Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Richie Incognito

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Richie Incognito.

Richard "Richie" Incognito Jr. is a former American professional football guard in the NFL. Drafted by the St. Louis Rams in 2005 after playing college football for Nebraska, he also played for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Oakland Raiders. He earned four Pro Bowl selections during his career. He retired once, returned, and then retired again after playing three seasons with the Raiders.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2002: Behavioral Problems

In 2002, Richie Incognito displayed behavioral problems, including hitting a teammate, being accused of spitting on an opponent, and being ejected from a game.

February 2004: Charged with assault

In February 2004, Richie Incognito was involved in a fight at a party and was charged with three counts of assault.

2009: NFL Players Vote Incognito 'Dirtiest Player'

In 2009, NFL players voted Richie Incognito the dirtiest player in the league, according to a Sporting News poll.

December 7, 2012: Incognito Involved in Pearl Harbor Incident

On December 7, 2012, Richie Incognito, along with John Jerry and Mike Pouncey, donned traditional Japanese headbands featuring a rising sun emblem and jokingly threatened to harm an assistant trainer physically in retaliation for the Pearl Harbor attack.

April 2013: Incognito's Voicemail Leads to Suspension

In April 2013, Richie Incognito left a highly graphic voicemail for Jonathan Martin. The voicemail contained racial slurs, threats against Martin's mother, and a death threat. Upon hearing the voicemail, the Dolphins immediately suspended Incognito indefinitely.

November 3, 2013: Suspended by the Dolphins

On November 3, 2013, Richie Incognito was suspended by the Miami Dolphins for conduct detrimental to the team after allegedly harassing teammate Jonathan Martin.

November 2013: Reported Harassment Allegations

In November 2013, ESPN reported on Richie Incognito's alleged role in the harassment of teammate Jonathan Martin, leading to controversy and denials from Incognito.

2013: Incognito Allegedly Pressured Martin to Contribute to Las Vegas Trip

In the summer of 2013, Richie Incognito allegedly pressured Jonathan Martin to contribute $15,000 to finance a trip to Las Vegas with other Dolphins players. Martin reportedly did so fearing negative repercussions if he refused.

February 3, 2014: Text Messages Leaked

On February 3, 2014, text messages between Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito were leaked. These messages were thought to support the idea that the two were friends and did not depict harassment or bullying.

February 14, 2014: Ted Wells Releases Report on Bullying Allegations

On February 14, 2014, lawyer Ted Wells released a report concluding that Richie Incognito, along with John Jerry and Mike Pouncey, bullied Jonathan Martin, another Dolphins offensive lineman, and an assistant trainer.

July 12, 2019: Suspended by the NFL

On July 12, 2019, Richie Incognito was suspended for two games by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

February 2025: Martin Publicly Admits He Never Felt Bullied

In February 2025, Jonathan Martin publicly admitted that he never felt bullied by Richie Incognito and others during the 2013 controversy. He blamed his mother for pushing a false narrative, and Incognito responded critically to the media's handling of the initial allegations.