Jonathan Martin vs. Richie Incognito: The Miami Dolphins’ Bullying Scandal

A look at the Miami Dolphins’ bullying scandal.

Jonathan Martin Will Return to NFL - Andre Ward dominates Rodriguez, another NFLer arrested for drug possession, plus “Big Baby” wilds out. — Dominique ZonyééJonathan Martin finally broke his silence on Nov. 15. After meeting with NFL investigator Ted Wells, Martin told reporters he would not speak about the case publicly. However, he did mention that he is looking forward to returning to the NFL.(Photo: AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

1 / 22

Jonathan Martin vs. Richie Incognito - Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jonathan Martin abruptly left the team in October after allegedly being bullied by teammate Richie Incognito for two years. Since then Incognito was suspended indefinitely on Nov. 3,  and the NFL launched an investigation. And now it looks like both players will not return to the Dolphins for the 2013 season. BET.com goes inside the Jonathan Martin, Richie Incognito and Miami Dolphins scandal. —Dominique Zonyéé (@DominiqueZonyee)(Photo: Wilfredo Lee/AP Photo File)

Incognito Says Texts Taken Out of Context - Hazing video of Anthony Davis goes viral; Seneca Wallace becomes first African-American starting quarterback; plus more sports news.—Dominique ZonyééRichie Incognito spoke out for the first time since he was suspended from the Miami Dolphins pending allegations of racism and bullying teammate Jonathan Martin. Incognito told Fox Sports in an interview, "But people don't know how Jon and I communicate to one another. For instance, a week before this went down, Jonathan Martin texted me on my phone, 'I will murder your whole f------ family.”(Photo: AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

2 / 22

“Rumor Has It” - According to numerous reports, no one on the Miami Dolphins or in the NFL knew that Jonathan Martin had issues with Richie Incognito. When it was announced on Oct. 31 that Martin departed from the club, the last thing people expected to hear was that he left on account of bullying from his teammates, specifically Incognito.(Photo: Wilfredo Lee/AP PhotoFile)

No NFLPA Investigation - After rumors began to swirl about Incognito’s alleged bullying, the Dolphins released a statement on Nov. 3, voicing concern for Martin’s “health.” “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 statement reported.  “The reports that the NFLPA is investigating our players are inaccurate.”(Photo: Courtesy of Miami Dolphins)

3 / 22

No NFLPA Investigation - After rumors began to swirl about Incognito’s alleged bullying, the Dolphins released a statement on Nov. 3, voicing concern for Martin’s “health.” “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 statement reported.  “The reports that the NFLPA is investigating our players are inaccurate.”(Photo: Courtesy of Miami Dolphins)

Serious Accusations - On the same day the Dolphins denied investigation claims, the club received notification from Martin’s representation regarding claims of “allegations of player misconduct.” "We are taking these allegations very seriously and plan to review the matter further. We have also reached out to the NFL and asked them to conduct an objective and thorough review,” the statement read.

4 / 22

Serious Accusations - On the same day the Dolphins denied investigation claims, the club received notification from Martin’s representation regarding claims of “allegations of player misconduct.” "We are taking these allegations very seriously and plan to review the matter further. We have also reached out to the NFL and asked them to conduct an objective and thorough review,” the statement read.

Incognito Wants to Be Vindicated - When it was announced that Incognito was implicated in Martin’s claims, the 319-pound, nine-year pro tweeted, “I want my name cleared.” Following that tweet, he issued a series of tweets slamming reports that he was a bully.(Photo: Twitter via Richie Incognito)

5 / 22

Incognito Wants to Be Vindicated - When it was announced that Incognito was implicated in Martin’s claims, the 319-pound, nine-year pro tweeted, “I want my name cleared.” Following that tweet, he issued a series of tweets slamming reports that he was a bully.(Photo: Twitter via Richie Incognito)

