FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov. 13, 2013) -- So where is Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Richie Incognito?
It is rumored he is on a leave of absence -- suspended -- and is masquerading as a friend of Jonathan Martin. But, no one knows for sure. After all he is Incognito.
All kidding aside, allegations of bullying, hazing and racism have reared its ugly head in the ranks of the National Football League.
Although some of the allegations, such as rookie hazing, have been around as long as I can remember, according to reports from various sources, the rather insignificant acts like carrying a veteran's shoulder pads to and from the practice field, head shavings and pranks with shaving cream have escalated to Incognito's alleged use of racial epithets and a locker room culture void of personal responsibility.
Martin, a second-year pro, has not made a public statement since leaving the team recently and was reported as suffering from emotional distress and a belief he was being targeted during a sustained level of harassment from his teammates, including Incognito. Incognito and some of his teammates disagree.
Regardless of who is right and who is wrong, the NFL is investigating the allegations.
It is of no consequence who is right and who is wrong because the game has no real effect on anyone other than the players, right? Wrong.
In a recent Harris Poll, and estimated 59 percent of the U.S. follows football. That is more than half of the nation's population. According to the poll, only nine shows have topped the 20 million-viewer mark since Labor Day; eight football games and the NCIS premiere.
Although there are no actual statistics to show how many of those viewers are youths, my experience tells me a lot of them are.
Bullying is already a problem in many schools nationally and according to stopbullying.gov, bullying is "linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use and suicide."
What bothers me the most about the allegations is players who have gone public and believe this type of locker room culture is normal.
Nowhere is it normal or acceptable to use the "N" word, as recent reports indicate was commonplace between Incognito and Martin -- professionals in any industry don't act that way.
Some say the two 300-plus linemen should take it outside and settle it like "men." The last time things were settled that way, men were called knuckle-dragging Neanderthals.
Whatever the outcome, bullying, hazing and racism is socially and personally unacceptable and something our young future leaders should not have to hear about or learn -- especially from those our young strive to emulate.
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