Joe Philbin defended the team's culture, saying: 'The type of culture that I've championed since the day I've walked through these doors has been one of honesty, respect and accountability.' The case has raised questions about the line between locker room hazing and bullying in the NFL.
