Teammates of Richie Incognito come to his defense

(UPI) -- Even after the Miami Dolphins suspended veteran guard Richie Incognito on Sunday for his role in fellow linemen Jonathan Martin's absence from the team, some of his teammates offered their support for their banished teammate on Monday.

The Dolphins suspended Incognito following allegations that he sent threatening and racist messages to Martin via a series of voicemails.

NFL Media's Jeff Darlington spoke to players inside the Miami locker room about the situation.

"I know both of those guys personally. I like both of them," said wide receiver Mike Wallace. "I love Richie. I think he's a great guy. I don't think he was out of hand. I have a lot of respect for Richie. I wish he was here."

Wallace added that “hazing” and team pranks hadn’t gone too far.

Cornerback Will Davis complimented Incognito, but didn’t mention his relationship with Martin. "He's a funny guy," Davis said of Incognito. "Everybody loves him."

Defensive end Cameron Wake was less effusive with praise for Incognito.

"You'd have to ask every guy individually," Wake said. "I can't speak for everyone else."

This is the team’s official statement about Martin:

“The Miami Dolphins, including Coach Joe Philbin and Jonathan's teammates, have been in communication with Jonathan and his family since his departure from the club and continue to be in contact. Our primary concern for Jonathan is his overall health and well-being. As an organization, we take any accusations of player misconduct seriously. The notion of bullying is based on speculation and has not been presented to us as a concern from Jonathan or anyone else internally. The reports that the NFLPA is investigating our players are inaccurate. Additionally, the NFL offered its assistance during this time, which we appreciated and gladly accepted. We will continue to make Jonathan's health and well-being a focus as we do with all of our players."