ASJ Apologizes For Instagram Post, Penalty
November 10th, 2014
Yesterday, Bucs tight end Austin Serferian-Jenkins made a dumb move, really dumb. He put himself above the team and made a preening, conquering-warrior pose with the football after scoring a fourth quarterback touchdown.
Problem is, that is a known no-no in the NFL. You can’t use the football as a prop and, per Bucs coach Lovie Smith, the rookie was advised of this previously. The flag resulted in a 15-yard penalty, helping the Dixie Chicks on their way to the game-winning drive.
What made matters worse, ASJ, seemingly oblivious to his mistake, posted a photo of his poseand bragged about the penalty on his Instagram account.
That post was later deleted after Lovie took matters into his own hands and “confronted” ASJ.
Today, ASJ apologized for his actions and admitted, lesson learned, so reports Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com.
“It’s unacceptable,” Seferian-Jenkins said. “I posted a picture. I shouldn’t have posted it. We’re in the middle of a 1-8 season and I can see why people were upset with it for multiple reasons. The last thing I want to do is put myself in front of the team in anyway. I want to let my play do the talking and not anything after we score because, at the end of the day, we got seven points but gave them 15 yards which led to a game-winning score.
“Can’t have it. Need to be more mature. But when you’re in the heat of the game, you’re just having fun. You’re enjoying it. You work so hard and you just do something fun. That’s what it was. Looking back on it, literally as soon as I got back to the sideline I knew I shouldn’t have done that. It was a lapse of judgment and that’s not what I want to be known for. And that’s not what I want to be answering on a Monday. I do not want my coach having to answer questions about what I did after a touchdown celebration on a Monday.”
Joe is glad to see this but wonders why ASJ didn’t heed Lovie’s words long during the game yesterday? It is starting to smell like there is a disconnect of some sort between some players and Lovie.
ASJ is one of Joe’s favorite players. The guy is driven to succeed, to improve. Motivated. Did he do something stupid? Yeah. Bet it doesn’t happen again. ASJ will be fine.
November 10th, 2014 at 6:51 pm
“Gee whiz Judge, I really didn’t mean to shoot that guy……nothing will bring him back….how ’bout letting me go”…..I’m a nice guy and really want to do well….
OK….ASJ….no prison for you but a heavy dose of therapy, probation and an ankle bracelett for you….that is if we have one that will fit!!
November 10th, 2014 at 6:53 pm
That’s bs. Shouldn’t have been a penalty. People spike the ball all the time but get no penalties. They are taking the fun outta the game.
November 10th, 2014 at 6:57 pm
It is absolutely a penalty. NFL forbids using the football as a prop.
People keep saying this baloney about the NFL is the no fun league and how they will stop watching because players can’t make arses of themselves — been saying it as long as Joe can remember, yet the NFL has never been more popular.
People watch the NFL to watch football, not clowns from a two-bit circus.
November 10th, 2014 at 6:58 pm
ASJ should take a lesson from opposing Atlanta coach Mike Smith who tells his players….”Act like you’ve been there before”
Hate the rule……don’t hate the player for breaking it….but c’mon…..Pro stands for getting paid to have fun so celebrate after we win….(when we eventually do)
November 10th, 2014 at 7:02 pm
So he knew he shouldn’t have done it right when he got back to the sideline but felt compelled to post it the next day and only apologized after the bad PR. Sounds like a real, genuine apology by another mature and disciplined Buccaneer Man. Act like you’ve been in the the end zone before, Einstein. The rules may be dumb, but they are the rules. Until they get it, the players should be treated like Schiano wanted.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:04 pm
What did he post the pic while he was walking to the sideline? If he thought it was dumb immediately, why brag about it later?
