FOR THE WEEK OF NOV. 11, 2013

Even 24-year-old big guys can be bullied, Miami Dolphins player scandal shows

Bullies aren’t just a problem in schools, as shown by news that victims even include a pro football player. Miami Dolphins lineman Jonathan Martin, a 300-pounder who joined the team two years ago, recently took a leave from the team because of emotional distress he says came from intense bullying by fellow players. The team, now under NFL investigation, indefinitely suspended lineman Richie Incognito as the main aggressor -- with insiders saying privately he won’t be back.

Incognito, who’s white, threatened the African-American rookie with racial hostility and cursing in text messages and calls, evidence shows. Head coach Joe Philbin and his staff face a league inquiry and public criticism for allowing a culture of cruelty. Philbin "comes off as the nonleader who either did nothing about what was going on or was oblivious to it, neither option speaking well of him," writes Miami Herald sports columnist Greg Cote, who predicts the coach could lose his job.

The high-visibility case broadens national awareness of bullying, a problem typically seen as involving students. “After years of rising awareness about the harm bullying does kids,” says an article at the Slate news site, “is football ready to appreciate the harm of letting an adult bully run rampant?” This case is the latest example of adult bulling in athletics. Seven months ago, Rutgers University basketball coach Mike Rice was fired by that New Jersey school for screaming at players, name-calling, kicking and shoving them.

Team statement: “The Miami Dolphins have suspended Richie Incognito for conduct detrimental to the team. We believe in maintaining a culture of respect for one another.” – Nov. 3

Ex-player says: ” This guy [Incognito] needs to be out of this league. He needs to be gone. No one would miss him, anyway. . . . He's a fake tough guy." – Bart Scott, ex-linebacker for New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens

Sportscaster says: “One could make a sound case that Incognito should be arrested, given the racially loaded and threatening nature of his profane verbal assault.” – Jay Mariotti, Sports Talk Florida radio host

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Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.