The NFL has indefinitely suspended Miami Dolphins' offensive lineman Richie Incognito pending an investigation into the alleged bullying of teammate Jonathan Martin, who reportedly walked out on the team over the abuse he suffered.
Earlier today, ESPN reported a transcript of one voicemail left by Incognito on Martin's phone in April 2013. The message has been heard by both the Dolphins and the NFL it does not make good reading.
"Hey, wassup, you half n----- piece of s---. I saw you on Twitter, you been training 10 weeks. [I want to] s--- in your f---ing mouth. [I'm going to] slap your f---ing mouth. [I'm going to] slap your real mother across the face [laughter]. F--- you, you're still a rookie. I'll kill you."
The Dolphins announced last night that they had suspended Incognito "for conduct detrimental to the team" and asked the NFL "to conduct an objective and thorough review". The NFL has since suspended Incognito.
Incognito was not happy with the initial reports of his involvement, tweeting on Sunday:
@espn @CBSSports @NBCSports @FOXSports @ProFootballTalk
I want my name CLEARED— Richie incognito (@68INCOGNITO) November 3, 2013
@espn shame on you for attaching my name to false speculation. I won't be holding my breathe for an apology
— Richie incognito (@68INCOGNITO) November 3, 2013
Bleacher Report reports a source telling the Miami Herald that Incognito's team future has already been decided.
"He's done," a ranking club source said Monday. "There are procedures in place and everyone wants to be fair. The NFL is involved. But from a club perspective he'll never play another game here."