Incognito says Martin sent him threatening text
Suspended Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito says teammate Jonathan Martin sent him a threatening text message as an apparent joke only a week before their relationship became the subject of a harassment case that has prompted an NFL investigation.
In an interview with Fox Sports televised Sunday, Incognito said he never took the threat seriously. Incognito said he regrets the racist and profane language he used with Martin, but said it stemmed from a culture of locker-room “brotherhood,” not bullying.
Martin left the team two weeks ago, and Martin’s attorney, David Cornwell, alleges the second-year pro was harassed daily by teammates, including Incognito.
“This isn’t an issue about bullying,” Incognito told Fox. “This is an issue of my and Jon’s relationship. You can ask anyone in the Miami Dolphins’ locker room who had Jon Martin’s back the absolute most, and they’ll undoubtedly tell you me.
“All this stuff coming out, it speaks to the culture of our locker room, it speaks to culture of our closeness, it speaks to the culture of our brotherhood.”
The network said Incognito declined to answer only one question: Did coaches order him to toughen up Martin? The NFL will investigate the role of coach Joe Philbin, his staff and Miami management in the case.
Texans RB Foster out for the season
Houston Texans running back Arian Foster will undergo back surgery next week and miss the rest of the season.
Foster didn’t practice all week after injuring his back on Houston’s first series against Indianapolis last Sunday.
49ers Davis, Reid suffer concussions
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis and rookie safety Eric Reid each suffered concussions during Sunday’s game against Carolina.
Terrell Owens still interested in playing
Less than a month from turning 40, receiver Terrell Owens still believes he can bring it, and he’s not retiring yet.
“I still keep myself in shape just in case anything comes out of the woodwork,” Owens said.
Owens returned to Candlestick Park on Sunday to be a honorary captain. He hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 2010.