Every team in the NBA received a message from the league office reminding them that no form of bullying of its players will be tolerated, according to a report by ESPN.com’s Marc Stein.
NBA sends reminder to teams that bullying is unacceptable, per report
The NBA jumps in on the recently-opened discussion of physical and mental abuse in sports by reminding its teams that it is unacceptable.
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
League sources told Stein that the memo explicitly references the ongoing hazing scandal in the Miami Dolphins’ locker room and encourages players to report any violations they witness or are exposed to.
A number of forms of physical and mental threats are specifically listed, including threats of violence and verbal abuse based on a player’s race, nationality, color or sexuality. Requiring individuals to pay for meals, travel expenses or goods and services is also prohibited.
Dolphins right tackle Jonathan Martin left the team last week after he claimed he had been mentally harassed. A voice mail was released that showed Dolphins offensive guard Richie Incognito threatening Martin and abusing the second-year player with racial epithets.
The incident has opened the discussion of bullying and hazing in sports, so it makes sense that the NBA would want to jump in and ensure the safety of its players.
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