NFL probes Miami Dolphins bullying claims
US sport reeling after tackle Jonathan Martin accuses star Richie Incognito of racial abuse and threats.
In the US, the Miami Dolphins football team has been thrown into crisis over accusations of bullying.
The Dolphins suspended star guard Richie Incognito after the agent of Miami tackle Jonathan Martin complained he had been threatened and racially abused.
The NFL is investigating whether Incognito harassed or bullied Martin, and whether their teammates and the organisation mishandled the situation.
In the macho world of the American football, some players believe Martin should have responded more firmly.
Dolphins players have robustly defended Incognito, now a notorious national villain, saying he and Martin behaved like best friends. They have been less passionate in their support of Martin.
The case is having implications far beyond the locker room.
Al Jazeera’s Andy Gallacher reports.