Incognito says Martin sent him threatening text a week before harassment case shook football

11/10/2013
ASSOCIATED PRESS

MIAMI — Suspended Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito says teammate Jonathan Martin sent him a threatening text message only a week before their relationship mushroomed into a harassment case that has prompted an NFL investigation.

In an interview with Fox Sports televised today, Incognito said he didn’t take the threat seriously. Incognito said he regrets racist and profane language he used with Martin, but said it stemmed from a culture of “brotherhood” in the locker room, not from bullying.

Martin left the team two weeks ago and alleges he was harassed by teammates, including Incognito. Martin is in counseling for emotional issues, and he’ll discuss the case late next week with a special investigator hired by the league.