Report: Coaches Told Richie Incognito To "Toughen Up" Jonathan Martin

The coaching staff's awareness in the case of Richie Incognito harassing Jonathan Martin hasn't been pinned down. But according to a new report, the coaches may have been the ones to suggest the idea to "toughen up" Martin to Incognito after the then-rookie Martin missed voluntary workouts. Incognito, the offensive line's leader, might have taken that suggestion to a drastic level.

Via Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel:

Sources say that communication took place when Martin skipped two days of the team's OTA program, and Incognito was encouraged by his coaches to make a call that would "get him into the fold," one source said.

Even though OTA workouts are voluntary, the NFL culture forces coaches to strong arm the team's leaders to make sure everyone attends. Sources say Incognito was doing his job, but they admit he crossed the line.

Incognito's reportedly never playing with the Dolphins again, but was he following orders from higher up? Motivation and an attempt to bring the team closer is an idea with good intent, but Incognito's effort clearly crossed the line. And now, the Dolphins are without two starting linemen indefinitely.

[ Sun Sentinel]

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