Jason Licht Claims Power Loss
February 15th, 2018
So are we to believe that Team Glazer, general manager Jason Licht and the most powerful Buccaneers officials have no power to influence the official investigation into Jameis Winston for allegedly crotch-grabbing a female Uber driver?
Licht wants fans to believe that, per his comments to ESPN reporter Jenna Laine, as part of her recent feature on Jameis.
“There’s nothing we can do about the investigation,” Licht said. “The league is going to do its due diligence in investigating it and we’ll deal with that when they come to a decision. But we’ll be prepared. I promise you, we’ll be prepared regardless of whatever decision is made.”
Joe sits here head-shaking at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters.
C’mon, who really believes that Bucs officials have zero ability to ramp up — or delay — this investigation? That’s pure silliness or a lack of creative thinking.
It’s been nearly 90 days since the NFL acknowledged investigating Jameis. A couple of weeks ago, alleged star witness Ronald Darby, a Jameis comrade and Eagles cornerback, told Joe he has yet to talk to the NFL about the matter.
If Joe ran the Bucs, Joe would be doing everything possible to force a quick and just decision from the NFL. Certainly, the NFL and/or the Bucs have the resources to flush out this investigation speedily and move the needle on it if they wanted to.
February 15th, 2018 at 9:52 am
Are you suggesting Culverhouse type nefarious Bo Jackson, Doug Williams leverage ?
February 15th, 2018 at 10:02 am
The key witness just played in the SB 10 days ago. The Glazers are not a power owner(s) like Kraft and Jerrah. it will all come out soon. And i don’t think we will like the outcome.
February 15th, 2018 at 10:03 am
the glazers and licht better ask mr kraft and mr jones how its done…..
I hope the bucs are at least gathering as much info they can to help support Winstons claim……they should be shoving that info down the nfl throats…..
whats going on over there!!!!!
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…..GO BUCS!!!!
February 15th, 2018 at 10:08 am
@813bucboi
“The glazers and licht better ask me kraft and mr Jones how it’s done….”
Actually, he wouldn’t because he’s too busy focusing on his cash cow Manchester United. Dudes a businessman, not a football fan
February 15th, 2018 at 10:09 am
@813bucboi
Sorry if that sounded harsh, the bitterness wasn’t directed at you, but the lousy ownership
February 15th, 2018 at 10:15 am
Jason Licht claims power LOSS? Doesn’t the word LOSS imply that our beloved Bucs had some POWER with the NFL commissioner at SOME point in the past? Goodell doesn’t seem to even favor Kraft & the Patriots. What would make anyone think that he’d expedite anything for the Glazer Boys & the Bucs?
February 15th, 2018 at 10:20 am
I think licht is lying……when the situation in Carolina came about the team conducted an investigation, presented the league with evidence and advised the owner he should step down and sale the team…..he had already agreed to sale before the nfl took over the investigation…..a settlement was already given to 2 former employees that forbid them from discussing the matter….the nfl is currently investigating the others claims….
I know this is a different situation, player vs owner but the panthers could’ve sat and waited for the nfl to do their due diligence….but they didn’t….they were proactive and they wanted to get in front of the storm before it became an distraction….now on top of making sure Winston is 100% healthy we have this pending investigation hanging over our heads too!!!!…..
at the very least they should be in constant communication with the nfl and providing them with info that could help clear winstons name….this kinda feels like their hanging him out to dry….
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
February 15th, 2018 at 10:21 am
The Bucs should get out in front of the investigation and reduce the number of scholarships they offer and give up bowl eligibility for a year.
February 15th, 2018 at 10:29 am
Why is this so hard to believe. Despite what they say the nfl has proven they love it when drama follows high profile players. Good or bad attention is attention tothe and there want to have something to talk about
February 15th, 2018 at 10:34 am
bucssuccs…
wasn’t harsh at all….
