Would Richie Incognito Come Glazer Approved?
August 25th, 2014
We searched for a man who would not only command respect among his players, but stand tall as a symbol for our team in this community. It was easy, not because we knew Lovie from his previous time here, but because he fit our criteria perfectly. — Bucs owner Bryan Glazer, January 2014.
Yes, the Bucs are visiting today with Richie Incognito, the notorious 31-year-old unemployed guard who makes Mike Williams look like a mischievous Boy Scout.
This afternoon, Lovie Smith was peppered by local media on why former Pro Bowler and slur-hurling Incognito is being studied closely by the Bucs now but wasn’t earlier this year. (Keep in mind unrestricted free agents Jamon Meredith and Oneil Cousins were signed to play guard this offseason.)
Lovie didn’t really offer a direct answer to the question of, ‘Why now?’ (You watch Lovie react here.)
Of course, the answer should be clear. The Bucs are hurting for acceptable guard play so they’re going where no other NFL team has gone — into the sewer to sniff Incognito.
Joe pulled the above quote from Bryan Glazer when he introduced Lovie as head coach in January, and it makes Joe wonder whether Team Glazer would approve of Lovie signing a confirmed evildoer like Incognito.
Is that what the Buccaneers want “as a symbol for our team in this community?”
Joe can’t speak for Team Glazer.
Greg Schiano said one of the “mandates” when he was hired was to clean up the team’s image. So it’s pretty darn clear to Joe that Team Glazer wants a great reputation, a prideful image, one players fans can be proud to support. Yes, these were the same owners who let rockstar general manager Mark Dominik re-sign serial sleaze Jerramy Stevens, but it sure seems like things have changed since then.
As Lovie said, Incognito is only visiting. No need to overreact. But a visit is still a statement, just like the statement Lovie made when he didn’t visit with Incognito weeks or months ago.
August 25th, 2014 at 4:42 pm
Bottom line, Joe(s),
We have sucked for far too long. Ever since Gruden, we have been a darn joke of a team.
We need to make the playoffs, bad.
The time is now, and if our OGs were better players we wouldn’t need to sign Incognito.
August 25th, 2014 at 4:43 pm
He would not fit with their vision, but it would only be for a year, unless he does a good job. Then I suppose he could be offered another contract.
August 25th, 2014 at 4:45 pm
The oline may not have been great before, but Lovie and Licht have made it worse. I understand they needed the money, but they should have fixed it in stages.
August 25th, 2014 at 4:46 pm
IMO, the dude is gonna be walking on eggshells after his actions being blown up by the media. I don’t condone what he did, but in all honesty we could use him after L&L foolishly destroyed half our O-line. I highly doubt he will repeat his actions if signed and he would very likely make the roster because he is talented.
August 25th, 2014 at 4:52 pm
The ability to hire is the ability to fire. Form a solid 1 year contract with every clause possible for behavior. If he acts up in any way, cut him. What he did is not the greatest NFL player transgression. Anyway, if he gets back to 2012 Pro Bowl form, all will be forgiven in a hurry.
August 25th, 2014 at 4:53 pm
We should not forget that upgrading the Guard position is about much more–like health. The health of Doug Martin, Josh McCown, and the other Olinemen on the field.
August 25th, 2014 at 4:53 pm
@WalkdaPlank,
They said the same thing with T.O. Same was said with Albert Haynesworth. Same has been said about countless other players. How did that work out? People tend not to change. They just can’t help it.
August 25th, 2014 at 4:54 pm
Bonzai,
Our line can’t possibly be any worse. I am sorry, but c’mon man! What Buccaneer, that was cut/traded by L&L, went on to make MORE money in their new destination?
Mark Dominick not only sucked at acquiring depth/winning games/pretty much at being an NFL GM, but he also overpaid guys.
Penn, Zuttah, even Revis, etc.
We needed to clear the books, because for the money we should have had a damn good OL in past years.
Mark Dominick is another reason why Incognito is a possibility, as Dom would pride himself on not drafting OL.
August 25th, 2014 at 4:54 pm
Haha Joe is all but having a tantrum about this whole thing.
August 25th, 2014 at 4:55 pm
Hawaiian,
T.O. held up his end of the bargain in Philly and Cinci.
Donovan McNabb choked/puked under pressure in the SB. As I recall, T.O. came back from a broken leg and TORE IT UP.
Say what you will about the man as a person, but he was a helluva football player.
August 25th, 2014 at 5:04 pm
Evildoer?? Good lord let’s keep this in perspective. The guy is guilty of being a douche. THAT IS IT. Btw, after all those text messages came out- it is that sissy, 2 faced Martin that looks more like the bad guy in that scenario. Incognito is also not a racist. The black guys on the team were down with him, that’s why they made him “an honorary black guy.” Pounce in particular obviously had no prob with him saying the n word (with an A, and yes that makes a difference.) I swear some of you are such nerds about this whole thing and lack total Context of how some groups of dudes talk. Besides, I don’t want my road grater offensive guard to be ghandi. I want him to be a person that likes to hit people and is a bit of a dik.
