Miami Dolphins players came to the defense of their troubled teammate Richie Incognito, who is facing harassment allegations from ex-teammate Jonathan Martin.
Martin, a second-year lineman of the Dolphins, left the squad on Oct. 28 due to allegations of bullying and racist remarks against him, while also complaining about receiving threatening e-mail messages from Incognito.
Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill defended Incognito, saying that the troubled guard is one of the popular figures in the locker room, pointing out that Martin could prove it as well.
"If you asked Jonathan Martin who his best friend is on this team two weeks ago, he'd say Richie Incognito," Tannehill said in an interview with USA Today. "It's tough for us to sit here and hear all that when we have each others' backs."
Dolphins tackle Tyson Clabo echoed the statement of Tannehill, saying that Incognito is a great teammate. Clabo also questioned Martin's motives in accusing his fellow lineman.
"What's perceived is that Richie is this psychopath racist, and the reality is Richie was a pretty good teammate," Clabo said. "I don't know why Martin is doing this. And the only person who knows why is Jonathan Martin."
Meanwhile, James Walker of ESPN reported that Incognito was shocked and felt betrayed by Martin, whom he considered a good friend.
According to ESPN, Incognito believes that he is like a tough older brother to Martin, which was the reason why he was shocked when Martin publicly accused him of harassment.
"It's probably a combination of totally blindsided and a bit betrayed," a source told ESPN. "He's shocked. He can't believe this happened and thinks it probably could have been avoided."
The 30-year-old Incognito has been suspended indefinitely by the Dolphins for conduct detrimental to the team. The Dolphins's decision came after Martin presented voice mails and text messages as evidence to the alleged harassment.