He’s young so it’s forgiveable, but it’s hardly the move of a guy who puts the team first. His prancing ego comes first for him, he just got thwacked by the coach and now has to backtrack.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:04 pm
It’s a stupid rule, but a rule nonetheless. Just follow it. It’s as simple as that.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:06 pm
I love that pose! This will be Joebucsfan’s picture of ASJ for years to come! i hate that this is a penalty, it is so entertaining.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:07 pm
Whatever joe. I thought it was entertaining and good nature fun. In a season where there isn’t much to be happy about he did something that I guarantee most bucs fans enjoyed and appreciated until the lame rule penalty. Joe can keep referring to himself in the third person but it doesn’t change my mind or others. I think other celebrations are way worse than what asj did. And cmon captain morgan, buccaneers that was cool.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:07 pm
What’s worrisome is he realizes he made mistake before getting back to sideline, and goes into diatribe about putting self in front of team…then goes home and posts it as ‘no big deal’ or something like that….yes…a disconnect at minimum… subordinate at other end. ASJ has not been the contributor he was touted to be, in fact, I’d argue, he’s been more of a negative than a positive. C’mon dude, it was a ONE yd TD pass, that even Joe could have caught. He aint done nothing in the NFL yet, and is not the “star” he thinks he is…yet….catch one for 70 yds when we’re winning by 21 then celebrate.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:08 pm
Dumb rule, in my opinion, but a rule nonetheless. You can’t break it and not expect to be flagged. And that (dumb) rule has been in place since 2006, so players and fans alike should be familiar with it.
Honestly, I think the Instagram post was the more serious of the two mistakes. The pose was in the midst of a tight football game. The photo was a deliberate social media post hours later.
Glad he owned up to his errors. That’s about all you can expect of a player once it’s done.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:12 pm
The problem is, he is apologizing because he basically has to. Not because he actually feels bad about what he did.
But I am not upset with ASJ, I am upset with Liar Smith. Not only does this team show to beone of the most undisciplined teams in the league, but they clearly show little respect to that fact. They could care less. ASJ embraced his penalty, and would not have apologized had enough people not gotten upset with him.
Bottom line is, Lovie clearly does not have the respect of his players. Not to a coaches stance. I previously said that I would give Lovie the benefit of the doubt for this year, because if we fired him things would only get worse with a new regime change for the 3rd time in 4 seasons. But now, after over half a season in the books, I have lost ALL confidence in Liar Smith. His team flat out BLOWS. Aren’t they 32nd in defense AND offense? If they rank special teams they’d be last in that too.
He is too stubborn to admit he is wrong. Hell, the man can’t even directly name a starting QB for Christ’s sake, he has to get Glennon to say it for him. His FA and trade decisions have ALL FLOPPED. Every last one of ’em. The draft is TBD, Evans was an obvious pick, but everyone else? The man couldn’t run a Tampa 2 if he had Brooks, Sapp, Lynch, Jackson, Rice, AND GMC and LVD runnin’ it go him. He throws Arroyo to the wolves after his OC obviously had health problems at the BEGINNING of the season. Could of hired a replacement, or at least a more qualifying OC than Arroyo. Don’t get mad at Marcus, he didn’t sign up to be an OC. He bulldozed the offensive line and somehow made it worse. He changes QB’s like a man changes underwear. His team commits dumb penalties left and right. He’s gotten blown out twice this year, once on national TV against a very poor Dixie Chicks team. He stands there staring off into space showing no emotion, no passion, and then goes on the mic to talk like a buffoon with dementia, further embaraassing this franchise.
“I didn’t want to put points on the board”
.You know our head coach ACTUALLY SAID THAT?^^^
How can this team get worse if they fire Liar Smith? I doubt Team Glazer will fire him, but I am through with this clown and am all in on the fire Lovie movement.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:15 pm
Well Joe, you may think it is not the No Fun League but I think you are in the minority on that one buddy. Money and the fear of law suits has ruined tough and exciting defensive hits and no celebrations after a TD is a little oppressive in my book. But this the US where everything and everyone is over legislated. We continue to watch the NFL because it is all we have for professional football since the NFL is basically a monopoly. Arena and CFL just are not on the same level. So yeah, as far as professional football goes we will continue to watch the No Fun League because there are no other options.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:21 pm
A stupid rule, but a rule nonetheless. And ASJ knew it. Yet he blatantly showed disregard for the rule and his coach’s wishes of having a disciplined team.
