Two former Arizona Wildcats weigh in on Miami Dolphins fiasco

Richie Incognito

Jonathan Martin

A couple of former Arizona Wildcats football players who know what it is like to co-exist with teammates through potential heated situations in practice and the locker room, offered their viewpoint Wednesday on Facebook about the controversial topic involving Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito of the Miami Dolphins.

Vincent Smith, an offensive guard with the Arizona Wildcats from 1990-92, provided an analysis that is not mentioned in national media reports about Incognito’s alleged bullying of Martin. Incognito’s treatment of Martin caused Martin to leave the Dolphins and Incognito to be suspended indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the team.

Julius Holt, who played with the Wildcats as a linebacker from 1981-82, responded to Smith’s unique thoughts on the subject. This is what was written by each on Smith’s Facebook wall:

Smith: “Ok, all of you who don’t understand why Jonathan Martin didn’t physically retaliate to Richie Incognito don’t quite get it. Martin is no fool. In an era where “bullying” is one of the biggest buzzwords in our society, this Stanford educated man saw an opportunity. An opportunity to be a crusader against said bullying in the workplace. The dolphins can’t fire him and because it looks like they did nothing to prevent or correct the actions of Incognito Martin may make more money than he would have if he played the next five years. “Incognito destroyed my will to play the game I love. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep and I have no will or desire to play this game that I…..(whimper) love”. “I need $70 million in lost wages as well as pain and suffering your honor”. This guy did the absolute right thing and will be richer and HEALTHIER for doing it the way he did. Think about it.”

Holt: “He’s no dummy, but his manhood is in question regardless if he’s going to get paid or not. I guess he’s an opportunist? See money is evil and we are weak people when we allow money and fame to define who and what we are. In the end this man is a football player. I guess the league will be paying a few other guys who get called out during, practice, in the weight room and on the field and during games.”

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The above video is from Arizona’s game at Stanford in 2010 when the Wildcats’ Brooks Reed was matched against Stanford’s Jonathan Martin.

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Smith and Holt make valid points. Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s comments to the media that Incognito and Martin shared a friendship gives credence to Smith’s opinion that Martin’s leave of absence is peculiar.

“I think if you would have asked Jon Martin (before he left Miami) who his best friend on the team was, he would’ve said Richie Incognito,” Tannehill said in front of a gathering of media. “The first guy to stand for Jonathan when anything went down on the field — any kind of tussle — Richie was the first guy there. When they wanted to hang out outside of football — who was together? Richie and Jonathan.”

“Jonathan’s like Richie’s little brother,” Tannehill continued. “He gave him a hard time and he messed with him, but he was the first one there to have his back in any situation. It’s a big surprise what’s going on.”

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WILDABOUTAZCATS.net publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He also writes articles for Bleacher Report, Lindy’s College Sports and TucsonCitizen.com.

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