ADVERTISEMENT
Suspended Indefinitely - The Miami Dolphins had a busy “Football Sunday.” First there was no investigation, and then they received a “formal” list of allegations from Martin’s camp implicating Richie Incognito. By the evening of Nov. 3, NFL sports reporter Jeff Darlington announced via Twitter that Incognito was suspended indefinitely, pending a thorough investigation. (Photo: Twitter via Jeff Darlington)

6 / 22

Suspended Indefinitely - The Miami Dolphins had a busy “Football Sunday.” First there was no investigation, and then they received a “formal” list of allegations from Martin’s camp implicating Richie Incognito. By the evening of Nov. 3, NFL sports reporter Jeff Darlington announced via Twitter that Incognito was suspended indefinitely, pending a thorough investigation. (Photo: Twitter via Jeff Darlington)

Dolphins Coach Allegedly Knew Jonathan Martin Was Bullied - As the Dolphins “bullying” scandal unfolds, new reports claim that coaches asked Richie Incognito to “toughen up” Jonathan Martin. Martin left the team last Monday following a lunchroom incident with teammates. The Dolphins suspended Richie Incognito on Monday and by Tuesday threating voice mails riddled with N-word bombs Incognito left on Martin’s phone were leaked. Despite the allegations, fellow players aren’t calling Incognito a racist.(Photo: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

7 / 22

The Plot Thickens - The Dolphins issued a third and final statement for the day; this time they were affirming the reasoning behind Incognito’s suspension. “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 Dolphins said in a statement. (Photo: Lynne Sladky/AP Photo)

“Rookie Tax” - Incognito allegedly followed NFL traditions of “rookie taxing,” or when veteran players force rookies to pay for dinners and trips. Reportedly, Incognito forced Martin to pay $15,000 for a trip to Las Vegas, which Martin did not attend. Four-year pro Jared Odrick confirmed rookie taxing when he tweeted an image on Nov. 2 with the caption: “Everything is better when rookies pay for it.” (Photo: Twitter via Jared Odrick)

8 / 22

“Rookie Tax” - Incognito allegedly followed NFL traditions of “rookie taxing,” or when veteran players force rookies to pay for dinners and trips. Reportedly, Incognito forced Martin to pay $15,000 for a trip to Las Vegas, which Martin did not attend. Four-year pro Jared Odrick confirmed rookie taxing when he tweeted an image on Nov. 2 with the caption: “Everything is better when rookies pay for it.” (Photo: Twitter via Jared Odrick)

Richie Incognito: “I’m Sorry” - After vehemently denying that he harassed or used racial slurs against Jonathan Martin, Richie Incognito’s bullying ways were finally revealed last week and now the former Miami Dolphin says he’s sorry. Incognito tweeted, “I apologize for acting like a big baby the last few days… This has all been so much on me and my family. I just want to play football.”

9 / 22

Bullying and Racism? - After Incognito’s suspension was announced, the media had a field day trying to investigate his past and possible present distain for rookie players. However, racism became the focal point of the bullying scandal when texts and voice mails with racial slurs were released. Incognito referred to Martin as a "half-n*****" via texts and threatened to kill his mother.( Photo: Lynne Sladky/AP Photo File)

Richie Incognito to Remain Suspended With Pay - Richie Incognito has been suspended from the Miami Dolphins since Nov. 3 and according to a new agreement with the team he will remain suspended with pay for the rest of the season while the NFL continues to investigate former teammate Jonathan Martin’s bullying allegations. Incognito's suspension was scheduled to end following Sunday's game against New England.(Photo: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

10 / 22

The N-Word Is Nothing New - Subsequently, the media began investigating Incognito’s behavior on and off the field. TMZ released a video on Nov. 4 of a raging Incognito shirtless and allegedly dropping the N-word at a pool hall.(Photo: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

