2013 Miami Dolphins Top 10 Stories
By Brian Miller
Number 1: Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito
A murder case, a MLB steroid scandal, an Alex Rodriquez suspension, nothing came close to the bullying controversy that came out of Miami in 2013 following the first four weeks of the season. Jonathan Martin quit the team under allegations of physical and mental abuse and racial injustice. Richie Incognito was suspended indefinitely and the team looked to be in complete disarray.
While Martin headed back to Southern California, Incognito battled for his name in the press only be outed for a sexual assault on a female during a Miami Dolphins golf function. This on the heals of an assault accusation at a night club following training camp.
All eyes and fingers pointed at Incognito, a player deemed by some as the dirtiest in the NFL. The league on the recommendation of Dolphins owner Stephen Ross launched an investigation into the teams handling of their locker room. For his part, Martin stayed away and only spoke about the injustices through his attorney’s. A claim of over 1,000 messages were said to exist between Incognito and Martin painting at first a picture of harassment. The bullying extended to the coaching staff where accusations of “toughen him up” were handed down until everyone in the Miami organization was being interviewed.
Martin stayed away from Miami but showed up at Stanford game laughing on the sideline while his attorney’s claimed he was being treated for depression. The back and forth finally stopped with the investigation of David Wells but the results have not yet been made public.
Adding to the confusion was the tirade of Martin at a team lunch table that ignited his leaving the team. The subsequent support of Incognito by all of his teammates tended to make people believe that the Martin case was pre-meditated and planned for awhile. Dolphins players came out in droves to support Incognito and even suggested that Richie and Martin were always together and very close. Rumors of alleged extortion, racism, physical attacks at a party held by Mike Pouncey all were made public by the Martin defense team. The Dolphins for their part banded together and ended a four game slide and then reeled off a three more consecutive wins to get back in the chase for the playoffs. Ironically, following Miami’s defeat of New England, David Wells announced that he would not be following up with the Dolphins for more questions and that it wouldn’t be until after the season that results would be available. The Dolphins lost then next two.
The outcome of this case could have a sweeping affect on all professional sports and the conduct that is presented in locker rooms. While the end of this top story of 2013 has yet to be concluded it could very well stay the top story of 2014.
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