Yeah but hasn't the Miami OL's pass blocking been a glaring weakness? Another thing: Martin = distraction....here come the ESPN vultures again, the 'pussy' label, etc., etc..? No thx. Maybe if the Flight Crew has an opening...
Ah yes, because an NFL player who was having mental struggles crying out for help is SUCH A TRAVESTY in a league that has rampant issues with depression, suicide and various other mental cases. Jovan Belcher very recently shot his girlfriend NINE times and then shot himself, but shame on Martin for telling someone he needs help, that pussy.
What eats me is that there is more to this story that no one is telling us. Were any of Incognito's actions at the direction of his employers? Did Martin complain to any of his coaches? If so, what did they do? Did Martin tell someone else in the front office? So then what happened? Did Martin try to confront any of his team mates or at least ask one of them to step in and help him with his bully(ies)? All we know is that Martin took his football and went home. We also know that a white player sent a text to a black player using the N word. What that meant to either of them in the context of their overall relationship over the last two years is not clear. Anything else we have heard is hearsay, finger pointing, or spin control.
I agree that teams should police the locker room and prevent bullying, and get the best players out there regardless of personality. Also agree that one can be tough and not be a jerk/asshole. But- Martin had also been benched shortly before he left the team, so he wasn't really getting it done on the field. It's not like he was putting together a Pro Bowl season and then was bullied into leaving despite that. He was well below average, on a bad O-line, and whether it's right or wrong, the fact that he left the team without apparently trying to resolve the problems through the coaches or the union, that would make teams think twice about him. Also, there is still very much a "macho" type of attitude in the NFL, and a lot of GMs will consider Martin to be weak. That's just the way it is. Maybe he can try to change the culture of the NFL, write an expose book, go on Oprah, etc - but considering that he has been a disappointing player on the field, the media mess, plus "toughness questions" all that adds up to him not playing in the NFL anymore. If he were to play again, whoever is going up against him would try to intimidate him, and he'd be seen as weak, and other players would be wary and nervous around him. Maybe he could thrive on a non-hazing team like the Steelers, but I don't know if he'll get that chance.
Why does everyone equate Martin's refusal to be abused and threatened as being weak? If anything it took quite a bit of courage to be willing to walk out, lose his career, and bring this much heat on himself. As for physical toughness, I'm not aware that he had been a big disappointment as and OLman. I think everyone is assuming that the Dolphins wanted him to "toughen up" when in reality what they were really doing was try to turn him into a nasty or even outright dirty player. Dirty/nasty and tough are not the same thing. In fact, there are quite a few dirty players in sports who, when they got challenged, turned out to be pussies. So I don't see it. To me Martin chose the least of the evils before him: he was obviously outnumbered by the other Fins and their willingness to support Incognito, the coaching staff were actually the originators of these attacks so they were worthless, and if he went to the ownership directly it would have been a MAJOR breach of the "chain of command". So instead he walked out like a man, with dignity, respect, and knowing he didn't sink down to the level of a psychopath and his supporters. So what am I missing? How does all of this mean Martin isnt tough?
I like the part where everyone suggests he is acting like a child when he already did the adult thing and instead of starting a fight, reported it to authorities.
Why should you even have to police a locker room. These are adults going to their job. They spend their days on the field, in class rooms and in the gym. Just go out and do your job like everyone else in the world does. No special passes or excuses. But it really falls on the coaches and organization. I don't believe the owner of the Fins at all saying he knew nothing about this stuff. He knew about the sexual harassment accusation of a woman at the charity event and it's almost certain that the team paid her off to not comment or press charges. And then they elect the guy to their leadership counsel. Nice seeing Darrelle make that final pick of the game.
Martin's too soft. Keep him away. Incognito at least could be an enforcer type. Given the choice, it's obvious.
Wherever Richie's been he's gotten into trouble and been a distraction. And Martin is a developing player. Not sure about his mental state and there were rumors he's had pysch problems in the past. I'd take my chances with Martin. Richie's right on one count. He's an embarrassment wherever he goes.
I will say this, Martin would be very welcomed in a lot of organizations. Granted, he will have a dark cloud looming over him, but all the guy needs is a fresh start somewhere else. Incognito can rot in free agency. I hope that guy never plays another down of football
Oh come on man. A guy who feels he is constantly being abused and hurt is a quitter if he takes the only necessary way out? What about quitting while you're ahead may not be quitting at all? Bullshit quotes go both ways
Or he could have just maybe talked to Incognito about it? The adult thing isn't to run away and tattle, last I checked.
I would Imagine if he did that and was getting bullied would only inflame the situation. IMO Martin absolutely did the right thing. Chickening our, womaning out call it what you like. I have respect for him on what must have been a difficult decision to make. When all you have left is your fists left to do the talking, you've lost the argument. Sent from my wey aye phone using Tapatalk - now Free
You are still taking Martin's word for it. This could be about the money for all we know. The facts of the case have not been made available to us. Do not believe everything you are told.
I'm not taking any ones word for anything. Fact is a player has walked out of a very well paid job and made some serious allegations, people don't often do that do they. Incognito is no choir boy which is why I tend to believe that martins story holds more credibility. It's a pretty distasteful situation all around. No smoke without fire and all that Sent from my wey aye phone using Tapatalk - now Free
I studied martial arts as a young teen. This was during the '70s when most dojos were preaching being the bigger man and walking away from a fight. Only fight when you absolutely had to. But not my dojo. Our Master implored us to stand up and fight back every time, no matter what. He told us we'd recover much faster from a black eye than from the sick feeling in your stomach knowing you whimped out, a feeling you'd live with for the rest of your life. 20 years from now Martin will probably agree with this philosophy.
