Bullying in the NFL
The issue of bullying has been a topic of discussion for a long time. All the way from childhood to the teenage years and even adulthood, bullying has affected people of all ages. Recently in the N.F.L. (National football League
), former Miami Dolphins tackle John Martin, left the Miami Dolphins after being allegedly bullied. Understanding that many teams tease each other as ways of encouragement, in Martins’ case this teasing crossed the line of joking among your teammates, and bullying.
Thursday November 7th, was the day Martin announced his departure, from the Miami Dolphins. The bully and former teammate Richie Incognito, was suspended days later after Martins leave. After the quick rise of bullying accusations, Incognito who denies the allegations, would be heard in a circumstantial recording.
In this recording, according to CNN, Incognito was heard in a “well-publicized voice mail in which he [Incognito] reportedly calls Martin a racial epithet and threatens his life.”
Upon the hearing of this recording, the complaints of bullying stated by Martin hold Incognito responsible for the allegations. But the question of whether the bullying by Incognito was just traditional teasing among his teammate or actual bullying remains a deciding factor in this case. According to NBC news Incognito denies bullying Martin and that he “had John Martin’s back the most.” This supports that Incognito did not bully Martin. Despite this some, of Martin’s former team mates continue to support his bullying accusation.
When asked about his thoughts on bullying in professional sports, Urbana High School, Teacher Mr. McAndrew stated “I don’t feel it should be in any locker room, there’s no excuse for any type of bullying.”
The N.F.L., which has met with Martin, along with an investigative team on the bullying scandal may not be doing the best they can. Sophomore Isaiah Sullivan states the “the N.F.L, seems like they don’t want to deal with the case.” This may be true considering the fact that little was done by the N.F.L. at the beginning of the bullying scandal.
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