What does that say about the coach? Not a very short leash, if a leash at all on his players.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:22 pm
I can understand taunting being a penalty but this was clearly a harmless act after scoring and it also did not delay the game. The NFL needs to seriously consider lightening up on their plethora of rules. And calling a penalty on every hard hit is ridiculous. Our past dominant defenses would have been average at best with the current rules in place. Sad times to be a Bucs fan and a football fan in general.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:26 pm
ASJ = slow learner
November 10th, 2014 at 7:27 pm
Dumb move that cost the team 15 yards – but ASJ will be fine. He’s got a good bit of talent which is fairly obvious and has made some rookie mistakes this year to go along with some good plays. What’s up with all the negative talk buccanAY? Surely you can pick a QB, D-lineman, O-lineman, Safety, CB or Middle Linebacker to bad mouth who is more deserving of your criticism.
BTW – those positions mentioned are our needs and we’re not going to be able to substantially improve all those positions in 1 more draft and FA period. Thanks Dom!!
November 10th, 2014 at 7:28 pm
When he got back to the sidelines he realized he shouldn’t have done it. Then he proceeds to post it on IG later. Yeah, he seems really sincere.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:30 pm
Lets not miss the point……it is a rule, like it or not, and he certainly should have known it before hand……we were only one point up with a quarter to go on a 1-7 team….being a rookie is no excuse. He’s a 2nd round pick and a starter….
And, we don’t know what sort of discipline Lovie imposed (if any) but he should have at the least a public thrashing!!!
Tweet that, ASJ…….I like you and think you will be a great Buc….so start acting like it!!!
November 10th, 2014 at 7:34 pm
The rule needs to be changed. It’s complete BS, If ASJ stood there without the ball in the picture, in the same stance, without the “prop”, would that be a penalty? It makes the NFL look like power hungry fascists.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:41 pm
One can only wonder if this would, or could, have happened under the late regime.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:42 pm
At least he has a little captain in him.
I wish the rest of the team did.
(captain = swagger)
November 10th, 2014 at 7:43 pm
Rules? Rules? We’re talking about rules?
Wait until Winston gets here.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:44 pm
“…literally as soon as I got back to the sideline I knew I shouldn’t have done that…”
Bullsp!t. And sometime, significant later he posted it on Instagram which was AFTER he “knew he shouldn’t have done that”.
November 10th, 2014 at 7:56 pm
Just wish more guys would use the Alstott approach when scoring:
Hand the ball to the f**king ref, adjust your f**king jock and go bang some hot broad after the game.
Where are the quiet bad-asses any more? So much cooler to see a real man score a touchdown and act like it isn’t a big deal. Now every f**king play has to be celebrated! F**ked up world we live in.
Go Sucs!!!
November 10th, 2014 at 7:58 pm
This guy is so full of it. He knew it was wrong immediately and then later that night went and posted it on his instagram so he could admire himself? Give me a break. Another guy apologizing after he suffers the consequences of his dumb actions, how admirable.
November 10th, 2014 at 8:06 pm
@ElioT – I agree 100%. You know what get’s me excited at a football game? A team that can play the game well, that’s it. Seeing some manchild act out his planned celebration on a losing football team while CURRENTLY LOSING THE GAME is embarrassing. Next time the Bucs are up by 40, have a ball. Until then, do your job, rookie.
November 10th, 2014 at 8:09 pm
Don’t know much about this guy but he’s starting to sounds likes die that days what he thinks people want to hear. If he knew how bad it was immediately and regretted it then why post it? Did he post a picture of his offsides penalty in a dead silent stadium? He probably knew that was wrong too.
November 10th, 2014 at 8:10 pm
Sound like he says
November 10th, 2014 at 8:14 pm
Dumb selfish cocky rookie throwin it in the coaches and his team mates face.
A few veterans should let him know “that aint happenin”— convincingly!
November 10th, 2014 at 8:17 pm
Lovie needs to apologize to the fans for putting that crap he calls a football team on the field.
