Bullying issues coming to light in U.S. pro sports

Jonathan Martin’s recent allegations that he was bullied by teammate Richie Incognito and Dolphins players have brought bullying to the forefront of professional sports. Dodgers pitcher J.P. Howell — whose wife has written an illustrated anti-bullying book for children – told Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times that bullying has occurred in the Dodgers’ clubhouse.

Howell, 30, said he had been bullied as a kid and bullied as a rookie, and that he had witnessed Dodgers players bully rookie phenom Yasiel Puig in the clubhouse.

As a rookie, Howell said he had his only suit — a gift from his father — shredded by a player who didn’t replace it. What some players might call hazing affected Howell that season. He did not specify whether the incident occurred during his 15 games with the Royals in 2005 or his short 2006 stints with the Rays.