I think one huge factor in all of this is Jake Long

[spiketex]

The thing is, I actually got the sense Richie LIKED Martin. That's why I think all this was really a case of one guy not being able to read another guy...

I am convinced Richie is the kind of guy who uses disgusting, vulgar language as a form of communication with his friends... I've been around guys like that. I'm not a huge fan of that, but I've seen it, and I can see the distinction between that kind of behavior and true hateful, abusive behavior.

A few things really push me toward this theory:

1. The actual voicemails have not been released, only transcripts. I'd bet a good dime that the tone of the voicemails are a lot different than a lot of people are imagining in their minds. Most people assume that Richie was yelling these obscenities in a rage-filled tone. But I actually picture him saying these things in a sarcastic, playful tone. Those words written in text, devoid of context, inflection or tone are truly vile and horrific, but the change in tone alters the perception a bit. INTENT matters. Was there malice behind these words?

2. Richie appeared to be taken off guard by the release of these voicemails. The morning before they were released, Richie was demanding to have his name cleared by ESPN. Did he somehow forget that he tormented Martin? Did he expect Martin to be so fearful of him that he would never release the details? Richie is a dumb lug, but he can't be that dense. That leads me to believe that he honestly thought that he had a good relationship with Martin and that he thought Martin was taking his "ribbing" the same way other friends on the team, like Pouncey, did... in stride.

I am REALLY interested to hear Pouncey's take on all this, because I have an inkling that Richie spoke in just as vulgar ways with him that he did with Martin, but the difference is that Pouncey and Incognito had that kind of relationship where vile ****-talking will fly, whereas Richie was oblivious to the fact that not all people are made the same way. He was blind to how Martin took it. In life, it's important to know your audience...

Yes, the voicemail was obviously an eloquent expression of Richie's friendship for JMart, he was just a tad vulgar. Boys will be boys...

 

[carjackistan]

No kidding Incognito was upset about losing Long. Despite his mediocre play last year, Long did a lot in his time with the Dolphins to make Richie Incognito look like a valuable player. Of course Richie buddied up to Jake. Then Jake's gone, replaced by a second year guy being moved to LT, during Incognito's contract year.

 

[endorPHINS72]

Jake Long was a really good leader on that line. Incognito thinks being a leader is shooting your mouth off all the time and giving rookies hell.

 

[Awsi Dooger]

Regarding the tone of the voice mails, if Incognito were told to toughen up Martin and the voice mails came quickly after that request, the tone very likely is not tame or in a kidding fashion. Incognito is playing a role and he has no idea how to do it other than default to jerk mode.

 

[steviey013]

"You complete me"