Jonathan Martin left the Miami Dolphins on Monday because of ongoing emotional issues, not bullying, according to a new report.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Omar Kelly and Dave Hyde say Martin left the team because of “other emotional issues” that led him to feel the need to take a break from football. Martin reportedly has personal issues that have been known within the franchise for a while.
Though a report previously indicated that the NFLPA would be investigating Martin’s departure — and more specifically, Richie Incognito’s alleged role in supposedly bullying Martin — the union said in a statement that they are not investigating Incognito or the team.
“We have an obligation to protect and support all of our members,” the NFLPA said in a statement, via NFL.com. “We take official investigations very seriously and in this case, we have not launched an investigation into Richie Incognito or other players in Miami.
“The NFLPA believes that management has an obligation to ensure a safe and professional workplace and we will continue to be in close touch with our player leaders and all players involved as the information develops.”
The Sentinel’s report seems to mesh with the contents of a text message conversation between Martin and Incognito. NFL Network’s Jeff Darlington reported that Martin called Incognito “buddy” over text message and said he did not blame the team for walking away. Martin supposedly told Incognito the football culture and locker room got to him.
The Dolphins reportedly are prepared to play the rest of the season without Martin, who is receiving treatment.
Now I could be totally wrong and off here, but I don’t think it’s a stretch to figure that some of Martin’s “emotional issues” are the result of bullying or not fitting in with his teammates. Maybe there is something else responsible for the problems, but I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that the alleged bullying is a factor.
Previously:
Jonathan Martin reportedly went AWOL after cafeteria prank
Jonathan Martin reportedly called ‘Big Weirdo,’ bullied by teammates
Richie Incognito said to be one of Jonathan Martin’s main tormenters
Jonathan Martin-Richie Incognito text message conversation
