What surprises me about this is that this actually happened. Most times ribbing in the locker room happens and it passes by, but for the first time since I can remember, the ribbing and joking caused someone to lose it.

What’s surprising about Friday’s development in Jonathan Martin’s case is that he said that he’s OK and that the teammates making the jokes aren’t to blame.

“Yeah, I’m good man. It’s insane bro, but just know I don’t blame you guys at all. It’s just the culture around football, and the locker room got to me a little.”

That’s what he texted to teammate Richie Incognito. Somehow, Martin believes that his teammates aren’t at fault and that it was really on him.

As much as I like him trying to ease the pressure and pain off his teammates, Martin has to be able to understand that it isn’t OK.

Sure making jokes every now and then is fine but when one joke goes too far or finally breaks the camel’s back, everyone is at fault. The teammates are at fault for making the jokes and the victim is at fault for not telling his teammates that he doesn’t like it.

In this macho man league, it’s hard to show weakness. Even when pranks are just words said, showing any sign of weakness is tough for an NFL player to admit. This might be the case here for Martin. But with something as serious as bullying, hiding behind it won’t solve anything.

Let’s have the both sides understand that it’s a serious issue and both need to step up. We can’t afford to have anymore people hurt like this.