I understand where your coming from but that practice is just bad business….if I had some negativity surrounding one of my business I would be doing everything possible to resolve the situation as quickly as possible so it can get back to business as usual…..
every time pats were in a pickle, mr kraft was in front of the cameras claiming innocents…..jones went to bat for zeke and fought hard for him….even claiming he was going to sue the nfl and get goodell out of office….the cowboys presented the nfl with tons of evidence to supports zekes claim and did a good job….the original investigator found zeke innocent or lack of evidence on the girls behave but rodger got the last laugh…..
the owners are BS’ing around…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
February 15th, 2018 at 10:38 am
The funniest thing about this article is Jason saying he’ll be prepared STFU, when have you ever made this team prepared, definitely not in FAs, kickers, drafting defensive lineman, coaches, seriously hilarious
February 15th, 2018 at 10:44 am
I hate blaming coaches and upper management. But to be clueless all the damn time makes no sense.
Benefit of doubt:. Maybe the Bucs have enough evidence that it is proven it wasn’t him and they don’t want to tumble over their feet by rushing it.
February 15th, 2018 at 10:45 am
Jason is a reactionary GM, not proactive like successful GMs, each year he tries to fix the biggest problem from the previous year, while ignoring other potential problems, then the other problems doom the season, 2014 it was our OL, 2015 was our coaching, 2016 kickers no weapons no pass rush and no RBs, 2017 no pass rush RBs guards and CBs, doesn’t matter this staff won’t make it to 2019
February 15th, 2018 at 10:47 am
excellent observation Guzz
February 15th, 2018 at 10:48 am
The Cowboys hemmed and hawed about the timeline for the Zeke Elliot investigation, and got nowhere. Why should we assume that it is different for the Bucs and that Licht is lying? Plus, the woman in question lawyered up, I am sure that counsel for the bucs and the NFL are involved, Jameis has a lawyer, and I am sure Uber’s lawyers are involved too. Nothing moves fast under those circumstances.
Two different animals. Elliot’s case had various police and public records to review and consider. That’s not the case here. Many other variables, as well. –Joe
February 15th, 2018 at 10:48 am
@ Joe
When/if the Truth on this matter finally comes forth and it turns out that Winston really did do what he is accused of, then I hope that you will then refer to him by the name that he deserves – “America’s Crotchgrabber”
February 15th, 2018 at 11:04 am
When the news came out the Bucs were already in the middle of a losing season. If they thought he was going to be found guilty they could have sped up the process and had him take the suspension last year when it didn’t matter.
February 15th, 2018 at 11:09 am
my thing is it happened over a year ago….the bucs should’ve gotta enough evidence to support winstons claim….and they should’ve at least asked for the investigation to begin in a timely matter….have it start after the SB and finish before the draft….
try something…anything instead of sitting on your hands…
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!….GO BUCS!!!
February 15th, 2018 at 11:11 am
Joe, they DON’T have that ability. No team does. Why else do you think Jones in Dallas was so mad last year???
Licht said they will be prepared. Maybe they intend to draft a QB in round 1 or 2?
Que the paranoid fans.
February 15th, 2018 at 11:17 am
Even if you claim the Dallas situation was different, come on. I’m sorry, but you are wrong in this case. And of course, the haters jumped right on the bandwagon.
Less than two weeks after the Superbowl, one of the witnesses played in it. There was never a chance of anything happening before the Superbowl. Be serious, lol. The NFL wanted all attention on the bowl, with no bad press. It’s that way EVERY YEAR.
February 15th, 2018 at 11:18 am
I doubt it’s much of a priority to the NFL they’re probably of the mindset that they’ll get to it when they get to it. If the team is that concerned about how the investigation might impact their team I’d tell them to stress to their players the importance of not putting themselves in situations where the NFL ethics committee has investigate incidents that they’re involved in.
February 15th, 2018 at 11:18 am
It takes 30 mins to call Darby and ask him what happened. You ask Jameis to give you the uber record, and get his side of the story. You contact the young woman, and the other guy supposedly in the car. It should take at the least a week. The NFL hurts their own product with these long investigations.
February 15th, 2018 at 11:20 am
Jerry Jones had no say…..Robert Kraft had no say……neither do the Glaziers. Winston will likely be this offseason’s headline….best thing to do is let it play out. Trying to make it into a public whizzing match has proven to be anything but beneficial.