ADVERTISEMENT
Incognito’s Bullying Past - Martin may have not been Incognito’s first victim.  According to Nov. 5 reports, in 2002 Incognito bullied his University of Nebraska teammate, offensive lineman Jack Limbaugh, so bad that he stormed off the field. Allegedly, Incognito plowed into Limbaugh's back during practice, knocking him to the ground for no apparent reason.(Photo: Courtesy of University of Nebraska)

11 / 22

Incognito’s Bullying Past - Martin may have not been Incognito’s first victim.  According to Nov. 5 reports, in 2002 Incognito bullied his University of Nebraska teammate, offensive lineman Jack Limbaugh, so bad that he stormed off the field. Allegedly, Incognito plowed into Limbaugh's back during practice, knocking him to the ground for no apparent reason.(Photo: Courtesy of University of Nebraska)

NFL Announced Ted Wells Will Lead Investigation - Due to the severity of the scandal, the NFL pulled no stops when they announced on Nov. 6 that Ted Wells, a prominent New York lawyer, would lead the investigation. "He will ensure that we have all the facts so that we can address this matter constructively," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said.(Photo: Neil P. Mockford/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

12 / 22

NFL Announced Ted Wells Will Lead Investigation - Due to the severity of the scandal, the NFL pulled no stops when they announced on Nov. 6 that Ted Wells, a prominent New York lawyer, would lead the investigation. "He will ensure that we have all the facts so that we can address this matter constructively," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said.(Photo: Neil P. Mockford/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

Teammates Chime In - Martin claimed he was bullied, Incognito attested his innocence, and according to Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Martin and Incognito were “best friends.” “The first guy to stand up for Jonathan when anything went down on the field, any kind of tussle, Richie was the first guy there,” Tannehill told the press on Nov. 7.(Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

13 / 22

Teammates Chime In - Martin claimed he was bullied, Incognito attested his innocence, and according to Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Martin and Incognito were “best friends.” “The first guy to stand up for Jonathan when anything went down on the field, any kind of tussle, Richie was the first guy there,” Tannehill told the press on Nov. 7.(Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Players Take Sides - As the bullying and racism drama continued to unfold, other players expressed their opinions on the matter. NY Giants safety Andre Rolle said, “Jonathan Martin is a 6-foot 5, 320-pound dude. I think he should be able to stand up for himself and say no I’m not doing it.”(Photo: Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)

14 / 22

Players Take Sides - As the bullying and racism drama continued to unfold, other players expressed their opinions on the matter. NY Giants safety Andre Rolle said, “Jonathan Martin is a 6-foot 5, 320-pound dude. I think he should be able to stand up for himself and say no I’m not doing it.”(Photo: Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)

Jonathan Martin Entered a Treatment Facility? - Numerous reports surfaced on Nov. 8 that upon leaving the Dolphins, Martin “checked himself into a South Florida hospital to be treated for emotional distress.” Sources said Miami coach Joe Philbin visited Martin at the hospital, and the organization arranged for his parents to travel to South Florida.(Photo: David Dermer/Diamond Images/Getty Images)

15 / 22

Jonathan Martin Entered a Treatment Facility? - Numerous reports surfaced on Nov. 8 that upon leaving the Dolphins, Martin “checked himself into a South Florida hospital to be treated for emotional distress.” Sources said Miami coach Joe Philbin visited Martin at the hospital, and the organization arranged for his parents to travel to South Florida.(Photo: David Dermer/Diamond Images/Getty Images)

ADVERTISEMENT
Incognito Finally Speaks Out - “When I see that voice mail, when I see those words come up across the screen, I’m embarrassed by it. I’m embarrassed by my actions,” Incognito told Fox Sports, referring to using racial slurs. “When the words are put in the context, I understand why a lot of eyebrows get raised, but people don’t know how Jon and I communicate to one another.”(Photo: Courtesy of Fox News)

