As more information continues to surface regarding the situation between Miami Dolphins offensive linemen Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito, the more we learn that the team did know about the situation.
The latest news comes from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, where he is reporting that the team’s general manager, Jeff Ireland, spoke with Martin’s agent and suggested that the best way to handle the situation was to violently confront Incognito and punch him in the face.
"Per multiple league sources, Dolphins G.M. Jeff Ireland received a call from Martin’s agent, Rick Smith, before Martin left the team on October 28. Smith complained to Ireland about the manner in which Incognito was treating Martin.Ireland, according to the sources, suggested to Smith that Martin physically confront Incognito. Ireland specifically mentioned that Martin should “punch” Incognito.Reached for comment by phone on Wednesday night, Dolphins senior V.P. of media relations Harvey Greene reiterated to PFT the position that there will be no public comment from the team on any aspect of the situation, given the league’s pending review."
This is all part of the problem.
Martin did the right thing by walking away, no matter what people may feel.
You should never encourage violence, but the Dolphins appeared to think that would be the best approach. Add that to the fact that the team had reportedly asked Incognito to “toughen up” Martin and get him to come out of his shell, it is clear that the team did not do enough to stop this situation before it got out of hand.
They are very lucky that Martin is a smart man, and he chose to walk away.