Koetter Says He Has Nothing To Add To The Jameis Conversation
November 22nd, 2017
Dirk Koetter speaks
Joe asked .500 head coach Dirk Koetter about the Jameis Winston investigation today.
It’s the talk of the town, unfortunately. And with all the unknowns in the alleged incident, Joe wanted to see if Koetter had any words of insight for fans as they chat and mow down turkey and watch football tomorrow.
JoeBucsFan.com: Coach, there’ll be a lot fans and just people across the Bay area tomorrow, Thanksgiving, talking about the Jameis Winston investigation. Is there anything that you’d want them to know or consider while they talk about it?
Dirk Koetter: No. Because I can’t talk about it. That is in the hands of the NFL right now. And we’re cooperating with that investigation to whatever extent that is I don’t even know. There’s just nothing I can say about it right now. It’s got to run its course. And when it does, we’ll have more to say at that time.
JoeBucsFan.com: Can you say when you first learned of it?
Koetter: I learned when we were on the field, coming off the field on Friday.
So there you have it.
Sage JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman followed up to ask Koetter if he likes how his team has handled this potential distraction.
“So far so good,” Koetter said.
November 22nd, 2017 at 3:50 pm
Question had to be asked even though you knew the likely response….thanks Joe….
I don’t know about you but Jameis’ situation will not be a topic at my table.
November 22nd, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“The topic around Pablo’s dia de Gratias table will be (from Pablo’s many, many, many Childrens) Papi what am I getting for Navidad?” and, perhaps “pass the turkey tacos por favor.” Pablo wishes all his JBF amigos….Happy Thanksgiving” ***Note*** Pablo will not be dancing tomorrow so 87, Realist & Tmaxcon will have to wait.”
November 22nd, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Koetter seems beat down from the constant distractions….Hard Knocks, the hurricane, kickers, injuries, Evans suspended, Gruden rumors, now this Uber thing….The fact this team is showing life after all that and without the starting QB, he’s doing a solid job.
November 22nd, 2017 at 4:04 pm
Thank you Joe for asking. I for one am starting to feel a little sorry for Koetter having to deal with everything he has had to deal with or as mentioned by Bobby M.
I do not envy you Dirk.
Happy Thanksgiving to all Joe’s, Bucs, and Fans here and everywhere.
November 22nd, 2017 at 4:07 pm
@Pablo
Contento Thanksgiving and Feliz Navidad!
November 22nd, 2017 at 4:10 pm
Unfortunately Coaches and players will have to answer questions about this probably into next year.
November 22nd, 2017 at 4:11 pm
@Joe
This is the part of your job I do not envy. The questions that need to be asked but take come cojones…very uncomfortable.
I get Dan Lucas needs to maintain relationships but his last “corner” completely avoided that question and even my wife was like…what?
DK’s non answer does tell us something. The NFL and the Bucs are taking this VERY SERIOUSLY. I’m sure a legal memo was passed around pointing out to all players and coaches…stay away from this topic until it’s resolved. May not satisfy we fans but I TOTALLY get this position.
November 22nd, 2017 at 4:11 pm
It is painful to say so, but the Bucs need to start looking for a qualified, semi-permanent backup for Jameis, a younger guy, in the mold of a Jimmy Garrapolo. This investigation will not be over until the postseason, at which time he will still be a he/he said, she said. In the current envirnoment, it doesn’t matter who is right and who is wrong. A sexual harassment allegation, again given the current environment, will be believed. So the Bucs need to prepare for losing Jameis for the first 6 games of the 2018 season. Without a qualified backup, we should expect a 2-4 record, at best. That means the more likely outcome for 2018 season is again, no playoffs.
I’m willing to bet that Mike Glennon will be available. Yes, I know, he is immobile but he is also accurate with good pass blocking. At this point, I don’t have a better idea.
November 22nd, 2017 at 4:17 pm
Seminole Bill
I do not disagree with your post other than to offer this ray of hope.
We are clearly down to the number of passengers in the vehicle. If somebody can prove conclusively beyond a shadow of a doubt how many were in the car…pretty much case closed and we can all move on.
November 22nd, 2017 at 4:20 pm
@ Seminole Bill
I agree, we need a younger solid backup for Jameis…..we’ve kept Ryan Griffin around for 3 years at some cost to a roster spot and some money…..if we lose Sunday & I hope we don’t, it’s time to let Griffin play…..you can add Benenoch, Auclair & Bond to that list. I’m happy to see Evans, Beckwith & Ryan Smith get snaps.
