“This Is The NFL. Everyone Has Baggage”
August 25th, 2014
Richie Incognito was a hot topic in the Bucs locker room
Tampa Bay center Evan Dietrich-Smith opened up this afternoon about the Bucs potentially signing checkered guard Richie Incognito.
Dietrich-Smith, a clear leader already on the Bucs’ offensive line, said he would expect an Incognito signing to draw a private chat with veterans in the Bucs locker room.
“Obviously, if they think he can help us win, they’ll bring him in,” Dietrich-Smith said of Incognito. “Lovie always talks about if you bring a guy into the locker room, you gotta accept the guy, you know, make him feel he’s part of the Bucs.
Dietrich-Smith said he was certain Incognito would be spoken to by management about assuming tame role in the locker room. And he and his veteran teammates would chat with Incognito, too.
“I think some of the older guys would have something to say to him. It wouldn’t be negative or anything like that,” Dietrich-Smith said. “I don’t think they would let the man in the locker room if they felt that it wasn’t going to be a good fit.”
The Bucs center added: “This is the NFL. Everyone has baggage.”
Demar Dotson said he would welcome Incognito and would like to talk to him “man-to-man” but not about his transgressions. “Everybody deserves a second chance at life. I think that this is his second chance,” Dotson said.
On Incognito’s past racist commentary, Dotson said he’d be “hoping that’s not how you feel inside.”
Yes, baggage is everywhere, as Dietrich-Smith said. Lovie Smith, however, would have to make his team believe Incognito’s dirty laundry in his dirty baggage is worth the investment of their trust.
August 25th, 2014 at 12:49 pm
I love the idea bc Incognito would make us significantly better. I have been promoting him since February
August 25th, 2014 at 12:50 pm
I have no problem with this. After the events of last year you know he will be on his best behavior. He’s lucky to have a job. If he gets it.
August 25th, 2014 at 12:50 pm
Bringing in Incognito is not something I would have suggested nor did I envision it happening. But I gotta applaud Lovie for taking a look or even signing Incognito because he wants to win. He probably has a clear remembrance of spending days in his basement last year and doesn’t want to go there again. So my props for doing something bold that may actually help his team win.
Then remember, like Dungy, Lovie is a deeply religious man who believes in retribution and second chances. I have no problem with Lovie making this move if he is willing to invest the time and human capital to make it work. This team could use a healthy dose of testosterone to get younger players believing they can win. If anybody has a chance of making a success of this, Lovie Smith would get my vote!
August 25th, 2014 at 12:51 pm
I dont think Richie is going to pull any more stunts like he used to. He knows this could be his last stop in the NFL
The real question is how would our locker room and coaching staff treat him?
August 25th, 2014 at 12:53 pm
I like it.
It kinda sounds like Lovie’s been preparing for this for a little bit by “always” saying to accept whoever comes into the locker room. Make the team better and lets play football!
August 25th, 2014 at 12:55 pm
If he keeps McCown off his arse bring him in.
August 25th, 2014 at 12:57 pm
And here we were told there’s no way Lovie brings in a “cancer” like Incognito? That is almost as dramatic a 180 as a 90% guarantee Glennon would be traded before the draft and Tampa would be drafting a QB in the 2014 draft. Fluid situations 🙂
August 25th, 2014 at 12:57 pm
He has graded out positive for the past 6 seasons. This locker room with this coach will not allow any disruptions from him. They know what they are getting. He makes the team better. Plain and simple.
August 25th, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone…..
Anyway, perhaps the guy learned a pretty painful lesson in Miami, it’s a matter of how much he loves and/or misses playing football…..
…and what he is willing to do, deportmentwise to earn another shot.
August 25th, 2014 at 12:59 pm
Macabee, I agree with almost everything you said. But I’m going to assume that you meant that Lovie and Father Tony believe in redemption, as opposed to retribution. That’s more of an Old Testament belief…
August 25th, 2014 at 1:01 pm
everyone has been whining about the guards and now there might be an upgrade and many are acting like morons not wanting to bring the guy in. Risk-reward that is what we have. The guy can play and he would help us win which is what everyone wants. hes not coming to be a role model and if the players accept him so be it. Go L&L.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:02 pm
If anyone can keep players in line, It’s Lovie.
Lets give him a chance, and maybe he’ll be a ‘feel good story’ for the Super Bowl.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Would rather suck without him than be good with him. He is a bad guy, plain and simple.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:03 pm
now people want to be all holier than – the locker room has leaders and he will not repeat the same behavior.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:04 pm
As long as L&L get honest feedback from the team before signing, I have no problems with this. Our O-Line sucks.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:04 pm
Lovie and Licht screwed the pooch with the guard position. I’m more angry with them waiting to sign this turd then the (potential) signing itself.
