Richie Incognito suspended by Dolphins for Jonathan Martin bullying allegations: Report

Less than 24 hours after ESPN reported that he wanted his "name cleared," now Miami Dolphins’ offensive lineman Richie Incognito has been suspended indefinitely by the team. Incognito had been named as the “ringleader” of a group of Dolphins’ players who had been allegedly bullying and tormenting teammate Jonathan Martin since his rookie season of 2012. Fox Sports reported that Incognito allegedly sent Martin “threatening, racialy-charged texts.”

Incognito had been protesting his innocence via Twitter:

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. Buddha
— Richie incognito (@68INCOGNITO) November 3, 2013

Martin left the team on Oct. 28, and his representatives have blamed Incognito and other teammates for his departure, saying that Martin was fearful of “what might happen to him” if he returned.

After initially downplaying reports of bullying as “mere speculation”, the Dolphins on Sunday released a statement saying that they would investigate the matter. Then, late Sunday night the team announced his suspension for "conduct detrimental to the team."

Garafolo: "Multiple sources told me Martin's camp informed Dolphins and NFLPA that Incognito sent threatening and racially charged texts"
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) November 4, 2013

At least two sources have implicated Incognito for alleged harassment incidents of Martin dating to his rookie season in 2012. It may have centered around money: CBS reporting that Martin was pressured to chip in $15,000 for a team trip to Las Vegas, and feared what would happen to him if he didn’t.

The NFL Players Association says they are investigating.