November 10th, 2014 at 8:56 pm
There is a disconnect alright. It’s the same one that exists between parents, adults and children.
It’s also the same one that exists between a mature man like Love who knows this is a team game and the narcissistic athlete of today.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:05 pm
I like ASJ (dude’s got a brain) which makes this whole thing more disappointing. You’d expect this s*it from a Mike Williams. Even Mike Williams never had such a brain fart. SMH.
I hope Joe is correct in that this is the last time we see something so dumb from this guy.
Go Sucs!
November 10th, 2014 at 9:08 pm
You know shooting someone is the same thing as using a football as a prop.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:26 pm
Some of you guys are focusing on the wrong part of the story. If you have a complaint about the rules that are in place then you take that up with the proper committee. The fact is that a rule that is in place, whether you agree with it being there or not, was knowingly broken. The result of which wasa negative situation for the team. He doesn’t get a pass just because you don’t like the rule. You people bang the drum for accountability until it’s about something you don’t agree with. Accountability means all the time.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:27 pm
Whatever. Hester got jacked up on that kickoff at the 35yd line and taken out of the game. This is the least of the Bucs’ problem. Lovie only needs to look in the mirro to find the root of the problem. I’m not impressed with anything L & L have done so far. Zero zip zilch nada. Lovie needs to get some fire in his belly. The Bucs are the laughing stock of the NFL yet again. BTW, the refs sucked yesterday and did all they could to help ATL win. Focus on the problem and ASJ isn’t it. What a joke.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:34 pm
Well said ElioT !
November 10th, 2014 at 9:35 pm
Geez…Went to school where…
November 10th, 2014 at 9:35 pm
I told the Bucs I will not be renewing my season tickets next year. The Lightning are kicking butt, the games are fun and in the AC. They have an Owner that is total class with a GM and Coach that are building an awesome team. My money will be much better spent there. I’m back to the couch and big screen TV on Sunday until the Bucs get it together. My guess is about 5 years from now if everything goes well. L & L dismantled the team, booted decent players and brought in garbage.
November 10th, 2014 at 9:46 pm
I’m glad this fuking idiot is a Buc. Glad he gets to develop and act like a moron and cost us games now, while we are 1-8, rather than a season where we might be competive (2016)?
November 10th, 2014 at 9:54 pm
In 2016 ASJ will be an all pro for the Patriots
November 10th, 2014 at 10:04 pm
Dumb rule but ASJ a moron for getting it. BTW why is the Lambeau Leap ok????? Shouldn’t that be a 15 yarder as well?????
November 10th, 2014 at 10:33 pm
Best TD celebration of all time = Barry Sanders
2nd best
Steve Smith Sr. hated the guy for burning my man Ronde all the time but you got to respect his competitiveness. The row row row your boat and the sword play, epic! Gotta love SSS.
November 10th, 2014 at 11:19 pm
@bigmacattack – big difference between a guy celebrating a play that broke a significant nfl record when the game was way out of reach and our dufus celebrating a touchdown inappropriately when the game hung in the balance
November 10th, 2014 at 11:24 pm
Patrick I can’t disagree with you, but I’m just sick of losing and taking the walk of shame afterwards, week after week, month after month and year after year. Lovie needs to turn WTF into FTW.
November 10th, 2014 at 11:40 pm
I’ll give ya that
November 10th, 2014 at 11:42 pm
What a jerk
November 10th, 2014 at 11:43 pm
there is a lot of stupid on this team….
November 10th, 2014 at 11:53 pm
@sho nuff Says:
“…there is a lot of stupid on this team….”
Short, sweet and precise. Well done Sho Nuff
November 11th, 2014 at 1:00 am
1) That is not using the football as a prop, which is the offense ASJ was nailed for.
2) NFL said that is celebrating with fans. Occasionally, that happens at other stadiums. No flags.
November 11th, 2014 at 6:47 am
I noticed a Falcons WR spin the football on its end in the end zone after a touchdown with no penalty just after or just before ASJ did his awesome pose. I like ASJ and very excited about his future.