Coincidence? Or karma?
The three offensive linemen cited as bullies in the Jonathan Martin scandal have seen their careers encounter serious turbulence even after the fallout from the poisonous Miami Dolphins locker room.
Richie Incognito, the alleged ringleader of the bullying, was released by the Dolphins after Ted Wells announced the findings of his investigation in a report. Incognito then underwent treatment for “mental health issues.” The offensive guard remains unemployed, but told NFL.com in March he would be “100 percent” into playing for the Raiders.
Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey, the lone Bullygate figure who remains with the Dolphins, underwent hip surgery Monday and is expected to miss at least three months, which will sideline him for the beginning of the regular season. He tore his labrum during an offseason workout. He may be suspended for his role in the bullying of Martin in addition to the injury absence.
Then there’s John Jerry, who was signed by the Giants this past offseason.
Jerry suffered an unspecified knee injury after he was signed, and did not attend the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp last week. Giants offensive line coach Pat Flaherty told reporters he anticipates having Jerry available this season, and perhaps as early as training camp.
“I’m expecting to have John and am excited to have John,” he said. “I’m hoping to have him for training camp. As a position coach, I get that information from the medical staff. But I sure hope so.”