Inside the NFL Locker Room

There have been numerous incidents in the NFL that have painted a picture of a league that’s hostile to anybody who doesn’t fit a certain definition of “manhood”.

“That picture is distorted,” say numerous observers of the league; this includes former players, gay athletes and supporters of inclusion.

There exists a culture where a standard of toughness requires severe physical and mental payback, and one man's upbringing, can and often does, cause clashes with his teammates.

The friction resulting from the forced convergence of opposing personalities has cast a harsh light on the NFL. The results of the league’s investigation into possible bullying in the Miami Dolphins’ locker room, centered on offensive linemen Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin, are expected soon.

Incognito was, reportedly, instructed to toughen Martin up.

No player wants a "weak" or "soft" stigma attached to him. No one wants to be the team's broken link. And no one wants a broken team spirit.

Thomas Clayton, who was drafted by the San Franscisco 49ers, takes us inside the locker room of the NFL -- for a look BEYONDtheCheers on blogtalkradio. Please join us LIVE on Wednesday, April 9th, @ 7PM EST, on demand or on Friday at NOON at AMFM247.