While Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito is seemingly condemned by the media, his teammates have stepped forward and openly voiced their support for the beleaguered offensive lineman.
Incognito came under fire last week for allegedly harassing Martin bad enough for the latter to take a leave of absence from the team. The veteran offensive lineman was suspended on Sunday by the team. On Monday, ESPN reported supposed excerpts of a racially-charged, threatening voicemail reportedly left by Incognito for Martin.
ARTICLE: Incognito ordered by Dolphins' coaches to "toughen up" Martin.
First-year Dolphin Mike Wallace was the first to publically offer his support to Incognito.
"I love Richie, man. I personally think he's a great guy," Wallace said on Monday, via the New York Daily News.
By Wednesday, more of the Dolphins locker room had offered their support to Incognito.
"I think if you have a problem with somebody - a legitimate problem with somebody - you should say, 'I have a problem with this,' and stand up and be a man," Dolphins offensive tackle Tyson Clabo said, via ESPN. "I don't think what happened is necessary. I don't know why he's doing this, and the only person who knows why is Jonathan Martin."
Several Dolphins players declined to answer when asked if Martin would be accepted back in the locker room, ESPN reports.
At least two other Dolphins described Incognito and Martin as friends.
"Richie said, 'Jonathan is like my little brother,'" quarterback Ryan Tannehill told reporters, via ESPN. "I think that's an accurate depiction. He gave him a hard time. He messed with him. But he was the first one there to have his back in any situation."
Added Miami's latest addition, left tackle Bryant McKinnie: "I thought they were friends. They looked like friends to me. I never seen any tension or anything. I didn't see this coming."
