Spence Had Multiple Meetings With Bucs Security
May 5th, 2016
Second-round pick Noah Spence
Drafting a player is extremely serious business for Jason Licht, especially in the early rounds.
Second-round pick Noah Spence was one of those players subject to maximum scrutiny this draft season, Licht explained this morning to PFT Live on NBC Sports Radio.
The defensive end was booted from Ohio State following repeated use of Ecstasy. Then at Eastern Kentucky, before playing in a game, Spence was arrested for drunken bottle tossing less than one year ago.
Licht explained how and why the Bucs became Spence-ready, as it relates to his off-the-field game.
“We were as comfortable as we could get with him after meeting with him several times, having my director of security, Andreas Trescastro, meet with him several times,” Licht said. “And also our area scout, our national scouts, everybody involved in the process. Like you said, he owned up to his mistake. We thought he made some immature decisions.
“And we feel like we have a very strong locker room, especially on defense with Gerald McCoy, Lavonte David, some of those guys. With [Spence], we thought he was immature at one point and he’s owned up and now he’s looking to move on. He loves football.
“And if a guy loves football, ala Honey Badger [former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu], I’ll go back to that decision we made [as part of the Arizona Cardinals’ regime]. We think if a guy loves football, and it’s taken away from him, he learned a lesson. And he doesn’t want that to happen again.”
Of course, the Honey Badger, who beat drug problems, is a great NFL story, and he made his first Pro Bowl last year.
Hopefully, Spence will at least be a good citizen and evolve into a versatile pass rusher who sniffs out eight sacks a year. That would make him a sound, second-round pick.
It’s great to hear Licht exhausted so many resources to check out Spence. But Bucs fans know that’s often a slippery road.
Look at Mike Williams, the super-talented Bucs wide receiver whose personal issues dropped him to the fourth round in the 2010 NFL Draft. He had three excellent seasons with Tampa Bay but then fell off the map amid rumors of him engaging in all kinds of NFL-unfriendly habits, not including the notorious stripper pole installed in his living room.
May 5th, 2016 at 12:16 pm
Lets just hope it’s the last time Spence needs to meet with team securtity…
May 5th, 2016 at 12:20 pm
As soon as Mike Williams got paid – he stopped caring much about football.
I trust Licht’s gut feel and his ability to sniff out if a guy truly “loves football” a hell of a lot more than I ever trusted Dom’s perceptions.
May 5th, 2016 at 12:35 pm
Tyrann Mathieu
Remember how so many folks on this blog hated this kid.
Glad to see that – everything has worked out for the young man.
May 5th, 2016 at 12:37 pm
Still like anyone with a stripper pole in their living room.
May 5th, 2016 at 12:38 pm
This is what’s so difficult in drafting a player with prior drug issues. You never know if he’ll fall off the wagon once he has millions in the bank. We can say the same with San Diego’s 3rd pick in the draft, Bosa. At least with Bosa, his ol’ man, who played in the NFL, will kick his butt if he does go back to using Molly. (powdered estascy)
May 5th, 2016 at 12:50 pm
Worth mentioning that Spence has been mentored by Mathieu through this process.
May 5th, 2016 at 1:23 pm
If Williams was not married why the concern for the stripper pole in his home. Even if he was married his wife may have enjoyed it also. Spence, so mature people don’t dabble in drugs.
May 5th, 2016 at 1:38 pm
Spence mentored by Mathieui? Need link plz
May 5th, 2016 at 1:49 pm
Get’em Spawn..
May 5th, 2016 at 1:56 pm
What is the difference between taking a QB with the first pick in the draft after allegations of assaulting a female student and some player who took ecstasy! Maybe Famous Porky can get together with Spence and double date when time permits!
Either way, we are way past caring about off the field transgressions of players being drafted. I know…it is a business…blah…blah..blah! Since when do ethics matter when playing football.
So, Famous Porky and Spence are now Bucs! At this point, what is stopping Jason Licht from picking up Greg Hardy as a free agent! Just win baby!
Greg Schiano
May 5th, 2016 at 2:34 pm
Schiano…why the Famous Porky?
You’re making no sense.
Haven’t you heard.
If you’re going to insult our QB, my QB. Then at the very least get a clue before doing so.