November 22nd, 2017 at 4:31 pm
A lie of omission is still a lie
November 22nd, 2017 at 4:35 pm
Joe, I’m wondering at this point why no one has asked Jason Licht if HE knew about the allegation against Jameis before now. Dirk had already said that the other day was the first he’d found out about it, but Jason seems to be in hiding. He’s the one who maintains the relationships with the players’ agents, not Dirk.
Seminole Bill, no need to panic at this point. Bucs are 4-6 with 6 games still to play, Fitz has been very solid IMO during these last 2 games in terms of game management, and Jameis is still hurt. The NFL is investigating & sooner or later there’ll be a decision. Maybe we’ll need to draft a QB, but more than likely we won’t. Beyond everything else, the biggest concern that I have about this whole mess is how it all impacts Jameis’ relationships with the Bucs’ players (OK, and coaches).
November 22nd, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Yeah it should be noted that Koetter is winning without his star QB, the same star QB that would be the reason why Gruden would want this gig. With or without Jameis, this franchise is in good hands. So Gruden Gang, simmer down and enjoy the future. Or watch MNF to get your rocks off.
November 22nd, 2017 at 5:14 pm
D.R.
Excellent point about how the players feel. Jameis might be burning through their good will. Again seeing the three offensive linemen totally ignore him when he was rah rahing them on the sideline was a very disturbing visual.
I think players realize that QB’s get the big money and the favorite treatment.
QB’s can get away with a lot more than the other players. As long as the team wins and the QB produces on the field I think most players are fine with this. They understand who butters their bread as well as management.
But losing changes all of that. If the players think the team is giving #3 a pass on this when NONE of the others have messed up…it could bring some resentment above and beyond the normal evny.
I personally suspect that winning will cure that but how long until #3 becomes a consistent winner?
November 22nd, 2017 at 5:50 pm
St. Pete, I saw that photo as well and read it the same way. I really wonder what the Glazers are thinking…
November 22nd, 2017 at 5:52 pm
Has Winston confirmed anything Darby or Katie said?
November 22nd, 2017 at 5:56 pm
StPeteBucsFan Says
“Again seeing the three offensive linemen totally ignore him when he was rah rahing them on the sideline was a very disturbing visual.”
Are you talking about the Hard Knock scene where he jumped some OL cases. If so, that’s read a lot into it.
Still might be.
November 22nd, 2017 at 5:57 pm
You’re 100% correct StPete … “Losing changes all of that.” And so does winning. Of interest to me, with the Miami game tied 20-20 in the 4th qtr, Fitz got the team into position for a winning FG. And in the Jets game, with Bucs hanging on to a 6-3 lead near the end of the 3rd qtr, Fitz threw a 9 yd pass to DJax on a 3rd & 11 to get them into makable FG range, then threw a TD pass to Sims with 6 mins to go in the game that ultimately turned out to be the difference-maker. Some of that may not have been ‘pretty’ but in both games that was the margin of victory. Players remember stuff like that. Here’s hoping that the Bucs’ defense can hang tough against Atlanta & that our offense, led by Fitz, can put points on the board, control the clock & minimize turnovers.
November 22nd, 2017 at 5:58 pm
We need some answers before next draft! If Winston is guilty of this idiotic act, we should be looking to draft a NEW guy who isn’t a circus clown!
November 22nd, 2017 at 5:59 pm
Buc fans need to start preparing for play without Jameis the 1st 2 to 6 games next season. It would be nice if they could just complete this thing in a month or so. But its gonna drag on and on. Looks like my man Fitz is gonna get quite the workout. Jameis will be suspended. Guilty or not. So get ready.
November 22nd, 2017 at 6:03 pm
Winston doesn’t have prove nothing
“Kate” will have to prove Jw did it.
I’m happy jw ain’t out there proving it to the public he didn’t do it. This will be bad
Forbes release a plan for JW. And they are confident that jw and bucs gets through this
November 22nd, 2017 at 6:11 pm
Bonzai
Most folks did not see that picture because it was on the front of the Tampa Bay Sports page. Me and Jim may be the last two guys reading it LOL.
The pic had no editorial comment with it. The caption said…Jameis Winston provides encouragement to the Buc bench.
The picture had Ali Marpet….Evan Smith…and Donavan Smith sitting next to each other with Jameis giving them his pep talk. They didn’t even look at him!!! He might as well been talking to an empty bench.
November 22nd, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Jameis is prob the 20th best qb?
Not a bust at all.
Is prob put him in the Ryan Tannahill class
November 22nd, 2017 at 6:12 pm
BTW Bonzai the pic was on Monday from Sunday’s game against the Dolphins and Jameis in street clothes.
November 22nd, 2017 at 6:30 pm
Well it was either Jameis or the third groper.
