The NFL has given former Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito the thumbs-up to return to "full activity and regular-season game participation," a league source confirmed to ESPN.com on Monday.
The Dolphins placed Incognito on paid suspension last season for his participation in a bullying incident involving then-teammate Jonathan Martin. An offensive tackle, Martin left the team in October citing the bullying he experienced from Incognito and two other Dolphins -- offensive linemen John Jerry and Mike Pouncey.
Martin now plays for the San Francisco 49ers.
The NFL investigated all three players who took part in the bullying and forced them to undergo professional medical evaluations and treatments. All completed the requirements, according to commissioner Roger Goodell.
Richie Incognito has "very constructive" meeting with Bucs, but doesn't sign https://t.co/pzrlfBLQxZ
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 26, 2014
Incognito, who is a free agent, can now sign with any team. He recently met with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are in need of an offensive guard. Bucs head coach Lovie Smith isn't guaranteeing that Incognito will be signed by his team, nor is he ruling it out.
"If you know my history, I do believe in second chances. To me, nobody should have a death sentence. If you should, you're probably in jail," Smith said. "From there, what does it hurt to talk to someone? For me, as we go forward, I'm not holier than thou. I'm going to give everybody the benefit of the doubt until I have information that tells me otherwise.
"That's where we are right now. Part of that process is Richie coming in."
Would you want @68INCOGNITO on your team? #IncognitoReturn pic.twitter.com/oJnjwBIhUr — ESPN First Take (@ESPN_FirstTake) August 26, 2014
Tampa Bay isn't the only team interested in obtaining Incognito's services. According to ESPN.com, as many as five teams are prepared to meet with him.
Incognito, a nine-year veteran, has played for the Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and St. Louis Rams.
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