Jonathan Martin to skip next game over teammates' prank, emotional breakdown

(UPI) -- Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jonathan Martin will reportedly miss Thursday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals due illness, but according to reports, that's not the real reason.

The Palm Beach Post's Andrew Abramson claims the tackle abruptly left practice Wednesday after a prank played by teammates went awry.

"Jay Glazer reporting #Dolphins Jonathan Martin has left team facility, flipped out after teammate played a joke on him," Abramson wrote on Twitter.

According to Glazer the incident took place in the cafeteria where teammates jokingly said they wouldn't sit with him. Martin reportedly "flipped out, smashed a food tray on the ground, took off, and they haven't seen him since."

NFL.com's Jeff Darlington said on Twitter that Martin had been absent all week and is not expected to play on Thursday's game. He added that Miami would be monitoring his "illness" on a day-to-day basis.

"Let me be clear about Martin: He had no issues with any coaches. He had a breakdown and is now seeking mental counseling, sources tell me," Darlington tweeted.

"Jonathan Martin left Dolphins' facility on Monday, immediately sought outside assistance after what a teammate called "emotional breakdown," he added.