Licht “Leaning” Jameis
February 23rd, 2015
So more than two months before the NFL Draft, which begins with Tampa Bay on the clock on the night of April 30, it seems we have a leader in the two-horse(?) race to be the Bucs’ pick.
And that is Jameis Winston.
Bucs general manager Jason Licht granted an interview to pickpocket-thwarting, Bucs-uniform-frowning, Allie-LaForce-smitten, Big-Ten-Network-hating, pedestrian-bumping, olive oil-lapping, popcorn-munching, coffee-slurping, fried-chicken-eating, oatmeal-loving, circle-jerking, beer-chugging, cricket-watching, scone-loathing, college football-naïve, baseball-box-score-reading, NPR-listening, filthy-hotel-staying, fight-instigating, barista-training Peter King, of Sports Illustrated and NBC Sports fame.
King notes in his column today it is hard to conclude anything other than Licht is leaning towards Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the overall No. 1 pick.
King, fresh from a fun evening at Sun King Brewery on the outskirts of downtown Indianapolis — Joe was there too, again, more later — detailed Licht’s thoughts on Winston being a special player and not a character issue, unless the Bucs unearth an unknown red flag in their investigations.
The biggest question, obviously, in the decision between Mariota and the more NFL-ready Winston is whether all the off-field incidents—Winston was investigated for, but never charged with, sexual assault, and was disciplined for shoplifting crab legs and shouting an obscenity in the Florida State student union—will steer the Bucs away from Winston, especially given the NFL’s image crisis. But last week coach Lovie Smith spoke positively of Winston. And at one point Saturday morning Licht mused about the two possibilities of Winston the person. “Bad guy or immaturity?” Licht said. “I’m leaning toward the latter.”
Licht also pulled out his smartphone for King and showed a favorite play of Winston’s. It was Winston racing downfield to blast a cornerback, springing a running back free for a touchdown.
King also said “80 percent” of the NFL insiders he has spoken with say the Bucs will draft Winston. Remember what Joe has been writing, that almost every NFL type Joe has spoken with says it is Winston over Mariota? Joe isn’t sitting in bars all day long when he goes to these NFL events.
But Joe did drink a lot of craft beer on those arctic-like nights in Indianapolis. Again, more on that later.
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:36 am
would not surprise me in the least.
licht has displayed excellent decison making skills since joining the bucs.
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:38 am
More Smoke
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:39 am
their smoking something alright. 🙂
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:40 am
“Joe isn’t sitting in bars all day long when he goes to these NFL events.”
Lies all lies I say.
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:40 am
Hey Joe, your link points back to the Super Bowl column of King. Here’s the right one:
http://mmqb.si.com/2015/02/23/tampa-bay-buccaneers-jameis-winston-peter-king-nfl-combine-draft/
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:41 am
There isn’t one shred of evidence that Licht is leaning toward Winston in this article…..he said he was leaning toward Winston being immature rather than bad guy….
Much of this isn’t smokescreen….it could be the proverbial trial balloon.
Joe has admitted that he isn’t objective when it comes to the choice so it’s understandable that any positive comment about Winston will be magnified …
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:43 am
I read that first thing this morning. Certainly brought a smile to my face.
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:44 am
Whether they love or hate him – they’d better act like they love him. Any chance of a haul of draft picks – and you’d better believe they want the offer – depends on them selling out that they’re open to all options.
Only a fool believes what he reads from teams right now. Especially from the Bucs.
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:48 am
geez lol the only people that denying this are the bucs and YOU…..you know the one’s who know nothing about football or drafting players because if you did you’d try to make money off of it like these guys do. it’s their job to not only set their draft board but try to guage who else wants players they want and who is gonna draft who and where….i’d go with anyone in the nfl, on nlf network actually talking football earn a living off football than any of of you here that disagree with these men who make money off football…you can be working the drive through window at starbucks trying to disagree with these people you have no credibility, neither do they but they have more than you, i’d trust their guess more than yours
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:56 am
The first stage of grief is denial. Deny is Mariota lovers….deny! Eventually you will have to come to terms with the fact that your precious golden boy is playing for another team. Don’t worry, I won’t shed a tear for you 😉
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:00 am
I would love to see Mariota go to the Jets or Tenn. He probably has an easier road to starting with the Jets though.
