Miami's Martin leaves team after 'emotional breakdown'

[Mr. Laz]

Jonathan Martin leaves Dolphins after 'breakdown'

By Dan Hanzus
Around the League Writer
Published: Oct. 30, 2013 at 06:39 p.m. Updated: Oct. 30, 2013 at 07:00 p.m.
An unusual situation is unfolding in Miami, where Dolphins right tackle Jonathan Martin has left the team after suffering an "emotional breakdown" this week.

NFL Media's Jeff Darlington reported Wednesday that Martin is currently seeking help with his family after an incident at the team's cafeteria, according to team sources.

Martin is listed on the team's injury report with an illness, and is doubtful to play Thursday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fox NFL insider Jay Glazer reported that Martin was the victim of a prank at the cafeteria, becoming enraged enough to "smash his food tray on the ground."

The second-year pro has not been with the team since that time. Darlington reports that Martin immediately sought treatment at a local hospital. He has since left the hospital and is now spending time with his family, according to team sources.

Martin opened the season as the Dolphins' replacement for Jake Long at left tackle. He was moved to right tackle when the team acquired Bryant McKinnie via trade last week. Tyson Clabo is expected to start in Martin's place on Thursday.

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[LoneWolf]

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

It's exactly the kind of casual racism and homophobia that makes anonymous GMs say guys like Michael Sam can't play in the NFL due to its macho culture, yes. I still haven't seen anything that would make me believe Incognito or the Dolphins are some kind of great exception in this regard.



Where exactly do you draw that line? How much casual racism and homophobia in these jokes is acceptable?

IMO, racism is never casual and homophobia one of the biggest wastes if energy there is. So my answer is that neither is ever acceptable.

[KC_Connection]

Originally Posted by LoneWolf

IMO, racism is never casual and homophobia one of the biggest wastes if energy there is. So my answer is that neither is ever acceptable.

If that's the case (and like you, I find the fact that such things are embedded in NFL culture disgusting), you're going to have to start kicking out way more in this league than just Richie Incognito.

[ChiefRocka]

Poor Richie

[LoneWolf]

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

If that's the case (and like you, I find the fact that such things are embedded in NFL culture disgusting), you're going to have to start kicking out way more in this league than just Richie Incognito.

I'm cool with that. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go start an Internet rumor that Peyton Manning is a racist homophobe.

[OrtonsPiercedTaint]

Originally Posted by kstater

Incognito's done in the NFL

He'll not make it anyway. His bulling texts will be used against him by someone who's been bullied before. He will be someone's sweet revenge

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

My wife and I are like that to each other and some of our friends just can't handle it.

It's pretty funny because our marriage is probably the most solid out our group, too.

There's noting more cathartic than saying "honey, I'm home" and being greeted with "**** you!"

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Yeah, we NEVER talk to each other like that when we're fighting or otherwise being serious.

It's all for fun. Some people just don't get it.

Thank god Mrs Buehler445 and I aren't the only ones that engage in playful banter back and forth. I was starting to worry. I think it's funnier than hell when she fires both barrels. I'm like you though, it's all in fun. When it's time to be serious we're serious.

Originally Posted by LoneWolf

I don't consider myself a bleeding heart whatever you want to call it, but IMO no team needs that type of personality in the locker room.

You really think if he's on with another team he's going to say those type things ever again?

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

so in summary, the NFL knew nothing about this. The NFL team and the NFL management of that team knew nothing about this. It is all on the player. nobody affiliated in any way with the NFL management or any NFL team has any responsibility at all. That was a good thorough report by the NFL management team.

Incognito will be used as an example and a scapegoat. That was plain to see in how Wells framed his words. Incognito was supposed to know that his words were hurtful even though Martin was firing back, because telepathy. Martin, though, was not supposed to know that firing back would lead the other person to think there was actual banter going on, because feelbad.

So Incognito will be the whipping boy, Martin will be the Martyr, the Dolphins and the league will have their hall pass, and Goodell will have his hammer for use against the players.

[LoneWolf]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

You really think if he's on with another team he's going to say those type things ever again?

I won't matter. What he said and texted is out there for all the players to see. I'm sure all the black NFL players are going to be OK with him calling Martin a ****er. He is done in the league.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by LoneWolf

IMO, racism is never casual and homophobia one of the biggest wastes if energy there is. So my answer is that neither is ever acceptable.

In the modern era, though, I think that some racist and homophobic comments are not really made to be racist or homophobic, but rather because the offender likes the shock value of talking about something that is not supposed to be talked about.

Do we really think that Richie Incognito hates black people? Or is it just a way to be "cutting edge" and show how tough and confident you are that you can make jokes about off-limits stuff? I could see either or both being correct, but I'd probably lay more money on the second explanation as the main catalyst.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

Incognito will be used as an example and a scapegoat. That was plain to see in how Wells framed his words. Incognito was supposed to know that his words were hurtful even though Martin was firing back, because telepathy. Martin, though, was not supposed to know that firing back would lead the other person to think there was actual banter going on, because feelbad.

So Incognito will be the whipping boy, Martin will be the Martyr, the Dolphins and the league will have their hall pass, and Goodell will have his hammer for use against the players.

And everyone in power positions will live happily ever after.

[kstater]

Joe Posnanski ‏@JPosnanski 3m
That Richie Incognito thought this report would exonerate him, knowing what he admitted to, is the new definition of insanity.

[NewChief]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

In the modern era, though, I think that some racist and homophobic comments are not really made to be racist or homophobic, but rather because the offender likes the shock value of talking about something that is not supposed to be talked about.

Do we really think that Richie Incognito hates black people? Or is it just a way to be "cutting edge" and show how tough and confident you are that you can make jokes about off-limits stuff? I could see either or both being correct, but I'd probably lay more money on the second explanation as the main catalyst.

Exactly this, not that it excuses it. My friends and I also do stuff like this being ironic/sarcastic. Like, we'll almost adopt personas when we're ****ing with each other and we're simultaneously making fun of each other and making fun of the "persona" that we're adopting to do the hazing.

[Donger]

I just perused the texts between the two. Sounds like juvenile banter to me.

[KC_Connection]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

In the modern era, though, I think that some racist and homophobic comments are not really made to be racist or homophobic, but rather because the offender likes the shock value of talking about something that is not supposed to be talked about.

Do we really think that Richie Incognito hates black people? Or is it just a way to be "cutting edge" and show how tough and confident you are that you can make jokes about off-limits stuff? I could see either or both being correct, but I'd probably lay more money on the second explanation as the main catalyst.

Bingo. And that's why I don't think Incognito is in any way uncommon in this culture.

[TEX]

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

If that's the case (and like you, I find the fact that such things are embedded in NFL culture disgusting), you're going to have to start kicking out way more in this league than just Richie Incognito.

Sure will. Lets make sure if we start kicking people out that everyone is included in the process. Nobody should be allowed a free pass because of some lame definition that minorities, by definition, cant initiate racist behavior or that using certain racial slurs is acceptable because its an accepted part of a culture. The league is 70% African American and I'm sure they say the same stupid shit. If you really want to stop it, everyone needs to stop partaking in it. Just my take...