Eric Wright: Bucs Won’t Trade Me
April 12th, 2013
Troubled Bucs cornerback Eric Wright took to his blog today to explain what happened behind the scenes when the Bucs threatened to void his pact and he filed a grievance and ended up signing with the Bucs at a very reduced rate.
Wright is emphatic that all he wanted to do was stay in Tampa Bay. His mission was accomplished with, he said, a promise from Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik and coach Greg Schiano:
The Bucs won’t trade Wright.
While we were restructuring, I got a chance to talk to Coach Schiano and Mark Dominik, and I frankly asked if a restructure would mean me possibly getting traded. They told me that would not happen. They told me that they wanted me. Telling me they want me to be there and they’re not thinking about trading me, that meant a lot to me. They opened the door for the restructure to happen, so I obviously was ready to take the pay cut to stay and prove myself.
I’m glad that we are where we are now. Everything is settled, and everybody is on the same page and looking forward to this next season. The business side of it is done now, so it’s all about football. It’s all about playing. It’s all about winning.
As far as that goes, we have a great young team. We’re finally putting things together to show the rest of the league that we’re contenders. I think there’s the potential for us to take a big step this year. We’re coming back with the same core guys, and we all know what to expect and what coach expects out of us now. I think everybody is eager to get back into it, get into mini-camp, training camp and offseason workouts, and work toward a common goal.
If nothing else, this is a pretty savvy move by Wright, as he has to know the Bucs were bummed about last year in a big way, and fans even more so.
Joe knows for a fact the Bucs were disappointed with Wright when, he chose to stay in California rather than earn a $250,000 bonus to work out in the offseason in Tampa. That didn’t go over so well at One Buc Palace.
If you read Wright’s entire post, it doesn’t appear he will repeat that move.
April 12th, 2013 at 8:12 pm
Maybe he won’t get traded, but if he thinks for a moment the Bucs would NOT trade him given the right deal…he’s crazy.
April 12th, 2013 at 8:16 pm
Perhaps his attitude has been adjusted.
April 12th, 2013 at 8:17 pm
I wonder how long it’s going to take for the same always negative Bucs fans to comment how bad of a person this guy is and how he shouldn’t be on the team. My guess is not very long.
April 12th, 2013 at 8:36 pm
I hope you mean this Eric, you got great potential, go prove it this year be a Buc man, and if you prove it, I am sure you will get the long term deal you are looking for.
April 12th, 2013 at 8:38 pm
lets go bucs.
April 12th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
I hope Eric has religion now and plays up to his real worth which in my mind is more than 1.5mil. I know he can earn up to 3mil and I understand if he shows up and plays well it is achievable.
But the vision I have in my head of Revis on the left side at 15mil and Eric on the right side at 1.5mil defies any notion I ever had of the word parity!
April 12th, 2013 at 9:13 pm
Good for E Dub, he did the right thing, didn’t make an issue out of all the cash he missed out on, he knows he only has himself to blame, and I bet this will turn out to be the best thing for his career because think about how you would feel if another team took so much interest in you, and they paid big money to employ you and then you do something stupid, you screw up your first year, you disappoint the fans, your teammates and your bosses, a colossal let down. You think for sure that the team doesn’t want you anymore, they’re even trying to trade for the best DB in the league, you just blew a huge opportunity of securing you and your families future……the way this played out had to be crushing on the guy, imagine how many times he said to himself “if I EVER get the chance to stay with this team, I am going full on commitment and deliver way more than what they expect, just give me that chance”…..you KNOW some variation of this thought pattern had to be in his head, so now he has a golden opportunity to not only to right his wrong, but he could end up as one damn good player (for many years)! The Bucs win big with how this all went down, and I think Eric Wright will too!
April 12th, 2013 at 9:15 pm
I except a good year for him . . . Been saying that for a long timewhile everyone was asking for his head . . . Fact remains he has a ton of potential and will play to get a big contract next year either from us or another team . . . It happens to a bunch if players once they get a big contract their play falls also what worries me about revis . . . Just remember fat Albert . . . But he sounds like he realizes that will preform
Bucsfanjeff if the front office does that forgot any free agent coming here or any credible for the front office in all furture deals
April 12th, 2013 at 9:23 pm
@HawaiianBuc
I’ve always reviewed these types of situations as.
Is this a good person that makes-Idiotic mistakes(from lack of or inconsistent self discipline) . Or a Knuckle head-who enjoys doing bad so much; it just come natural.
Eric seems like a good kid, that HAS made a few bad mistakes. Lets hope for the best
Go BUCS!!! 1976-to-Infinity
April 12th, 2013 at 9:33 pm
A good, intelligent statement.
I hope he meant what he said. It sounded sincere. Once upon a time- Eric was considered a first round talent.
I am certainly hopeful that he turns his career around, and plays up to his skill level.