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2016/04/what-happened-to-the-belly/
May 5th, 2016 at 2:42 pm
drunken bottle tossing should be an Olympic sport then maybe people would care about and watch the Olympics again.
Schiano your simply an idiot…. Jameis has more class and has done more good in the bay area community in his short time here than a loser like you could accomplish in a lifetime.
May 5th, 2016 at 3:28 pm
Porky??? Got to be coming from someone with an abnormal waist line.
May 5th, 2016 at 3:31 pm
A guy I’d keep an eye on is Taveon Henrey SS out of NW. I went to a North Western came last time I was in Chicago and that guy showed up. He has great ball skills, hard hitter and athletic but didn’t run the fastest 40 time. Pewter Plank did a in depth review on the guy that’s worth checking out.
May 5th, 2016 at 3:39 pm
@ HarlemBuc
Here’s a story that touches on it: http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/apr/22/noah-spence-nfl-draft-desperate-chance
I read every article on the web about Noah Spence, and listened to any available content where he spoke about his situation…I have heard/seen the Mathieu relationship brought up several times. It doesn’t sound like they’re best buds or anything like that…but Noah looks up to him and has spoken with him about the process a few times.
May 5th, 2016 at 3:41 pm
@ HarlemBuc
http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/04/nfl_draft_2016_bright_future_a.html
There’s another one that goes into a little more.
May 5th, 2016 at 3:49 pm
This guy will be the new Von Miller in the league. Just wait for it Bucs fans.
May 5th, 2016 at 4:13 pm
“Greg Schiano Says:
May 5th, 2016 at 1:56 pm
What is the difference between taking a QB with the first pick in the draft after allegations of assaulting a female student”
I’ve never heard of anyone being on their period for a year. You may want to consult a medical professional about that.
May 5th, 2016 at 4:19 pm
Love and Warrick Dunn
absolutely hilarious…
May 5th, 2016 at 4:30 pm
@Greg Schiano
You have a lot in common with the real Greg Schiano…you’re both idiots.
May 5th, 2016 at 4:47 pm
Spence is going to tear up the NFC South and break Brees in half.
Agree, guys need to love football or pass on them. Mike Williams loved to rap and party more than football. #CaveManGang
May 5th, 2016 at 4:53 pm
The JBF “Nole Patro”l won’t put up with Winston insults.
Yes you can steal that term. It’s a Buc1987 original.
May 5th, 2016 at 4:53 pm
Damn I need my glasses…
May 5th, 2016 at 4:56 pm
If I had my choice between an energy drink, PEDs or E……I’d choose E….so at least Spence had the right priorities… Let’s hope he’s grown up and plays to his potential.
May 5th, 2016 at 5:01 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo’s drug of choice was…..Peyote…..and before that it was Acapulco Gold….notice….Pablo said…was…Pablo is drug free and keeps his body in top shape working on Pasco County roofs and table dancing for amigos including 87 & the Realist….Pablo was invited to dance at MW19’s place….but Pablo doesn’t do poles”
May 5th, 2016 at 5:05 pm
Not to go off on a tangent but, If we can b half as good on D as we were in 02-03… We will win the Super Bowl (relax literal people) I may have started tipping em a wee bit early I kno I kno… Check it tho, our Offense is shaping up to b SCARY GOOD, only additions, no subtractions, year 2 with Jameis “the body” Winston… And freaking out with joy, can’t wait to see the use of the “SUPERBACK”!!!
All excitement aside, if we repeat the performance on D from last year, I might have to seek professional help. <^%^£¥*^}|%BUCS BABY!!!
May 5th, 2016 at 5:07 pm
I think the drool on my phones screen might have ruined the rest of my rant, not like any of u made it thru it anyways lol
May 5th, 2016 at 5:07 pm
TBBF…lmao so true. Choose the E and enjoy it.
Yes Pablo doesn’t do poles. Best table dancer in Pasco County though.
May 5th, 2016 at 6:07 pm
steal of the draft !
May 5th, 2016 at 6:22 pm
ARGH_M8E…2 more years.
