Nate Burleson may have some explaining to do.
NFL players continue to weigh in on the hazing incident involving Miami Dolphins offensive linemen Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin. Martin left the team over emotional distress, stemming primarily from what has been reported as bullying and racist language by Incognito.
While many NFL players continue to show support for Incognito, Burleson, the Detroit Lions veteran wide receiver went one step further.
He showed support for hazing.
USA TODAY Sports reported Burleson's bold and unique remarks Wednesday about the Dolphins incident.
"Everything can be done in a respectful way," Burleson said. "I don't see nothing wrong with hazing. It's part of a tradition and part of the NFL, and not just football but in many other organizations, non-sports organizations. You've just got to do it the right way. You've got to do it without making a player feel ostracized.
"It's tough. I know Richie. I worked out with him. From the take I had on him as a player and a friend, he was a good dude. So as far as the details of what's going on down there, I can't speak on.
"But as far as hazing, I feel like there's a place for it as long as you're not embarrassing another individual and making him feel like the workplace, the one place he has to go, is I guess a place of undesired attention."
USA TODAY Sports did not elaborate on what Burleson considered appropriate hazing.
It's possible that Burleson has a different definition for hazing, which is "the practice of playing unpleasant tricks on someone or forcing someone to do unpleasant things," according to Merriam-Webster.com.
Then again, Burleson might be perpetuating the NFL culture that views such behavior simply as a way of bonding and giving a thick skin to those who are sensitive to hazing.
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