Think your workplace has nothing in common with a National Football League locker room? Think again. The story of Jonathan Martin teaches a valuable lesson for all employers.

Martin, an offensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins, walked away from his job last month after his teammate, Richie Incognito, allegedly bullied him on several occasions. The allegations, whether or not true, are not pretty. Preliminary reports allege Incognito, who is white, left a voice mail for Martin, who is biracial, which included a racial slur and sexually suggestive comments about Martin.