Timeline of Dolphins' alleged bullying saga between Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin
The Miami Dolphins organization has been in turmoil amid allegations that veteran offensive lineman Richie Incognito bullied second-year lineman Jonathan Martin to the point that Martin left the team. Since the saga began, information has surfaced showing Incognito's history of bullying, an apparent disdain for rookies and his usage of racial slurs, including some specifically directed at Martin.
Many Dolphins players praised Incognito as a great teammate and seemed baffled by the situation. Some players around the league have been more critical of Martin than Incognito, who has been suspended indefinitely by the Dolphins.
We take a back at all the events and details beginning with Martin's departure from the Dolphins.
Oct. 30:Reports surfaced that Martin had left the team.
Oct. 31:The Associated Press reported that Martin left to address emotional issues.
Nov. 2:Details began emerging that Martin has been subjected to bullying. The Dolphins released a statement that read: "The notion of bullying is based on speculation and has not been presented to us."
Nov. 3:Martin's camp accused the Dolphins of "player misconduct," and Richie Incognito's name came up as having playing a large role.
Nov. 3:Incognito was unhappy with the allegations.
Nov. 4:The Dolphins suspended Incognito, and said in a 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."
Nov. 4:The public began finding signs of Incognito's disdain for rookies.
Nov. 4:Sources told USA TODAY Sports that the Dolphins were considering cutting Incognito. An executive from another team said "I think he can file his retirement papers."
Nov. 5: As Brent Schrotenboer discovered, Incognito's reputation as a bully goes all the way back to 2002, his freshman year at Nebraska. Incognito picked on walk-on offensive lineman Jack Limbaugh.
Nov. 5:The NFL Players Association said it would support "all players" in the Miami mess. In an awkward spot, the union would support a grievance filed by either Incognito or Martin.
Nov. 5: Some players around the league began blaming Martin for breaking the code of locker room conduct.
Nov. 6: Despite racially charged voicemails and video, players have come to the defense of Incognito, with quarterback Ryan Tannehill going as far as to say that Incognito and Martin were good friends. "We joke with each other. You can't have thin skin around here," defensive tackle Randy Starks said. "We're trying to clear Richie's name. He's getting a bad rap."
Nov. 7:USA TODAY Sports spoke to a number of NFL players about the league's hazing dilemma. "Jonathan Martin is a 6'5 320 pound dude." Giants safety Antrel Rolle said. "I think he should be able to stand up for himself."
Nov. 7:Martin's lawyer released a statement claiming his client "endured harassment that went far beyond the traditional locker room hazing."
Nov. 8: Jonathan Martin will meet with the NFL's representative investigating the offensive tackle's allegations of workplace harassment.
Nov. 8:Police report details Incognito's alleged "inappropriate behavior" in 2012 with a woman, who was a golf club volunteer.
Nov. 9: Dolphins coach Joe Philbin says team dealt with Incognito after 2012 golf course incident.
Nov. 10: Incognito speaks for the first time since the allegations and his suspension in an interview with Fox Sports.
Nov. 11: Dolphins owner Stephen Ross speaks publicly, offering his support of Martin.
Nov. 14: Incognito files a grievance against the Dolphins.
Nov. 23: Ted Wells thanks the Dolphins for 'complete cooperation' in the bullying investigation.
Nov. 29: Incognito makes a deal that cuts his financial loss to a maximum of two game checks.
Nov. 30: Martin is officially placed on the non-football illness list.
Dec. 16: Incognito's season comes to an end, but paychecks don't