Is Character Important In The NFL?
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Jack Nicholson's character in the movie, "A Few Good Men" famously said, "You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall; you need me on that wall."
Nicholson's character was referring to the fact that even though people detested his methods and actions; they wanted just such a person protecting the country.
A similar dynamic is playing out with the Miami Dolphins as teammates have rallied around Richie Incognito, despite growing evidence of racism and threats aimed at teammate Jonathan Martin.
Incognito had a fiery personality and a troubled past. His toughness and willingness to take on anyone made him beloved by his teammates. The Dolphins players made Incognito a member of the leadership council with the team, a position he kept until Sunday night when he was suspended.
The player he was aiming his taunting, bullying, racist messages at, Jonathan Martin was said to be a typical, low-key California kid, according to CBS4's Kim Bokamper. Martin was said to be soft by numerous players and personnel men who asked for anonymity in the past week.
"Locker room culture will never be understood unless you've lived or have been around it," personnel man told SI.com. "This is another ploy in the league's 'player safety' book. Incognito knew who to try. You never heard anything like this come from John Jerry or Mike Pouncey. Instead of being a man and confronting him, he acted like a coward and told like a kid."
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Ex-teammate Karlos Dansby told the Arizona Republic that Inconigo was "a down-to-earth guy," and, "I hate all this came out about him. It's really attacking his character. I hope Martin doesn't have any backlash from his teammates."
The fear expressed by Dansby has been echoed by countless ex-players on multiple media outlets. Some have defended the actions as just a part of the NFL, while also decrying bullying, and then saying Martin may face retribution from his teammates.
Still, some have said they aren't surprised that Incognito is the one accused of such actions.
"He's (Incognito) been getting away with a lot of stuff," Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett told the Arizona Republic. "His whole makeup is playing dirty and trying to hurt guys. Like I say, just Google it up. There are so many incidents where he's trying to hurt guys and physical bully guys. I'm glad certain guys are standing up for themselves. I hope the guy from the Dolphins (Martin) is able to get some help, rebound and continue his career."
Dockett's feelings of Incognito's alleged dirty play have been shared by many NFL players. He's been voted the NFL's dirtiest player once and came in second another time.
But, instead of rallying to the defense of Martin as most players would do if they were told of bullying of a child; many NFL players are defending Incognito, one they have repeatedly said is one of the dirtiest players in the game.
A personnel man summed up Incognito this way to Sports Illustrated, "Incognito is an a**hole, however, I'm pretty sure you would want him beside you if you are in a bar fight. Tough as nails."