Once we had a second shooter on the grassy knoll.
Now we got a third groper reaching for the grassy knoll
November 22nd, 2017 at 6:44 pm
Clodhopper
Bad analogy. Regardless of the grassy knoll and how many shooters JFK was still shot to death.
Are you suggesting regardless of the number of “witnesses” that Kate was actually groped?
November 22nd, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Get real peeps The Real Story is ……….By the time it is said and done Jameis may have a record law suit against Uber. Uber is treading in allot of muddy water and can’t really hide behind our employees are subcontractors !! The reckless behavior of Uber is very very well documented and continues !!! When they suspended his account they involved themselves and that suspension has led to major negative public perception ,Uber has a huge responsibility in my opinion to be sure the allegations are 100 percent true when the damages to said individual and organizations are very large, very real , thoroughly and knowingly EXIST !! It appears , They clearly support the statements by their driver and they have acted ,,,,,, Good Luck Uber I think you are Fargged and this will be another sore eye to Uber in the end !!!
In my opinion Uber should have already conducted a full scale investigation to cover the decisions which most certainly would become known public opinion and if they haven’t Winston will crush them in a 500 million plus suit that lawyers will line up in droves for . If Winston is even 50 percent innocent this will be the best Holiday Season Ever !!!
I may be wrong but you heard it here first !!!
November 22nd, 2017 at 7:07 pm
I heard that jw can sue the buzzfeed for releasing allegations without contacting him first for his story. Buzzfeed might get a suit also
November 22nd, 2017 at 7:11 pm
St Pete. Good analogy. Don’t be so sensitive about a silly joke.
But Yeah. I believe the girl that she was groped. I also see a situation where she doesn’t know who groped her… if there was a third groper in the car.
November 22nd, 2017 at 7:54 pm
***************
Jameis already proved he’s gangster when he SUED HIS ACCUSER from FSU … it wouldn’t shock me if he sues this uber driver, wins, and then sues Buzzfeed and Uber as well … Jameis could actually make millions off this whole fiasco … wild.
Maybe Jameis isn’t the new Kobe like I was saying … maybe he’s the new 2PAC!
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November 22nd, 2017 at 8:02 pm
January 2, 2018 the JW drama will be over.
Book it.
November 22nd, 2017 at 8:13 pm
Joe, can we please have a story/poll on who the likely third person is and thoughts, perhaps JBF can get to the bottom of this mystery.
November 22nd, 2017 at 8:23 pm
I cannot imagine for any reason at all that Ronald Darby would lie about this, unusual he would even remember what/where he was at, on that date, if he was not there. It would be a huge risk for him to lie about this. Also-risky to lie as for all he knows there could be proof that it was just JW. So bottom line–Darby did not lie and there is a third person who probably did nothing to Uber btch. I am surprised the third person has not come forward as it is just a matter of time until it is found out.
November 22nd, 2017 at 8:23 pm
^ How many people will flip out if the 3rd passenger was Mike Evans or Kwon Alexander … yikes.
In truth, I think it was a personal friend of Darby’s and a non-player …
November 22nd, 2017 at 8:24 pm
99% sure JW will get cleared by the NFL, as rare a feat as that is. It won’t change the false MSM-generated perception of him though. Remember, this is the same MSM that falsely reported Jameis signed autographs for money in college and bet on games.
JW will forever be a target of the public, and the only way to change that even just a little bit is to win Superbowls.
November 22nd, 2017 at 8:35 pm
**********************
^ I agree 100%
According to the MSM Jameis is a:
point-shaver
property-destroyer
squirrel-killer
rapist
shop-lifter
groper
misogynist
etc, etc, etc.
However, the FACT is that Jameis is:
Youngest Day 1 starting QB to win an NCAA title
Youngest Heisman Ever (at time he did it)
#1 Pick
Youngest NFL Pro Bowl QB Ever
Youngest QB to 1-9,000 yards
Youngest QB to 1-60 TD passes
ONLY QB ever to start career with back to back 4,000 yard seasons
Jameis is the new 2PAC … the media loves to hate him, but he’s a baaaaaad man … in a good way!
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November 22nd, 2017 at 8:37 pm
I like the way Joe left this. I’d do the same. Kudos Joe.
Jameis facts are in the hands of the NFL it seems. In what he tells the Bucs. In what the Bucs will release. Which is nada. Jameis, or more likely, his lawyers, not the Bucs I’ll add, have likely decided to deal with this on their own. If we don’t see a statement of the Bucs in the next few weeks supporting their guy JW, I think it’s over for JW in Tampa. Not saying he did anything illegal. So, doesnt’ mean Jameis is guilty in their eyes, my eyes, not saying that. Just saying Jameis is on his own I think. Just saying I think they don’t think Jameis has come clean with them and they will have none of that. And me, in it for 10 grand a year and then some…I’m ready to move on from Jameis.
