Review and Reactions to Incognito-Martin Report

At the heels of the publication of the NFL report on February 15th 2014, I posted Incognito, others tormented Martin and following articles on Google+, and commented:

Incognito wasn't the only perpetrator, and Martin wasn't the only victim, in the Dolphins locker room.

Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin

Three starters on the Miami Dolphins' offensive line -- Richie Incognito, John Jerry and Mike Pouncey -- engaged in a "pattern of harassment" directed at Jonathan Martin, as well as another young offensive lineman and an assistant trainer.

Reference: Ted Wells releases Miami Dolphins misconduct report.

Tedy Bruschi and Darren Woodson react to Ted Wells' report about Jonathan Martin leaving the Dolphins because of harassment.

Reference: No Room for Bullying, Harassment.

Adam Schefter breaks down the impact of the Ted Wells' report on Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin's futures in the NFL.

Reference: NFL Futures for Incognito and Martin.

On the face of it, the report is most damning of Incognito, and his return to the NFL is in serious question.  ESPN Mike Golic, however, wondered if Martin would have the greater difficulty in resuming his career.  The fact that he walked out of the locker room is a major no-no among men of the gridiron.

I suspect, though, that when all the muck has settled, they will find roster spots on teams other than the Dolphins.  That is, if they truly want to, and if they convince prospective teams that they're willing and able to play football again.  American culture has a way of forgiving, if not forgetting, such scandals.  There is a measure of truth, then, in the old adage that time heals all wounds.

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

Ron Villejo, PhD