The latest development in the Jonathan Martin-Richie Incognito scandal paints a picture of two teammates bonding through obscene language, and does little to support Martin’s allegations of bullying and harassment.
The Big Lead unearthed more than 1,000 alleged text messages between the two, exhibiting wildly explicit language and touching on subjects from sex with strippers to drugs to Martin’s sexuality. The messages, which were allegedly sent between October 2012 and November 2013, seem to reveal a relationship that, while unorthodox, seems to be based on fraternity brother-like banter.
In one instance, last March while each was working out, Incognito allegedly sent three consecutive texts, reading, “What’s up p—y?” “I love u” “#bipolar relationship”
Martin, who was typically nonchalant in the messages, replied, “Haha what’s good man?”
The text messages surfaced shortly before NFL special investigator Ted Wells is expected to release his report of the situation for the league.
Martin left the Dolphins in October, citing bullying and harassment. While he said he didn’t blame Incognito, that he was instead upset by the “culture around football and the locker room,” Incognito was suspended from the team for threats and explicit language he used in voicemails and messages to Martin.
One of the reported issues Martin referenced was his being forced, by Incognito, to pay thousands of dollars for a trip to Las Vegas. In the messages, Incognito does ask for $6,000 for the trip, but Martin declines. Incognito seems OK with his refusal, though.
“It’s all good,” Incognito says, “Let me know if u need anything.”
The latest round of released messages do enforce Incognito’s harping on Martin’s sexuality, which can be construed as damning or merely as typical of talk between two people of a certain generation.
In one instance, when Martin appears to miss a gathering with Incognito — “You made it seem like the plans were a general idea, not something set in stone,” Martin writes — Incognito responds, “That’s the gayest s- -t I’ve ever heard. U really are a f—-t.”
The bullying scandal could take a backseat, though, to another issue the messages happened upon and the NFL could investigate.
In one round of the texts, Incognito asks Martin if he visited fellow offensive lineman Mike Pouncey after going out to a bar. Martin says he didn’t. “No drugs for me rest of season,” Martin explains.
The messages show the two kept up their texting after Martin’s allegations, though not after Incognito’s suspension. The messages released wrap in early November, when three Incognito messages go unanswered: “I heard it’s all coming from Ur agent?” “I need you buddy I’m getting killed in the media.” “Bro can we talk? The dolphins are talking about releasing me.”