16 / 22

Incognito Finally Speaks Out - “When I see that voice mail, when I see those words come up across the screen, I’m embarrassed by it. I’m embarrassed by my actions,” Incognito told Fox Sports, referring to using racial slurs. “When the words are put in the context, I understand why a lot of eyebrows get raised, but people don’t know how Jon and I communicate to one another.”(Photo: Courtesy of Fox News)

Dolphins Owner Supports Martin - Dolphins owner Stephen Ross made his first public comments regarding the situation on Nov. 11. “I was appalled [by the language in the voice mail]. Anybody would be appalled,” Ross told reporters. "There will not be racial slurs or harassing or bullying in that work place, in that locker room and outside the locker room."(Photo: Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

17 / 22

Dolphins Owner Supports Martin - Dolphins owner Stephen Ross made his first public comments regarding the situation on Nov. 11. “I was appalled [by the language in the voice mail]. Anybody would be appalled,” Ross told reporters. "There will not be racial slurs or harassing or bullying in that work place, in that locker room and outside the locker room."(Photo: Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Martin Placed on Reserve List Will Not Return to NFL - As the NFL continues to investigate Martin's bullying/harassment allegations, they announced on Nov. 30 that Martin was placed on the "reserve/non-football illness" list, making him ineligible to return until next season.(Photo: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

18 / 22

Martin Placed on Reserve List Will Not Return to NFL - As the NFL continues to investigate Martin's bullying/harassment allegations, they announced on Nov. 30 that Martin was placed on the "reserve/non-football illness" list, making him ineligible to return until next season.(Photo: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Report Reveals Incognito Is Guilty - After vehemently denying that he harassed or used racial slurs against Jonathan Martin, Richie Incognito’s bullying ways were finally revealed in a 114-page report from Ted Wells. According to the report, Incognito and two teammates engaged in persistent harassment directed at tackle Jonathan Martin, another offensive lineman and an assistant trainer. (Photo: EPA/PETER FOLEY/LANDOV)

19 / 22

Report Reveals Incognito Is Guilty - After vehemently denying that he harassed or used racial slurs against Jonathan Martin, Richie Incognito’s bullying ways were finally revealed in a 114-page report from Ted Wells. According to the report, Incognito and two teammates engaged in persistent harassment directed at tackle Jonathan Martin, another offensive lineman and an assistant trainer. (Photo: EPA/PETER FOLEY/LANDOV)

Sorry - The former Miami Dolphin says he’s sorry. Incognito tweeted, “I apologize for acting like a big baby the last few days… This has all been so much on me and my family. I just want to play football.” Incognito has not been invited back to the Dolphins.(Photo: Richie Incognito via Twitter)

20 / 22

Sorry - The former Miami Dolphin says he’s sorry. Incognito tweeted, “I apologize for acting like a big baby the last few days… This has all been so much on me and my family. I just want to play football.” Incognito has not been invited back to the Dolphins.(Photo: Richie Incognito via Twitter)

ADVERTISEMENT
Consequences - The Miami Dolphins fired offensive line coach Jim Turner and longtime head athletic trainer Kevin O'Neill on Feb. 19 for their role in the scandal. Allegedly Turner did nothing to stop the harassment and even witnessed some of it.(Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

21 / 22

Consequences - The Miami Dolphins fired offensive line coach Jim Turner and longtime head athletic trainer Kevin O'Neill on Feb. 19 for their role in the scandal. Allegedly Turner did nothing to stop the harassment and even witnessed some of it.(Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Head Coach Joe Philbin Vows to Make Changes - After the report was revealed, Joe Philbin broke his silence. “That ultimately rests on my shoulders, and I will be accountable moving forward for making sure that we emphasize a team-first culture of respect toward one another," Philbin said in a statement. (Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

22 / 22

Head Coach Joe Philbin Vows to Make Changes - After the report was revealed, Joe Philbin broke his silence. “That ultimately rests on my shoulders, and I will be accountable moving forward for making sure that we emphasize a team-first culture of respect toward one another," Philbin said in a statement. (Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)