May 5th, 2016 at 6:45 pm
I believe the kid has turned it around, we’ll see what happens. One issue I have though is people talking about falling off the wagon. He was doing molly, that’s not an addictive drug, going to drug rehab for that is really over the top. Not doing molly is as simple as having self control and not doing it. At the same time when I was his age what drugs wouldn’t you do if you had a chance to do them? Doing drugs is fun, there’s a reason people will risk getting arrested in order to do them. But because you’re 18, 19, 20 and you do a drug it doesn’t mean you’re an addict that is going to “fall off the wagon” it generally means you’re just a dumb kid who got caught. For the so-called public drunkenness, I read the article and if it’s what happened then whatever, again he’s just being dumb. He was drinking and threw bottles into the street, when the cops asked him about it he admitted he did it and said it was stupid for doing it. Again that’s the sign to me of not a terrible person, but of someone who is just immature, as most males aged 18-25 are. I think he’ll be fine, but if he has problems it’s because he’s an a-hole, not a victim of ‘addiction’.
May 5th, 2016 at 7:26 pm
Even though molly is not considered addictive, some of the ingredients used to make it are considered addictive.
May 5th, 2016 at 7:38 pm
He was finisher and although we were pining for Ogbah I think its safe to say we’re both hella excited about this addition to this team. I can’t believe we landed this young man. How are they gonna deal wit him and GMC man.
May 5th, 2016 at 7:54 pm
Defensive Ends don’t typically put up crazy numbers in their first year, but I have a feeling Spence has aonething prove and a chip on his shoulder. I hope he comes out swinging, just like Ali Marpet did last year.
May 5th, 2016 at 8:25 pm
It’s on like donkey kong in leopard thong!!! Like light switches and drunk______’s!!!!
May 5th, 2016 at 8:29 pm
Bucs will be Superbowl Champions this season.
Drops the mic
May 5th, 2016 at 8:36 pm
*picks up the mic and clarifies the fact that Eric started drinking early tonight.
May 5th, 2016 at 8:43 pm
Rod Munch….excellent post.
I didn’t grow up until I was 40. Even now it’s debatable.
May 5th, 2016 at 8:46 pm
@ Rod Munch.
If the amount of drugs one consumed between the ages of 18 to 25 (14 to 40 in my case) was a prohibiter, then I wouldn’t even be able to access the internet yet alone post here. I took longer than most to ‘grow up’. I just hope that NS has seen the light.
May 5th, 2016 at 8:46 pm
LOL 87 we posted that ish at the same time
May 5th, 2016 at 9:38 pm
17 to 49
May 5th, 2016 at 9:45 pm
There is a good chance that Noah Spence is an addict/alcoholic. Most people never get thrown out of the Big Ten for life and then get arrested again soon after. Maybe he is going to meetings and confronting his demons. I don’t know. Maybe it was just immaturity but I doubt it. If he really is an addict, though, and he is not going to AA or NA meetings on a regular basis then I can almost guarantee that we haven’t seen the last of this behavior. See Johnny Manziel.
May 5th, 2016 at 9:53 pm
People who use molly / x are not addicts.
If he has issues with alcohol, that could be a different story.
People do grow up. My circle of friends partied scary hard though high school, college, even a bit after. The vast majority of us are all successful, productive members of society now.
And this kid literally has millions of reasons to grow up, whereas most of us,did not at that age. Seems like Licht & co did a pretty damn good job scouting Jamies, so I’ll trust their evaluation of Spence.
May 5th, 2016 at 10:05 pm
Drugs?
I’m a former Dead Head.
May 5th, 2016 at 10:12 pm
LOL I’ve let the cat out of the bag.
Now you guys know why I’m so nutty.
Far right conservative ex-hippy from Massachusetts.
Oh and not to go too political on the site, but I’m only voting for local crap and such in November. I’m leaving the top of the ticket blank. Enjoy that one. lol
May 5th, 2016 at 10:16 pm
“Far right conservative ex-hippy from Massachusetts”
87,
First – LOL.
Second – why do so many heads from Mass end up in San Diego? It’s like 70% if the people I’ve become friends with in this city since moving here. Gotta be more than the weather.
May 5th, 2016 at 10:22 pm
Hmmm I don’t know. I wound up in San Diego too once. Wound up in TJ more often than not on the weekends. Wore my Vinny jersey while strolling Pacific Beach lots of times, with foolish pride.