November 22nd, 2017 at 8:37 pm
Firethecannons
Are you serious…you can’t imagine how Darby might lie to protect his BFF. How much risk is there? I don’t honestly know…unless they can prove unequivocally how many guys were in the car!!! If there were three Jameis is good to go…if there was just Jameis…he’s toast for the lie. I can’t say for sure we’ll find out about who or most importantly how many were in the car…but if we can..that eliminates ALL the he said she said because they’ve clearly made two competing claims.
BTW…Darby is not exactly a rocket scientist. Was he the one who videoed Jameis sex with Kinsman on a Cell phone or was that the other “friend”
Darby was with Jalen Rose when Rose got pulled for suspected DUI. Darby jumps from the car and begins running. Listen I’m the first to concede that black folks get a raw deal most of the time in LE stops…but man…a black man running away….guy got shot in the back in SC like that. I’m NOT saying it’s should be this way but I suspect black folks here could agree…when police pull you over as a black man running from them is probably not safe.
But again I do not care about Darby or Jameis versions or Kate’s at this point….How many people were in the freaking car….3 and Jameis is clear…1 and he’s toast it’s a simple as that. If he’s telling the truth and can prove two more were in the car Jameis has nothing to worry about.
November 22nd, 2017 at 8:47 pm
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Jameis will NOT be “cut” imo, but if Jameis is going to be traded, it will be around draft day … if he’s still on the team after the draft, he’s here long-term, at least until 2020 imho.
I do think the Broncos will make a major play for him around the draft … that defense is ready to win NOW and they have decent receivers but three QBs who should all be bagging groceries … I think they’ll offer the Bucs multiple picks and Paxton Lynch as a developmental QB and hope the Bucs say yes … Elway wants toughness and leadership and isn’t afraid to get guys with checkered pasts (Talib, Chad Kelly, Wolfe, etc) so I think Elway would love to get his hands on Jameis.
I also think the Jets, Browns, Ravens, Chargers, Jaguars, Dolphins, Bills … and even and maybe especially the Steelers (if Big Ben retires) could also make a major play for Jameis around the draft.
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November 22nd, 2017 at 8:48 pm
Its unbelievablethat Koetter wasnt made aware of this situation, until last week.
Sadly, to me, that means that Jameis’ handlers and lawyers have been scrambling for an Alibi. Seeing if Uber can proce the number of people in the Car. If they cant prove it was Just Jameis, Then Ronald Darby gets to be a witness for Jameis again.
Imo, If Jameis was innocent, he would have immediately proclaimed his innocence. The fact that he withheld this Info- until it was released by the press.
Giving his lawyers time to Scramble him up some sort of defense.
That Narrative is the only one that makes all the puzzle pieces fit.
If he wasnt buying time- he would have told the team
If hes guilty, its pathetic. Lots of people had faith in him
I hope hes innocent. I hope he proves me wrong.
But his actions lead me to believe his decision making off the field, is as bad as it is on the field.
Tell Fitz to knock off that winning thing! We may need a high pick, for a QB rich draft.
So sick of all the NFL scandals.Sick of the disrespecting the Flag.
First time- Im not watching the NFL tomorrow.
I’ll watch the Bucs Sunday.
Im watching “Forged in Fire” Tomorrow.
To hell with the NFL
November 22nd, 2017 at 8:50 pm
I’ll think 20 teams will try to make a trade for him. And he should take it
November 22nd, 2017 at 8:52 pm
Leaving Buzzfeed for a second & actually talking football, Bucs had a looong list of players today who either did not participate or had limited participation in practice (12 altogether). Didn’t realize that Robert Ayers is in the concussion protocol, along with Evan Smith. With Will Gholston still hurting (neck), our DLine keeps getting thinner & thinner. Dotson, Sweezy & Donovan Smith were also limited participation today, so our OLine may not be much better off.
In other news, read that the Chiefs just signed Darrelle Revis. He’s now an old man in some eyes … all of 32 years old. Of course, Fitz & Grimes call him ‘The Kid’.
November 22nd, 2017 at 9:00 pm
No team will make a trade for a sex offender for QB.
Nothing to do with Jameis.
Fact.
November 22nd, 2017 at 9:29 pm
That’s why the bucs are 10 point underdogs. Tampa getting blown out Sunday 🙁
November 22nd, 2017 at 9:34 pm
Jameis is not well-liked across the NFL, my fans of other teams and even by some Buc fans..
