How the Jonathan Martin Bullying Story Broke

Offensive lineman Jonathan Martin

Two weeks ago, on October 29th, ESPN reported Dolphin Notes: Martin misses practice.  The team had a Thursday night game coming up, and the fact that Jonathan Martin missed a second day of practice made it less likely that he would play in a short week.

By the next day, ESPN learned more about what happened - Jonathan Martin leaves Dolphins:

According to sources, Martin was the subject of some ribbing on Monday and was angry about it. One source said Martin's fellow offensive linemen were behind the incident, and it happened in the Dolphins' lunch room. 

"O-line made fun of him and he snapped," a source said. 

Poll taken on October 31st 2013

Not many fans weighed on this SportsNation poll, but the story was merely simmering.  To their credit, the Dolphins pulled off a 22-20 victory against the Bengals, with an improbable safety in overtime, that Thursday night, October 31st, that Martin missed.

The day after the game, teammates offered support via the media apparently - Jonathan Martin should take his time.  Moreover, Miami's [head coach] Joe Philbin preaches respect, plus team and accountability.  

But all was definitely not well.  This was clearly not an issue that could be soothed away or swept under the rug with preaching.

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Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito's role in alleged harassment of teammate Jonathan Martin is under review by the NFL Players Association due to an incident that provoked Martin to leave the team, according to multiple sources. 

One high-ranking Dolphins official who did not want to be identified defended Incognito as a player who has been a "model citizen" and was mystified by any allegations related to Incognito. 

Meanwhile, several sources insisted Incognito was involved, adding that the incident was not isolated and extended to 2012, when Martin was a second-round draft pick by the team. One source said any emotional issues Martin is experiencing are directly related to his harassment. 

An NFL spokesman said the league was monitoring the matter and has been in contact with the Dolphins since Martin left the team. On Friday, Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said, "This is something we take very seriously and will not be tolerated."

Reference: Sources: NFLPA eyes Martin case.

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A sincere, concerned reaching out from the Dolphins?  Or merely damage control or cover-your-ass efforts?  Maybe both.

It is now November 3rd, a full week since Martin took off, and the story was still rising to a boil.

Adam Schefter and Trent Dilfer break down the Miami Dolphins suspending Richie Incognito for his involvement in the Jonathan Martin case.

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Herm Edwards and Merril Hoge discuss the indefinite suspension of Dolphins guard Richie Incognito for conduct detrimental to the team while teammate Jonathan Martin's harassment complaint is reviewed.

The locker room is the players' home away from home, and the coach ought not be part of it.  But through the training, equipment and strength staff are the conduit for the coach, who must, while respecting his players' privacy, also know what is going on with them.

Thank you for reading, and let me know what you think!

Ron Villejo, PhD