February 15th, 2018 at 11:27 am
Syl Says
“It takes 30 mins to call Darby and ask him what happened. You ask Jameis to give you the uber record, and get his side of the story. You contact the young woman, and the other guy supposedly in the car. It should take at the least a week. The NFL hurts their own product with these long investigations.”
Gee. I’m sure they don’t mind putting the Bucs ahead of every other investigation. Get real, man. We are not the only team with issues. Goodelle investigates these things personally.
And besides, we all know Jameis will be suspended 4-8 games…even if innocent. Because Goodelle always suspends regardless of guilt.
The question is what does Licht intend to do about it? Will he draft another QB or sign a named one?
February 15th, 2018 at 11:33 am
instead of letting the nfl do their due diligence, the bucs should be doing it for them!!!!….they should be submitting evidence after evidence that supports winstons claim…..
the nfl is not the justice system….in the nfl your guilty until proven innocent…..the bucs should be in front of a camera and explaining to the media how this evidence supports Winston…..that would at least cause doubt in the victims claims and force all parties involved to resolve this situation quickly….
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
February 15th, 2018 at 11:37 am
I guess that is why nobody signed Kap – power loss
February 15th, 2018 at 11:52 am
@813Bucboi
That’s fake news. Jerry Richardson was already planning to sell the team before the allegations. I live here in Charlotte and that has been news for some time now. Mr. Richardson tried to save face by putting the team up for sell after the season. I’m sure if the allegations had not come out, he would not have not put the team up for sell so fast.
February 15th, 2018 at 11:55 am
The NFL wants to just prolong this as much as possible to impact next season for us. They are just trying to show who’s boss which in my opinion if they suspend him at all with no proof might just deter me from watching or being a season ticket holder ever again. Why does the NFL try to be involved in everything? They continue to just keep the big market teams at the top.
February 15th, 2018 at 12:03 pm
With all due respect to “America’s QB” we are not “America’s Team”.
NOBODY cares about this story except for the Bucs and the fans of the team.
I feel pretty sure that folks like our Division opponents are keeping their eyes on it as well because of the on field ramifications.
But this story is right where the NFL wants it right now. Under the radar. Again the NFL does not really care if #3 grabbed her crotch or not. ALL they care about is public perception. If #3 and the Bucs could make this story go away the NFL will sign off. If they cannot they better have their ducks in a row with the other two witnesses to PROVE the driver was lying.
I just hope that other witness has far more credibility than Ronald Darby. If that’s all they have #3 probably sits for four weeks. If they have a really credible additional witness then the NFL would pick up some liability and face lawsuits from #3 if they bench him.
As far as being powerless….BS. I simply do not believe Licht is not privy to the NFL investigation and what they’re finding. I DO believe he can’t do anything about the timing or duration of the investigation…I just think the league would keep the Buc’s posted on how it’s going.
February 15th, 2018 at 12:18 pm
@rashard….what part is fake?…..from my research there was never any indication of him wanting to sell…..he had no health issues or set backs after receiving a new heart…..the team just played in a SB…..they have a face of the franchise….putting the team up for sale wouldn’t excuse the allegations….had the allegation not come out he woudnt have sold the team period……
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Richardson’s announcement comes after a Sports Illustrated report Sunday that cited unnamed sources who said Richardson made sexually suggestive comments to women and on at least one occasion directed a racial slur at an African-American Panthers scout. The report states that the settlements came with non-disclosure requirements forbidding the parties from discussing the details.
The NFL on Sunday said it has taken over the investigation of allegations of workplace misconduct. Panthers spokesman Steven Drummond said Sunday the team requested the league take over the investigation for “transparency reasons.”
