While the outside world continues to refer to Richie Incognito as a distraction for the Miami Dolphins during their chase for a playoff berth, the locker room is still hoping for his return.
Mike Wallace says Dolphins players want Richie Incognito back
Miami’s players say the return of the suspended lineman could be the lift they need to surge into the postseason.
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Mike Wallace spoke with FOX Sports following Miami's 23-3 throttling of the New York Jets on Sunday, and said the currently suspended lineman's return would provide a boost down the season's home stretch.
We believe in our coaches and we’re going to trust their decision, but at the same time, we know what type of guy [Incognito] is and we know what he can bring to our team, so we’d love to have him back. We’re not paid to make those decisions; we’re paid to go out there and play football and trust our coaches to make the right decisions. But we always think about Richie.
Incognito has been suspended since Nov. 3, when reports surfaced that he was the chief instigator in a bullying scandal that drove teammate Jonathan Martin away from the team. Dolphins players have staunchly defended Incognito from Day 1, saying his actions never crossed the line.
The maligned guard recently reached an agreement with the team to extend his indefinite suspension with the caveat that he would resume receiving pay checks during his absence.
The win over the Jets puts Miami at 6-6 and in contention for the final wild card spot in the AFC. Far from a distraction, it would appear the bullying scandal has rallied the team, which has won two of their last three since dropping an ugly game to the Buccaneers in the scandal's immediate aftermath.
Nevertheless, said Wallace, Icognito’s return would be a major lift for the team.
“When you have a guy like that who’s always loud, always talking, a leader, you’re always going to miss a guy like that, no matter the situation ... We definitely want him back.”
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