While watching Monday night's battle of the backup quarterbacks, I started thinking about the story of Richie Incognito, Jonathan Martin, and the Miami Dolphins and the potential for some very powerful mediations.  The information coming out paints a picture of a very ugly situation with lousy ramifications for all parties involved.    

The Miami Dolphins are concerned at a minimum about damage to the franchise, team unity, and potential liability for a hostile work environment.  The judgment of the management and coaching staff is being questioned, especially since Incognito was named to the Dolphin's six player leadership council.  There will be definite questions about what the coaches and team ownership knew, when they knew it, and whether other players were involved. The NFL Players Association has already released a statement.  Then there is a question of what action the NFL Commissioners will take.  Already this season the Dolphins have a lackluster 4-4 record, which is unlikely to improve with a divided locker room.  

While most people are taking a position against bullying and racism, there are dissenting opinions on how Martin should have handled things.  Sportswriters are already raising questions about whether Martin is emotionally strong enough for the NFL and whether he should have handled matters internally.  In a sports culture built on toughness, this story has the potential to damage Martin's attractiveness to other franchises.  

Then there is Richie Incognito.  He is currently asking for a chance to clear his name.  If he did do and say the thing alleged, it was reprehensible of him.  While his reputation was already less than pristine, he is facing some serious consequences regarding his job with the Dolphins and his potential to be picked up by another team.  The only article I have seen showing concern for his mental well-being is one that quotes his former Nebraska teammate Josh Brown and mentions that Incognito was bullied as a kid.

So where does mediation fit into the story?  Mediation might be a way for all of the parties to address the situation in a way that allows for an airing of concerns for all involved.  The longer this story drags out the more potential for greater damage to the Dolphins and the emotional well-being of the players involved.  Concerns about legal liability could shutdown the possibility for a dialogue between the parties.  

Martin may have no interest in being in the same room as Incognito, but if he and Incognito were given the chance to sit down and talk with a mediator emotional catharsis could occur.  I have seen unexpected hugs, handshakes, and shared tears happen during mediations.  Incognito would have the chance to tell his side of the story in the privacy of the mediation.  All involved could potentially save on monstrous legal bills from protracted litigation.  Rather than being bound by traditional remedies like a fine or suspension, perhaps the parties could work together to develop ways to address bullying in the locker room culture and mechanisms for players to address abusive behavior.   Perhaps the Dolphins could help both players find help for their respective mental well-beings.  

Thoughts?