Our starting guards are going to get their first action in the final preseason game. That’s not how to GM.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:07 pm
Joe, If this signing happens I will start drinking immediately even if I am still at work. In celebration. The final piece of the puzzle starting to come together. Plug Incognito left side Rishaw right side and we will be in business with a rock solid O-line
August 25th, 2014 at 1:08 pm
Well done Lovie. If he’s better than what he have then bring him in. He’s done nothing that makes him undeserving of another chance.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:12 pm
They said it perfect Lovie wouldn’t let the guy in the Locker Room if they didn’t feel like he has made a change in his attitude. He is a tough nose football player and been around league now for awhile, honestly I would love to see the guy bounce back and repair his image because like Dotson said everyone deserves a second chance and in the process help us WIN!!!! Because we all know thats what it is all about. I think he is a upgrade at guard and so does the front office.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:15 pm
Hey,
If anyone is looking for this years BUCs jerseys for only $25/max and $0 shipping,here ya go! I have a ‘david 54’ red one and they’re the real deal!
my contribution:
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/713659
August 25th, 2014 at 1:15 pm
I think everybody has needed a second chance at one time or another and people can change, and it is not like he beat a woman or other things nfl players have done and still allowed to play..
August 25th, 2014 at 1:15 pm
Grab assing among men or beating up women. We have two confirmed women beaters playing in the league now. Please save the hypocritical rightgeous indignation by all who are now whing about bringing this guy in.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:16 pm
also, order 1-2 sizes bigger than what you think.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:18 pm
whats with all this racist crap? because he used the N word????
If there was the equivalent of the N word for white people that offended us it would be used on CNN and be ok.
he’s in a locker room full of black guys. it’s probably used 100 times a day.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:19 pm
Sign him and we are already better at the line. If he acts up, cut him. No biggie.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:19 pm
@mort are you serious? YOu are satisfied with 4-12 every year? Cmon man, we should exepect L & L to put the best product available on the field for the city and the fans to be successful, as stated there are plenty of NFLers with baggage, give the dude a chance I believe he also was awarded the dolphins man of the year in 2012…..GO BUCS
August 25th, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Great Move! Incognito was a 2012 Probowler. All of his teammates stood up for Incognito- not Martin- when questioned or interviewed.
I think you’ll find Incognito is no “Meaner” than Rishaw Johnson, who I think will be our other starting guard or years.
Rishaw has a reputation almost as bad as Incognitos around the league. Both are loud, fierce tough guys.
Once those two learn their way around- Josh will have a clean jersey.
Bravo, L&L! A good move. Adding a Probowl talent for nothing!
August 25th, 2014 at 1:25 pm
I really don’t want him in a Bucs uni, but if L&L sign him then I will be pulling for him.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:27 pm
BucFanInArkansas,
Nice get. I did mean redemption. Retribution is receiving fully deserved punishment, which I think Incognito has already received. Good looking out!
August 25th, 2014 at 1:30 pm
I have a question.
If a guy is an “honorary brother” is he not allowed to use the N word around the people that gave him that title? Like if you had a white friend you called an honorary brother, would you be ticked off if he called you that in a phone call? Sure, if he said it into a microphone on a podium it wouldn’t be kosher. I ask only to understand the social politics of it all. Obviously, I am not an honorary brother, of I would already know the answer lol. I just find it hard that someone could be called a racist if they have tons of friends from different ethnicities.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:34 pm
I wouldn’t mind bringing him in. Our offense needs a little fight in it.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Likely Incognito a smoke screen/bargaining chip more than a serious situation. 1st they can feel this all out in case they are forced to consider him for improvement in this weak line. If they have some others in mind or trades in the works he drives the price down for the other players they might trade for with him hanging out there as a possible OG.
Maybe he has finally figured things out but either way the players will figure him out very quickly and let L&L know what they think.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:35 pm
good thing is, he wont have to pay for extra baggage at the aiport.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:39 pm
I think signing this probowler is an excellent idea and upgrade to what we have..
along with our new jerseys that we can get under $24 with no shipping..
August 25th, 2014 at 1:44 pm
is that jersey site legit?
August 25th, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Literally looking under every rock for help…
August 25th, 2014 at 1:46 pm
Must say, this is one of the more humorous comment sections I’ve read in a long time. I know we appear to be desperate for OLine help, but Incognito? Really?
This guy’s got a very colorful history (to say the least). He came into the league in 2005 with the Rams, and was waived in Dec 2009 for ‘losing his composure’ (heated argument on the sidelines … with his head coach no less). That’s after 4 years of incredible behavior. Was picked up off waivers by the Bills in Dec 2009 and played 3 games for them (Bills didn’t resign him). Miami picked him up in 2010 and he made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2012 (‘course we all know of his ‘indiscretions’ in 2013).
He was voted as the dirtiest player in the league in 2009 … by the NFL players. His record of ‘indiscretions’ with both the Rams and Dolphins is incredible. For kicks, Google it and check it out.
I know we need to upgrade our OLine, especially the guards, and also believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Also sure that Lovie would keep him on a very short leash.
But maybe, just maybe, there’s a reason that no other NFL team has even brought him in for a look-see.
