ABUSE_MAGAZINE_ID_ Iowa Issue 2015 | Page 25

ABUSE MAGAZINE Can a 300-p o u n d -plus NFL lineman be a bullying victim ? The bizarre case inside Miami Dolphins’ dysfunctional locker room Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes, center, is congratulated by cornerback Dimitri Patterson (24), guard John Jerry (74) and another teammate after Grimes intercepted a pass by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and returned it for a touchdown, during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP “We are proud to help our youth stay on the path towards a bright and drug free future!” www.ruetersco.com IOWA OUTDOOR PRODUCTS is a proud supporter of preventative education for our youth! 3200 86th Street - Urbandale, IA 515-277-6242 Photo/Lynne Sladky) One Miami Dolphins starter, offensive tackle Jonathan Martin, is on an extended leave from the team after an unheard of “emotional breakdown” borne from bullying inside his own locker rooms. Now his Dolphins teammate and fellow offensive lineman, Richie Incognito, has been suspended by the team for misconduct related to the mistreatment of Martin. And with this one-two punch, the issue of bullying – once reserved for middle and high school campuses – has entered NFL locker rooms, one of the most sacred and secretive places in all of sports. The cryptic statement by the Dolphins in wake of Incognito’s suspension sure didn’t clear up matters. But one thing is certain: There is major dysfunction going on inside the Dolphins locker room and we haven’t heard the last of the fallout from this stunning case of bullying among professional athletes. Here is the Dolphins statement: “We believe in maintaining a culture of respect for one another and as a result we believe this decision is in the best interest of the organization at this time. ... We will continue to work with the league on this matter.” Background according to the Associated Press:  Martin left the Dolphins on Oct. 28, raising questions about the role harassment from teammates played in his departure. It’s unclear whether or when he’s expected back. The NFL Players Association plans to look into the matter this week. Martin departed the team on the heels of a four-game losing streak. The resulting rumblings of locker-room dissension included reports of complaints by young players that they’re being pressured to pay more than their share when members of the team go out on the town or vacation together. Source: www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/11/can_a_300-pound-plus_nfl_linem.html Pepsi Beverages Company 3825 106th Street • Urbandale, IA 515-270-1332 We are proud to be a drug free workplace and proud to support our future leaders in their efforts to remain drug free! We care & we get involved. abusemagazine.org | Iowa - 2014 | 25