***************************************************************
obviously stuff happened in the pass maybe a year or so ago(much like Winston) and the team got in front of the storm…..once they continued to pull back each layer they discovered the situation was beyond repair in which the team and the owner came up with a solution….step down and sell the team before rodger gets involved….once everything was set in place they handed the investigation over to the NFL…..
and how was has it been since he “already planning to sell the team before the allegations”…….and why wasn’t the public made aware….everyone knew the rams owner wanted to sell for at least 2 or 3 years before he sold they…..everyone knew the raiders would be moving either to LA or LV 2 or 3 years before it got approved….same with the chargers….it doesn’t benefit Richardson keeping it a secret that he wants to sell…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
February 15th, 2018 at 12:22 pm
*and how long
February 15th, 2018 at 12:26 pm
Licht is the buggest CYA BS artist this team has employed, the guy is a buffoon and needs to go back to selling ice cubes to eskimos because his NO FAULT of his act is worn out
February 15th, 2018 at 12:44 pm
Joe–it is actually easier to get access to “police and public” records than it is private information when there is no lawsuit and you can’t get a subpoena. I would argue that because there was no police involvement and there is no lawsuit, this is a situation that is harder to investigate than Elliott.
February 15th, 2018 at 1:18 pm
Svenson
Agree 100%. Licht has no legal way to FORCE the NFL to move faster or even share the info. I agree with you for the reasons you stated. But I do think Licht has plenty of buddies in the league including at HQ and should at least be able to get an “idea” of what is happening.
If nothing else surely Licht has given #3 the “third degree” to get his side of the events and SURELY Licht knows who that “3rd party” is.
Even IF this girl made all of this up #3 owed far more to the Bucs than he seemed to realize. He should have told the Bucs immediately and laid it all out.
What were the charges and WHO were his two buds in the car.
February 15th, 2018 at 1:22 pm
Talking about the limp biscuit situation again? It’s all about the he said she said bullspit . No evidence but he will still serve a suspension and that is just crazy! Good luck with that & go bucs
February 15th, 2018 at 1:32 pm
WHO was in the front seat? WHY is it a secret?
February 15th, 2018 at 1:38 pm
For those suggesting that the Glaziers should contact the Patriotrs owner…Kraft or the Cowboys owner…Jones and get some influence, remember both Kraft and Jones have had their ass handed to them by the NFL. Maybe they aren’t as powerful as everyone thought. The Bucs better be focusing on who th
eir backup quarterback is going to be for 2018! Sounds like they will need a good one!
February 15th, 2018 at 1:57 pm
Nothing to see here. Does Joe really think a few phone calls from the Glazers or Jason Licht would make the NFL move faster? This is really reaching for a story.
February 15th, 2018 at 1:58 pm
I think there are people who care about this. Look at the me too movement and all that. People resigning from congress and lots of law suits flying everywhere.
Thus, the NFL is going to make damn sure they look into this thoroughly, especially if they ended up clearing Winston. Because very likely the day they do this woman appears with her lawyer on ESPN exclaiming the NFL does not care about the rights of abused woman.
February 15th, 2018 at 1:59 pm
And no, Jason Licht did not claim “power loss”… That’s FuxNuze style distortion. JoeFuxNuze.com
February 15th, 2018 at 2:01 pm
I wouldn’t believe a word Jason Lict say. I don’t think the man has an honest bone in his body.
February 15th, 2018 at 2:01 pm
****Jason Licht****
February 15th, 2018 at 2:05 pm
^^ Now we have people impugning the man’s character. Pathetic.
February 15th, 2018 at 2:21 pm
I think the girl should be exposed-we should know about her/background etc amazing she can just make an accusation and take down a quarterback/team.
where is the proof
February 15th, 2018 at 2:38 pm
********************
For all we know, the investigation is over and the Bucs have already been informed Jameis won’t be suspended but were also told not to say anything as it would be bad optics for the NFL if word got out before next year in pre-season as it would make the NFL look like they didn’t spend the appropriate amount of time “investigating”.
There was no police report even filed, no arrest, no charges, no nothing and there was ONLY ONE WITNESS and that one and only witness confirmed Jameis’ side of events … case closed.
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February 15th, 2018 at 2:44 pm
The man has no character to impugn.
February 15th, 2018 at 3:39 pm
Well said Lakeland!!
February 15th, 2018 at 3:58 pm
100 percent false the NFL has a fiduciary responsibility to the Bucs and every other team to operate in a prudent responsible fashion. When something can have a negative impact on earnings and revenue and the body of responsible authority shows negligence in any fashion that affects those they can and should be held responsible.