Let’s not forget the Uber driver did report this incident right after…not like she just reported it…
Come on…Jameis is going to be 24 years old in less than 2 months..he’s no longer a child..
November 22nd, 2017 at 9:38 pm
This Jamies investigation is Bullshizz
Really 2 Years later she comes up with Jamies
Yea someone saw he was in the cab and said Payday
I don’t hold any love for a sex offender Iwish death on the truly sick
But this story smells like the stuff I just stepped in
Oh Sh:t
November 22nd, 2017 at 9:39 pm
By the way I WAS one of the ones wanting that otherGuy
Man I was wrong this kid has done nothing but be a class act
November 22nd, 2017 at 10:00 pm
Atrain
You have the story backwards. Perhaps you’re thinking of Roy Moore and others with a time lapse.
This girl reported it the next day but only to Uber. She did not want the slut shaming that goes with a report like this so she simply avoided the police.
So Atrain…she reports it immediately…it was Jameis who witheld all of this from the team for more than a year. She did not hire an attorney until Darby opened his big mouth and claimed she was wrong and that he was in the car.
Imagine…just imagine if Darby wasn’t in the car. How do you suppose this girl would react? Would she become incensed, angry and then go hire an attorney because that is the timeline.
I do not like to go on appearances…but if we did it looks far worse for Jameis than Kate.
But why go on appearances….She says one in the car…he says three…simply verify the number in the car and we have our liar. I honestly do not know I was not there that night…unlike apparently many others here who have made judgements of guilt or innocence. I make no such judgements because quite simply I do not know.
November 22nd, 2017 at 11:55 pm
Sorry for the delay. Just to answer a couple of points in this thread.
* Dan Lucas has a pre-arranged weekly sitdown as part of WFLA being a Pewter Partner (corporate sponsor) and having the preseason broadcast rights. Thus, Dan is not in a press conference setting where all subjects are open for questioning. So Joe cannot fault Lucas in any way.
* Jason Licht has not been made available for any interviews or questions. That’s not unusual. He often only speaks at the combine, prior to the draft, during and after the draft and sometimes during training camp. Yes, he speaks on Bucs pregame radio shows, but that’s part of his contract and is prearranged prior to the season (see Lucas’ item above). That’s how the NFL works. NFL employees talk on the record when it is set up through either the team’s media relations department or the NFL’s media relations department. Can’t just ambush the guy if we see him walking out of the lunchroom with a plate full of food as he is heading back to his office (which happens once or twice a year). Joe talked with Licht briefly before the Saints game as he is often seated in the press box for road games. Joe found out then that he had been scouting the Clemson-North Carolina State game the previous day in Raleigh.
* Jameis’ Uber issue (currently) is not a criminal case so the burden of proof is far different than a criminal case. Goodell could suspend him for no other reason than he hated the eating-Ws routine.
November 23rd, 2017 at 12:04 am
Jameis is despised by fans. Joe knows this first-hand.
Jameis, however, is beloved by players across the league. Have spoke with folks on the sidelines who have seen opposing players come over to introduce themselves to Jameis. Throughout the league, among the players, Jameis is very well-liked.
November 23rd, 2017 at 3:30 am
Joe- why are you so hell bent on giving Dirk a nickname? .500, former winning coach, winning coach etc. What gives just call him Dirk Koetter. Quit trying to make something catchy and DO YOUR JOB!!!!!
November 23rd, 2017 at 8:02 am
Buddy, that’s part of what makes Joe…Joe. Its a tradition…like ‘Father Dungy’.
Slightly off topic, I just found this Uber-related article on MSN News. This paragraph sums up the story:
“Hackers stole the personal data of 57 million customers and drivers from Uber Technologies, a massive breach that the company concealed for more than a year. This week, the ride-hailing company ousted Joe Sullivan, chief security officer, and one of his deputies for their roles in keeping the hack under wraps.”
So Uber was hacked, and then hid that fact from everyone…very deceptive. 57 million customers. Wow. That probably includes everyone here who has ever used them.
November 23rd, 2017 at 9:49 am
Why do the fans dislike JW but not his fellow players? I certainly don’t dislike him. I don’t use Uber as I don’t trust them. Gawd only knows who/what is picking you up. No thanks. Bucs are 10 point underdog to the Chicks? Good. Increases the chances for a win. Hope BucWorld has a safe, happy, and peaceful Turkey Day! 🙂
November 23rd, 2017 at 10:14 am
That Ronald Darby is a bad influence on Jameis!
No more hanging out with that kid after school for you young man.