Dolphins players deny harassing Jonathan Martin, would welcome him back
By Mike Dyce
Earlier this week Miami Dolphins right tackle Jonathan Martin left the team, according to NFL Media’s Jeff Darlington it we because an“emotional breakdown.” NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Martin drove straight to a local hospital to receive treatment after his Miami Dolphins teammates pulled a practical joke on him in the cafeteria.
Martin didn’t play last night and is currently with his family seeking counseling.
“I want him to come back to work,” right tackle Tyson Clabo said, via the Palm Beach Post. “He’s a talented young football player.”
Clabo filled in for Martin at right tackle last night.
“I can’t say what he’s feeling,” Clabo said. “I know if and when he wants to come back that I will be there to shake his hand.”
Offensive guard Nate Garner called the prank or situation with Martin “normal stuff.” According to the Palm Beach Post, it is the same stuff you see in any locker room.
Some former Dolphins players think it has less to do with the prank and more to do with the position switch. He had started the season at left tackle and move to right when they brought in Bryant McKinnie.
“Players absolutely hate when their position has changed,” former Dolphins running back Troy Stradford said. “It bothers you a lot. The prank may have been untimely. He had all this frustration built up inside and just let it go.”
“You pull pranks non-stop in the locker room,” former Dolphins tight end Joe Rose said. “I was a prankster. I was captain of the prankster club. You know they’re going to do stuff to you, you give it back. It’s part of camaraderie, part of being with your group.
“This is awful. … Some of it could be stress — he’s been really depressed the way he’s playing and he just snapped.”