If he does, I will buy his jersey, and be his biggest fan.
Good luck Eric. A lot to prove, but we desperately need your help. And you need to make a stand!
April 12th, 2013 at 10:16 pm
If he was told that, I hope the team keeps its word.
From what I have been reading lately, a lot of Wright’s coverage problems in 2012 were a result of his having nagging injuries, not quite enough to shelve him but nevertheless a real hindrance. Can anyone comment on this??
April 12th, 2013 at 10:34 pm
Eric gunna have a big year. Last chance sindrome
April 12th, 2013 at 10:53 pm
Capt. Tim,
And a good intelligent statement from you too! I knew there was a soul in there somewhere. That made my day, You are my hero again!!!
Like Eric Wright, don’t make me regret saying something good about you! lol
April 12th, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Well said Captain.
April 12th, 2013 at 11:41 pm
Good on you Eric for being a Man and realizing the gravity of the situation. You’ve shown that by renegotiating at a very acceptable price. I and many others believe you now since you did so. But theres always going to be some tough love from us fans and everyone else. So do your thing, be the Buc Man I know you are and make sure you play smart and hard, try not to injure yourself, but play good and hard. Welcome back!! 🙂
April 12th, 2013 at 11:43 pm
Thanks
I love football. I love my Bucs. I love the players. I really love nothing better than a good story of redemption! I hope Eric Wright is that story this year.
The story to that is- give this young man every chance to succed, and hope that he does!
But don’t be dependent on him. Be prepared to move forward- with or without him. Then his success is just a cherry on the top.
April 12th, 2013 at 11:47 pm
If they could now swing a trade for Revis without giving up this year’s 1st, use it to get a DT, then draft a solid CB in the 2nd (or trade back in to the 1st), this off season would go from average (at best) to incredible. I know it’s unlikely but it’s also plausible.
Oh yah, Ronde returns to the Bucs too. Now I’m just talking crazy!
April 13th, 2013 at 12:54 am
LUVMYBUCS, I wish we could rate posts, because I really enjoyed yours!
I’m just guessing, but I got the impression Eric really likes the team and coaches, which flies in the face of some people.
That was the kind of statement that makes other players want to come to Tampa. Very classy.
April 13th, 2013 at 1:28 am
Its absolutely amazing to me that ANYBODY thinks this guy is a good football player. Didnt show anything in detroit and barely anything in cleveland but yet hes our best corner at the moment. Wow! This just shows how pathetic our expectations have become as Bucs fans. Really sad!
April 13th, 2013 at 1:41 am
Speak for yourself bob….I disagree with your opinion about “my” expectations, so dont try to speak for me!!
April 13th, 2013 at 1:41 am
@Capt. Tim
Who gives a crap what you think, punk. What? ..Talk sh!t b!tch.. You con·de·scend·ing piece of crap. Who cares what you think. You probably have no friends and if you had season tickets and sat next to me I’d bash your face in with all that nasty sh!t you’re always saying. Do us all a favor and root for another team. This isn’t Philly…
April 13th, 2013 at 2:57 am
These internets are serious business ….lol
April 13th, 2013 at 7:53 am
Internet tough guys lol. You’re seriously going to threaten violence on here 4ever?
April 13th, 2013 at 8:52 am
I know it’s meaningless but this Capt. Tim guy is a punk. He definitely gets under my skin.
April 13th, 2013 at 9:00 am
Good for you Wright. Owning up to your mistake and wanting to prove yourself! Now it is time for the hard part…doing it. I still believe he can be a good CB for this team. He made a mistake, owned up to it, and is ready to move on. Now…get out there and show us.
April 13th, 2013 at 9:13 am
4everkissing glazerbutt
You are frustrated, because I showed everyone you are stupid. And your childish little threats futher prove your stupidity and immaturity.
You aren’t a fan. You just watch the game on TV. You kiss butt here, probably hoping if you kiss enough butt, meybe somebody will send you some tickets!
It’s an embarrassment to the Tampa Bay Area.
April 13th, 2013 at 9:18 am
Sucks to be humiliated, in a battle of Wits. Read poor lil 4everkissingglazerass’s
Humiliation at the “Sal Palantoinio” post yesterday.
But be warned. The blatant slaughter may be offensive to some posters !
Obviously, it has left 4everkissAss in a tantrum! Lol
April 13th, 2013 at 9:22 am
This is exactly what this guy needed. Humility by the fear of being let go and then restructuring his contract. He has something to prove again. If anyone needed a slice of humble pie, its this guy. I’m excited to see how he responds on the field (and off)
April 13th, 2013 at 9:46 am
This just in. Jet’s offer Revis,Sanchez and a 2nd rounder for Blount. Joe what would Sanchez cost us? Don’t the jet’s still pick up the dead money?