Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito, who was suspended on Sunday, is reportedly under investigation for harassing teammate Jonathan Martin with "threatening and racially charged" text messages and voicemails. FOX Sports characterized the alleged harassment as a hate crime.
*UPDATE: Alleged transcripts of Incognito's text messages and voicemails leaked (READ).
More information continues to leak about the Incognito's alleged bullying of Martin. FOX Sports reported on Monday that Incognito's alleged harassment is now being looked at as a hate crime, hours after the Dolphins suspended Incognito from the team.
"Multiple sources told FOX Sports the Miami Dolphins and the NFL Players Association have been told guard Richie Incognito sent Martin text messages and left him voicemails that are both threatening and racially charged in nature," FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo wrote Monday morning. "Sources said those messages will be shared with the league as part of the investigation."
Miami initially contended the allegations of harassment were unfounded. On Sunday night, however, the Dolphins suspended Incognito for "conduct detrimental to the team," USA Today Sports reports.
"We believe in maintaining a culture of respect for one another and as a result we believe this decision is in the best interest of the organization at this time," the Dolphins said in a statement, via USA Today Sports. "As we noted earlier, we reached out to the NFL to conduct an objected thorough review. We will continue to work with the league on this matter."
Incognito defended himself Sunday morning against the initial allegations of bullying, first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"@AdamSchefter Stop slandering my name. You hide behind 'sources' who are not man enough to put their name behind the BS you report," Incognito tweeted. "... @espn shame on you for attaching my name to false speculation. I won't be holding my breath for an apology."
Martin, who reportedly endured harassment last season, left the team facility on Monday after teammates played an unspecified prank on him. It's uncertain if or when Martin will return.
The NFL Players Association is also investigating the matter.
