For many of us, a 312 lb NFL offensive tackle is not what we visualize when we hear the term “bullying victim”. However, the Miami Dolphins recently suspended one of its players Richie Incognito “indefinitely” for alleged “misconduct” while the NFL investigates a formal complaint from a rookie offensive linesman named Jonathan Martin.

According to Wikipedia, Incognito was the recipient of the NFL’s Dirtiest Player “Award”, for which he “earned” the spotlight over time for perceived dirty play amongst NFL players, coaches, and fans. He is alleged to have punched players, gouged eyes and made illegal tackles on a regular basis.

Apparently, two senior executives from two different NFL teams recently came out to say that, when Incognito was in the draft, both of their teams passed on him because of his track record of bad character. Since rookie pay levels are tied to how early in the draft a player goes, the fact that Incognito was passed up by teams because of non-athletic reasons cost him money. And today he’s faced with the risk of losing big bucks under his contract, because the latest example of his bad behavior isn’t the first time. My question: Why was nothing done before?

When you read the reports of Incognito’s alleged conduct and bullying tactics used against Martin (forcing him to fund trips for other players to Vegas, calling his teammate, of all people,  mean names, using racial slurs and making threats), you realize that bullying is not just reserved for the playground. Kudos to the NFL and to Joe Philbin, coach of the Miami Dolphins, for doing what’s right (taking action), not what’s easy (looking the other away).

The reality is: Kid bullies grow up to be adult bullies…that’s why making an impression about the importance of good character and kindness from an early age is critical. We certainly hope that Mr. Martin quickly bounces back from the dishonorable digs of his adult-sized bully.

As for Mr. Incognito: He clearly doesn’t know what it means to “Wear the Cape”. And c’mon, man…million dollar contracts are at stake, not to mention the success of your team. In more ways than one, it doesn’t pay to be a bully.