I don’t know about the heads though. Perhaps it’s a Cali thing in general.
Go Bucs Joe!
May 5th, 2016 at 10:52 pm
Just wondering, is our 4 years of these crappy jerseys up yet? Can we please go back to something more traditional.
May 5th, 2016 at 11:09 pm
If you’re still doing hard drugs at 40 you might have a problem. Then again if you’re doing hard drugs at 40 and you’ve been successful and it hasn’t impacted your life, then you know how to handle yourself, so congrats. For me the cutoff is 25, to be held to the same standards as these football players, where you can’t do anything in that 18-25 range, it’s pretty amazing to me people get so fake outraged about it.
May 5th, 2016 at 11:17 pm
Jimbo…I’d the creams back over these things.
May 5th, 2016 at 11:23 pm
I had a pole installed in my living room. Told the wife it was a firehouse pole.
May 6th, 2016 at 12:31 am
If Spence didn’t have these past issues, he wouldn’t of made it to us in the 2d round. Escpecially with the hype he had and some say he was better than Bosa at Ohio State. Also I bet his case is no different than the reports of Elliot and Bosas drug use, it was probably just something he got into cause his teammates were doing it.
May 6th, 2016 at 12:48 am
Saw a brief interview with Spence on buccaneers.com… Wow, is he dull. I hope he’s not as dumb as he seemed in the interview.
May 6th, 2016 at 6:39 am
Yeah but the Honey Badger was not taken at the top of the second round. Just saying. Who are we to be rolling the dice ? Hopefully it works but this organization has taken way too many chances with high draft picks
May 6th, 2016 at 7:57 am
First off I love the new jerseys, wish we had a pewter one for our alternates. Maybe we will see them on TNF when we play the falcons. Both of us can’t wear red.
And to me it seems Noah has learned from his experience and is very Humbed by the whole ordeal. So he got caught up in the party scene at college for a min, It’s not like he’s a full blown heroin addict. I’m not gonna lie I took my fair share of X in my younger days. (The most fun I ever had on a drug btw) and I grew out of that phase in my life. It’s apart of being young, it’s a phase in your young life that most ppl grow out of when they mature. And from the videos of Spence that I’ve seen it seems he has done just that. He’s a smart kid and only a immature idiot like “Jonny alcohol” is gonna throw away his chance to make millions by playing the greatest game on this earth. I think he will become one hell of football player for us and terrorize QB’s for a long time. I will become a big fan of #57 on sundays.
(Odd # for a DE btw.)
May 6th, 2016 at 10:28 am
@Salish
He’s not dumb…he just doesn’t like to talk. I’ve seen/heard him more comfortable at times…but generally, he’s not much of talker. He does his talking on the field and at practice…on every single rep.
May 6th, 2016 at 10:31 am
Glad to see some people who have a clue what they’re talking about when it comes to ecstasy/molly. I don’t do drugs, but practically all of my close friends do, and they do molly occasionally. There’s nothing addictive about it.
The way they talk about it on the radio you’d think they found this kid in a bathroom with a needle in his arm shooting heroine. Also worth mentioning that tons of NFL players have done molly, and when they get busted for it they just blame it on Adderall for pc purposes…see: Von Miller and Wes Welker.
Noah has seen the light…he loves football and does not want it taken away from him again. He had to watch his brothers with a national championship without him…he will not rest until he makes up for that.
May 6th, 2016 at 6:49 pm
Molly dependence vs. addiction
Because Molly is a recreational drug, addiction is more likely when you take MDMA for effect. However, addiction and physical dependence are two separate clinical conditions. Dependence happens when the body has adapted to the continued presence of MDMA in the system and presents withdrawal symptoms once you stop taking it. Prolonged abuse of Molly can completely alter the brain chemistry to the point that cognitive behavior is only normal with the presence of the drug inside the body. At this point, the body is physically addicted to Molly. But most Molly users are not this extreme.
On the other hand, addiction may be present because the added psychological element of seeking out Molly even though it is hurting your body or your life may be more likely. Addiction can also involve seeking out the drug to self-medicate and mitigate the lack of pleasure and stimuli in your life. Simply taking Molly over time can lead to an addiction and negative relationship with the drug.