Philbin press conference.

[Spider-Dan]

Martin should have quit a long time ago. NFL football isn't for him.

I think it is unreasonable to ask Martin, who apparently has enough football playing ability to be a starting offensive lineman in the NFL, is to quit his six-figure job (with eight-figure potential) strictly because of unwanted harassment from people on his own team.  From a regulated place of employment perspective, that is clear grounds that something needs to change in the locker room.  These players are not gladiators, nor are they soldiers.  They are professional employees.

I did want to know, though:  what would you find an unacceptable level of bullying/intimidation in the locker room?

[masterfins]

yes but in the real world people call each other slang terms all the time. For instance I may call my Mexican friend wetback but he knows I'm not being spiteful. This is pretty common among different ethnicities and friendships. For anyone else to hear it they would think the two hated each other. Especially if it was written down and read back

Not in the adult world I live in.  I'd bet if an impartial third party asked your "Mexican" friend what he thought about you calling him "wetback" I'd bet he say he doesn't appreciate it.  This reminds me of the old public service announcement with the grandpa talking to his grandson about someone saying the grandson was bigoted.  "Yes Joey you are being bigoted"

[Landshark]

Armando Salguero dissects Joe Philbin's press conference.  After reading this, I really do think the coach has something to hide.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/

[EKnight]

yes but in the real world people call each other slang terms all the time. For instance I may call my Mexican friend wetback but he knows I'm not being spiteful. This is pretty common among different ethnicities and friendships. For anyone else to hear it they would think the two hated each other. Especially if it was written down and read back

In the real world are you also telling your "friend" that you'd like to shit in his mouth and slap his mother?


And of course Philbin knows more than he let on. CBS sports is reporting that Martin went to him in April as if it's a given, established fact. You don't dodge those kinds of questions at a press conference unless you have something to hide. -EK

[Spider-Dan]

Philbin claims he knew nothing after Martin had left the team AND Philbin subsequently had a one-on-one with Martin?  As Armando said, what did they talk about... zone blocking?

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

yes but in the real world people call each other slang terms all the time. For instance I may call my Mexican friend wetback but he knows I'm not being spiteful.

That is true.  I have had similar experiences. There are terms that family and friends have called me without issue, that under no circumstance would I tolerate from someone whom I was not very friendly with.  

I know plenty of African-Americans who call each other n*****s, but that doesn't mean they would tolerate a white coworker who they DON'T LIKE to call them a n*****.  

The important distinction is how the person being called this feel toward the speaker. Just because you have a friend who allows you to call him a wet back, doesn't mean you can go around referring to ALL Mexicans that way.  

[Spider-Dan]

I feel like we are rapidly approaching "how come they can use that word but we can't?" territory.

[Landshark]

In the real world are you also telling your "friend" that you'd like to shit in his mouth and slap his mother?

Any man who says that to me would get blindsided by a flurry of haymakers.  After his jaws are broken and he's missing a few of his teeth, we'll see what kind of attitude he has towards slapping my mother.

[EKnight]

Any man who says that to me would get blindsided by a flurry of haymakers.  After his jaws are broken and he's missing a few of his teeth, we'll see what kind of attitude he has towards slapping my mother.

Then were in absolute agreement that Cognito stepped across a line that went beyond anything defensible as a racial "joke" between friends or acquaintances. -EK

[Brian Fein]

In the real world are you also telling your "friend" that you'd like to shit in his mouth and slap his mother?
 

I have a co-worker who says this to at least 5 other co-workers each day.  exactly the same phrase - "I'll shit down your throat"  He has yet to be suspended or fired.  I am not offended by him saying it to me, either.

[Sunstroke]

Any man who says that to me would get blindsided by a flurry of haymakers.  After his jaws are broken and he's missing a few of his teeth, we'll see what kind of attitude he has towards slapping my mother.

Have you totally abandoned the professor persona now, or have you just changed your field of academic expertise to the Gladiatorial Sciences?

I have a co-worker who says this to at least 5 other co-workers each day.  exactly the same phrase - "I'll shit down your throat"  He has yet to be suspended or fired.  I am not offended by him saying it to me, either.

I can't tell whether you're being serious or deadpan sarcastic here...hoping for the latter.

[Landshark]

Have you totally abandoned the professor persona now, or have you just changed your field of academic expertise to the Gladiatorial Sciences?

My being a professor has NOTHING to do with this.  Frankly, with all the shit you've said to people and all the people I've seen leave this site because of you, I'm surprised one of them hasn't gone to Dave and asked him to remove you from this site.  At least it was comforting to see your ass get stripped of your mod powers.

[CF DolFan]

I think it is unreasonable to ask Martin, who apparently has enough football playing ability to be a starting offensive lineman in the NFL, is to quit his six-figure job (with eight-figure potential) strictly because of unwanted harassment from people on his own team.  From a regulated place of employment perspective, that is clear grounds that something needs to change in the locker room.  These players are not gladiators, nor are they soldiers.  They are professional employees.

I did want to know, though:  what would you find an unacceptable level of bullying/intimidation in the locker room?

inside of a locker room I'd have a hard time quantifying bullying. In a teamwork atmosphere I have seen the weak being pushed out by coworkers. I don't think this is much different... Even if it was that. Inside of my current job or many others I have had even looking at people and making them feel uncomfortable is not accepted. Two completely different worlds.

[Spider-Dan]

So would you say that the concept of bullying or intimidation essentially does not apply within a locker room?

What if Incognito was actually beating up Martin?  Like, physically kicking his ass when he failed in blocking drills, or allowed a sack in the game.
What if he was slashing Martin's tires, keying his car, defecating on his clothes, taking his iPad and throwing it in the pool?
What if Philbin actively endorsed all of the above?

Where do you draw the line?  Is there a line?

[pondwater]

Martin should have quit a long time ago. NFL football isn't for him. These aren't my words but one of his "black" teammates and I agree. Regardless of Incognito he isn't cut out for this atmosphere and won't be. He comes from a different world altogether.

I don't think you upset the applecart just because one apple doesn't fit.

You are correct here CF. If Incognito didn't physically involve himself and it was all verbal the Martin is a pussy of the highest order. Most people learn by the 5th or 6th grade to stand up for themselves. Most who don't are mentally weak. Sticks and stones.