The Glazers Attny should put the NFL on notice that it is of upmost importance to the team and the league that the investigation move in a competent swift mannner.
If the league were not to do this ( act non prudently or drag it’s feet ), the rest of the league would have a case, Jameis would have a case, other players would have a case and the fans would have a case.
Proving this is another manner but prob not near as hard as one would think , the NFL is like a government entity , they all think they are protected from everything and are entitled to a paycheck no matter their actions!!
Well this fog will sooner or later be removed it’s just a matter of time before one of the organizations ,players or fan file and win a law suit against the nfls nobody can touch us attitude/ actions . Yes an organization may finally get fed up enough to sue itself to make the other owners aware of the Goodell run away train.
The amount of the suit might not even be that big but the case law example may be huge !! I personally believe Jameis already has a slam dunk law suit for the way this has been handled vs people contacted if of coarse he is innocent 😇
February 15th, 2018 at 4:16 pm
Do what now? Specifically how can the Bucs expedite the investgation? Next question is why would they do that(not why YOU would do that). Go Bucs!
February 15th, 2018 at 5:20 pm
Zeke was a totally different case. The NFL found three instances of physical abuse of women. They did NOT act just because it looked bad.
Tom Brady was also deep sixed by actual evidence from team equipment managers.
At present we have a he said/she said case with Jameis. No charges…no lawsuits…yet. But it should be a slam dunk easy case to figure out because Jameis and the girl are saying two totally different things.
She claims he was the ONLY person in the car…he claims there were two others for a total of three. That’s a fact that’s pretty hard to dispute..unless he WAS the only one in the car and then the girl might be hosed…how would she prove he was the ONLY passenger? Don’t know if that gets reported in advance to Uber or what kind of records exist.
However if Jameis can prove three were in that car until the time he got out of it her word becomes toast and even if he did it he can still clear his name.
So…why are we not hearing from Jameis or the Bucs or ANYBODY who else besides Darby was in that vehicle. This is pretty straightforward stuff and the longer that 3rd person refuses to come forward or be named by Jameis the worse it looks for #3. I do not suspect he has any significant legal risk but he could be sitting 4-6 weeks at the start of the season if he can’t produce the 3rd person.
Just freaking tell us who it was…or tell the Bucs and NFL if the name must be held in secret for personal reasons.
February 15th, 2018 at 6:14 pm
^ It makes NO DIFFERENCE if the 3rd person is ever revealed … it’s a he said she said with ONE AND ONLY ONE EYE-WITNESS … AND THAT ONE AND ONLY ONE EYE-WITNESS CORROBORATES JAMEIS’ SIDE OF EVENTS … case closed. The 3rd passenger isn’t important at all.
February 15th, 2018 at 10:29 pm
Joe – you’re thinking like an employee and not an owner
You gotta know when to hold’em, know when to fold’em… know when to walk away… know when to run!
The Glazers know if they pressure the NFL for a quick decision, its shown their influence had an impact on the ruling, and video turns up after the fact… they will be painted in the very least as complicit, if not actively obstructing an investigation. In today’s climate, they could lose their franchise.
Now let’s all pretend we own the Bucs… who wants to make that bet on Jameis?
Sit tight, let someone else make the decision, plan for the worst, hope for the best. Move on.
February 15th, 2018 at 11:49 pm
NFLNut: the third passenger doesn’t matter?! Well if he comes forward and admits he grabbed the driver, then Jameis is completely off the hook. If he comes forward and says Jameis was in the front seat or that Jameis grabbed her that is not good for Jameis. The third person is a big deal from my perspective. I am sure there is other relevant evidence, but I wanted to know what is up with that third passenger. I certainly don’t think they are not important.
This article bothers me because concludes that that Licht and/or the Glazers are being less than honest based on their own speculation about influence over an investigation where little to nothing has been disclosed. The NFL doesn’t have much credibility in doing its own investigations if they are so easily influenced. I know after Ray Rice, Deflategate, etc. that the NFL is probably sensitive to such a perception.