More and more details are emerging regarding the circumstances surrounding tackle Jonathan Martin’s departure from the Dolphins. And the situation demonstrates how mean and unrelenting an NFL locker room can be.
According to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports, Martin’s exit came after “persistent bullying and teasing” from some of his teammates.
Per Marvez, Martin has taken a personal leave of absence to spend time with his family.
The situation came to a head this week, but Martin previously had “tried dealing with a slew of indignities that crossed into personal and family insults.” Marvez writes that the Dolphins knew that “cruel actions” of some teammates “went well beyond the customary hazing.”
The NFLPA reportedly is monitoring the situation, and the union has inquired about the treatment of Martin.
While inappropriate and unacceptable, it’s hardly uncommon. Last year, Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul threw cornerback Prince Amukamara into a cold tub, apparently because of the perception among veterans that Amukamara was soft.
Incidents like this make it hard to believe that the NFL locker room is ready to accept an openly gay teammate.