Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill has spoken of his intention to "assert" himself on the team's locker room next season.

The Dolphins' locker room culture has come under heavy scrutiny recently after it was found that Richie Incognito and two other teammates had harassed Jonathan Martin to the point that the offensive tackle had contemplated committing suicide.

"You definitely get more comfortable speaking up at certain times. You have the respect. That's the big thing - having the other guys' respect in the locker room," Tannehill told The AP.

"You can't come in with no respect and try to own the place. At this point hopefully I have some respect in the locker room, and now I can assert myself."

Tannehill also expressed his desire for the team to put the bullying scandal behind them and focus on rebuilding for the 2014 campaign.