Reports: Former OL Martin avoids jail with plea deal

Former NFL offensive lineman Jonathan Martin reached a plea deal over charges he threatened former teammates on social media and will avoid prison time. According to multiple reports, a Los Angeles County judge ruled Friday that three felony charges against Martin, 29, will be dropped in two years so long as Martin attends agreed-to alcohol counseling and psychotherapy sessions.

In February 2018, Martin posted to Instagram a picture of a shotgun and shells on a bed, with the caption "When you're a bully victim & a coward, your options are suicide, or revenge" and four accounts tagged. Those accounts belonged to former Miami Dolphins teammates Richie Incognito and Mike Pouncey, as well as a pair of former high school classmates. "I am thankful that this matter has finally come to a conclusion. I want to apologize to my high school alma mater for my reckless and selfish actions," Martin said in a statement Friday. "I am eager to put this matter fully in the rearview mirror and to continue forward with my life. I plan to eventually speak more candidly about mental health, substance abuse, and selfishness, and ultimately about perseverance & personal triumph."

Martin made national headlines in 2013 when he accused Incognito and Pouncey of bullying him while they were all on the Dolphins. An NFL investigation found Incognito, Pouncey and John Jerry created a hostile working environment for Martin. Incognito was subsequently suspended eight games and Martin left the team during the season. The Dolphins traded Martin to San Francisco the following offseason, and he played 15 games with the 49ers. He has not played in the NFL since.

--Field Level Media

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