August 25th, 2014 at 5:06 pm
How embarrassing for do-no-wrong Lovie and his lapdog GM. The last thing they want is a Ritchie Incognito media circus less than 2 weeks before opening day but they screwed up the oline situation so bad in the offseason and this is how desperate they are. What a mess!
August 25th, 2014 at 5:06 pm
I hear ya Hawaiian, but Incognito had no history of this before Jonathon Martin, right? The entire country viewed him as a bully and hated him. A 1 year contract to see how he does with a no BS attitude from Lovie would certainly not hurt. I don’t support what he did, but I do believe in second chances and, again, I guarantee you he will be walking on eggshells.
August 25th, 2014 at 5:08 pm
Omg… Joe will you stop crying . You sound
Worse than the manziel boy crush you had! I think
Incognito can only improve the guard play
August 25th, 2014 at 5:09 pm
The bottom line is they obviously need a guard. Talent wise, Incognito is probably the best free agent available. The downside is all the baggage. I wouldn’t want to be Lovie trying to explain to ownership why/how this would be a good signing for the team after jettisoning a capable player in Joseph and a good community guy to boot. Joseph had a down year, coming back from a knee injury, but he could’ve locked down the RG position for the next year or two. It would’ve given Lovie time to find a capable replacement.
August 25th, 2014 at 5:10 pm
@ tampa 2 good post i agree
August 25th, 2014 at 5:12 pm
I’m sure this was discussed with the Glazers before the invite for a visit was ever given. Have to agree, “evil doer” is a bit over the top, you make it sound like he’ on the FBI’s most wanted list.
August 25th, 2014 at 5:15 pm
I don’t care how the media spins this – the staff did their due diligence and determined the current guards are not sufficient for starter quality OG.
I trust Lovie and this guy I’m sure regrets the decisions he’s made. The media is just as guilty for causing much of the rutkus!
I don’t want you Joe to refer to him as sleez bag or any name – call him by his name because that’s the right thing to do and using slang reference is just as guilty as the rumored name calling!
Go L&L! It’s a Bucs Life!!!
August 25th, 2014 at 5:15 pm
Wish folks would stop judging him solely on his time with the Dolphins and look at his whole body of work since he joined the Rams in 2005.
He’s had problems every single year. This isn’t his second chance, it’s his 10th chance at least. Makes Charlie Sheen (‘Anger Management’) look like a choir boy.
Our OL needs help … but not like this.
August 25th, 2014 at 5:18 pm
Cripes, the guy is not an ax murderer or father rapist. He’s got a big mouth.
And a big body with skill that the team needs.
Few in the NFL are choir boys.
I’m not aware of any former teammates in Miami who have thrown the guy under the bus. To me it was Martin who blew this thing waaaay out of proportion, like he got sand in his female genitals.
This guy pales in comparison to some of the jerks that were Buc players from the recent past.
I’d have a MUCH bigger problem if the team tried to sign crybaby Martin instead of RI.
August 25th, 2014 at 5:23 pm
It has become a weapon.
a media bully pulpit
August 25th, 2014 at 5:26 pm
Cobraboy Says:
August 25th, 2014 at 5:18 pm
Cripes, the guy is not an ax murderer or father rapist. He’s got a big mouth.
_____________
Exactly my sentiments. Not sure this man has ever even been arrested. He’s never tried taking a loaded gun onto an airplane. He’s never been caught for driving around with weed. Good God, it would be one thing if our roster was made up of choir boy virgins, but it isn’t. Give it a rest Joe!
August 25th, 2014 at 5:29 pm
what if he’s genuinely contrite, and takes his punishment? He could be a symbol for the changing mentality of the pro football locker room.
August 25th, 2014 at 5:58 pm
joe, stfu. We need this and even Pouncie likes him. Martin is a sissy.
August 25th, 2014 at 6:13 pm
Wow Joe Really..
August 25th, 2014 at 6:19 pm
Now there is a helluva endorsement. What next, backed by the Aaron Hernandez?
August 25th, 2014 at 6:58 pm
I read the article, the Dolphins asked Richie to toughen up Martin. They knew what was up. Martin was the only one expecting a navy seal workout!
August 25th, 2014 at 7:05 pm
I like Incognito. All of his former teammates love Incognito.
The only people who don’t like Incognito are Martin, The Media, and a few outside pus who never played Football- or any sport involving Male teammates.
Every NFL teammate of Incognito – every single one! Supported Ritchie.
Yes- he is an Aggressive, Loud, guy. So Are the Majority of NFL players.
I would love to Have Probowl guard Ritchie Incognito on this team!
Don’t the Players have a large say in Oting for the Probowl? Guess they didn’t have issues with the guy.
Bet I don’t see the Pus Martin in any Probowls! Football is a mans sport- and he isn’t a man. Anybody who sends all of his personnel text to his Mommy- for Review- isn’t a man.
I would not support the team- if they signed Martin
Incognito?- Come on Down!! And feel free to tighten up some of those sissies on our O-line.
The Ritchie haters out there can go hug a tree, or chat with your inner child, or whatever lil flowers like you do
August 25th, 2014 at 7:24 pm
@ captain tim…….here here u echo you’re sentiments
August 25th, 2014 at 7:36 pm
As one Bass player to another- thank you brother!
August 25th, 2014 at 9:20 pm
enough turds!