T.K.O:The Kevin Opinion-Bullying is Child’s Play…Even for Adults

KEVIN KONG
Sports Editor

“Boys will be boys.” Judging by the controversy in the Miami Dolphins’ organization, it seems that the old saying doesn’t only apply to boys.

The National Football League (NFL) has been conducting an investigation in which veteran Richie Incognito has been accused of harassing teammate Jonathan Martin. However, in sports and in other aspects of life, neither verbal nor physical abuse is welcome.

Incognito claims that “[his] actions came out of love. People don’t know how Jon and [him] communicate to one another,” according to an article by NBC Miami. However, athletes like himself don’t seem to understand the flaws in their reasoning. In no way can bullying come from love, and healthy communication doesn’t bloom from verbal abuse. Real teammates are there for support, and the fact that a teammate could be hurt due to another teammate’s words and actions speaks volumes about the dynamics amongst the team.

Furthermore, athletes tend to claim that the targets of hazing don’t appear to be fazed by the “pranks,”. However, it’s typical for victims to hide signs of being bothered to avoid further harassment. In the case of sports, rookies may even feel less tempted to speak up because they are trying to prove themselves as people who belong in the “big leagues”.

Incognito’s behavior is unacceptable for obvious reasons, but it leads one to ask about the impact this has on young viewers. Professionals have a responsibility to act as role models. High school students who find out that an idol of theirs is bullying others, may consider it acceptable as well.

Call it what you will: pranks, jokes or tomfoolery. It’s ultimately bullying and someone always gets hurt. Since grade school, we’ve been taught that bullying is wrong. Explain to me why bullying is suddenly accepted as an adult.