Navy has a term for it: Loose cannon on the deck.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:46 pm
100%. ive ordered 1 jersey (david #54 red XXL) but i had to go one up to XXXL.
my friends have ordered over 8 jerseys between the 3 of them.
its legit.
expect 8 days- 2 weeks for delivery… it is AWESOME!!!
August 25th, 2014 at 1:49 pm
I think they should look at Alex Boone
August 25th, 2014 at 1:49 pm
They were seemingly stubborn to address this but it’s simply not worth bitching about at this point.
Fix it.
August 25th, 2014 at 1:49 pm
look under the ‘feedback’ tab and they’re are people posting legit pictures of the jesery.
Sorry, Joe doesn’t do links unless they’re very relevant to the post.–Joe
August 25th, 2014 at 2:02 pm
If Ray Rice can play in the NFL for punching
out women…than Incognito can be given a
second chance.
August 25th, 2014 at 2:04 pm
If Ray Rice can be allowed to play in the NFL, than Incognito
can play for saying a racial slur. Everyone has said a racial slur
and those who say they haven’t are lying.
August 25th, 2014 at 2:06 pm
this guy learned his lesson.
big time!
i guarantee he comes in, shuts his mouth and plays HARDASS football.
i am pumped about this!
August 25th, 2014 at 2:17 pm
Everyone makes mistakes in life and deserves a second chance. We have enough leadership in the locker room to keep it together and keep him in check!
He would come cheap, be on a very short leash and fill a massive hole we desperatly need for our offense to produce what we potentially have!
August 25th, 2014 at 2:20 pm
T-DUB …. Thanks for the Bucs Shirt Info!!!
August 25th, 2014 at 2:22 pm
Well at least nfl.com is talking about us.
August 25th, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Bold — Big Time. Nice move! Cheap and good does not come around often. Incognito knows this is his last chance. He will likely work hard to earn it.
August 25th, 2014 at 2:28 pm
The should sign Incognito and get Boone. We need all the help we can get.
T-DUB, thanks for the heads up on that jersey site.
August 25th, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Perhaps part of the private veteran conversation should include, “Hey, which one of you wants to actually block for the QB?”
August 25th, 2014 at 2:34 pm
Incognito was South Beach man of the year in 2012. Donald Sterling NAACP man of the year 2013. Both have black girlfriends. Sounds good to me!! Sign Cog now!!
August 25th, 2014 at 2:47 pm
I don’t condone “Bullying” but I played DE in my youth and I’ve been kicked, bitten,spit on, and found that my dear mother had terrible reputation. As a freshman in college I was hazed and forced to do push-ups in the mud at 3 AM in a driving rain storm. It is what it is. Anybody who has lined up on Saturday or Sunday knows what I am talking about. If Incognito can block bring him in. If he causes trouble in the locker room kick him out (or even better give him a dose of his own medicine.)
August 25th, 2014 at 3:25 pm
Ok I visit joebucsfan everyday and I read everyone’s comments and rarely comment but we have had murderers, rapists, wife beaters, gang members, druggies, etc.. If Incognito helps us win than let’s sign him. It’s Gerold McCoys locker room he will not let it be infected by trash, shoot he is able to grab his teammates by arm and walk them back to the huddle. If Incognito gives us the best chance to win more games than 4 well lets sign him at least he is not gay.
August 25th, 2014 at 3:50 pm
I have no problem with him here. If he can help get the job done fine. And if he used the N word it may have been a slip just like when Blacks get in fights with each other.. People that hang around African Americans hear it all the time. If you don’t think it is used out of any player out of all 32 teams or sports your a fool. I don’t see TMZ at the movies because the N word was used. Is it right? NO. I would like to hear what Lovie and McCoy say if he signs. I think everyone trust Gerald.
August 25th, 2014 at 3:52 pm
I’ll say it again, I’d rather have Incognito than Martin EVERY day of the week. This is football, not golf.
Bullying in football?! What a joke!
If he can play…
August 25th, 2014 at 4:51 pm
We could have smash your Ferrari day!!
August 25th, 2014 at 6:16 pm
Everybody deserves another chance. Hopefully Incognito will learn from his mistakes. He will probably be on his best behaviour, at least when it comes to his teammates. Tampa has a strong leadership core, and guys like McCoy and McCown will not allow anyone on this team to openly engage in that type of behaviour. Our locker room already has a great attitude and I don’t think there is any opportunity for the kind of harassment that allegedly happened in Miami. That being said, I don’t think that Incognito will be a long term solution for our offensive line.
August 25th, 2014 at 6:50 pm
I say, let the players decide if they want him. He has been through the NFL counselling, and has earned a second chance.
August 25th, 2014 at 8:22 pm
Does this mean that we can give Josh Freeman a second chance? Just asking. I’m quite sure that Incognito has learned a lesson from this mishap, and would be put on a short leash. If the club has good leadership amongst the players then they also would not let him get out of line.