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:01 am
Licht said he was leaning toward “immaturity” over “Bad guy”… Not exactly the two characteristics you want in a 20 year old guy who is about to become the face of your franchise and a multimillionaire. But hey, I’m sure he’ll be fine…I mean it’s not like “immature” QBs get into trouble or anything, right?
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:03 am
TBBF, good observation. i think they are “previewing” public perception throughout this process more than angling for a trade or anything like that. they’ll send strong signals towards both and measure responses from fans, media outlets, social media, and in winston’s case (unfairly at this point) activist groups. it will not make their decision but it will help them prepare for the response to designating either guy the face – and savior – of the franchise
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:04 am
Today’s required reading for Jameis HATERS:
http://collegespun.com/acc/florida-state/reporters-at-indianapolis-airport-say-jameis-winston-helped-a-wheelchair-bound-man
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:04 am
“King also said “80 percent” of the NFL insiders he has spoken with say the Bucs will draft Winston.”
It’s almost over. Only a few stragglers remain. Pretty soon you will all come to my side. 80% is probably the low number..
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:06 am
lets see what happens when the rich folk with all the boxes see the hunting grounds and start calling one buc.
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:08 am
Robert…Winston will win Super Bowls for you on Madden 15.
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:11 am
OH SNAP 87!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I never thought of that. Still playing madden 13 when the team was actually decent, and had freeman lol. their still ranked low, but Ima beast with em anyway.
bought the next one, but man the team is bad 🙁
I might change my stance. 🙂
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:12 am
I’m shocked there weren’t a bunch of protestors out there in INDY concerning Winston and that grave injustice and all.
Didn’t hear a peep.
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:14 am
@87
Because he can’t do it in real life! haha set yourself up for that one.
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:16 am
Listen Guys….step back from this just a second…..sure it is Football…but it is still a busines….like entertainment…..it has all of the elements of any business…
Research, Marketing, PR…..
The Bucs are no different than any other business….they want to put the best product forward to their consumers….and they are concerned about short-term & the long-term.
Don’t let your passion…either way regarding the Players…cloud your clear thinking when it comes to all of the elements the Bucs face…
Sure, in the end they may pick your QB. (hopefully)….but it won’t be without considering the Business of Buc Football….
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:18 am
robert9, how many football fans are going to sift through a documentary about a national problem featuring a large number of victims to zero in on one person’s accuser because the accused is not a famous football player? i would posit that if that is your goal when viewing the film, you are not serious about the problem of sexual assault in the abstract and thus are likely a raging hypocrite whose problems with jameis winston have nothing to do with the allegation
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:19 am
This time of year everything is calculated. You all know this. Maybe he means it, maybe he wants Mariota, maybe he’s looking to see if he can solicit a trade offer or two.
We’re all spinning our wheels until the draft hits.
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:19 am
typo – *the accused is NOW a famous football player
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:25 am
Gotta admit 40 times are irrelevant for qbs. Good to know he has some sprint speed if they draft him
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:32 am
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo loves Miguel Grande & Senor Mofo…..Pablo welcomes Miguel back from JBF pergatory (awaiting moderation)”
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:40 am
Tampabaybucfan
You are very accurate in your statement pertaining to PR and business however the fact that you are not factoring in and that is the incredible short attention span of society especially Americans.
Once the bucs ride out the initial wave of publicity the first few days after the draft all will be forgotten. If he wins not only will all be forgotten but he will get the key to the city of tampa. Even Barry, Bonzi, Nybucsfan, Mr. Patrick, Robert9 will be backtracking while wearing their shinny new Winston Jersey… It will be hilarious.
I think Mariota will be a fine QB in a couple of years for the Jets. Lovie does not have luxury given all the mistakes and embarrassments he has caused the bucs in his first year.
I will be happy to welcome a fine young qb like Jameis to our team and town.
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:42 am
Skyline Crew Says:
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:14 am
“@87
Because he can’t do it in real life! haha set yourself up for that one.”
That remains to be seen and yes I know I set up myself as I was typing it.lol
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:50 am
Rich Eisen runs the 40 yard dash faster than Winston!! Greg Hardy was accused of domestic violence and has spent 1 full season (and counting) out of football! Ray Rice was never charged (although guilty) of domestic violence and he has spent 1 full season (and counting)! Adrian Peterson whipped his boy with a switch, albeit not my way, but I know I was whupped a lot harder in the day. He has been out of football for 1 season (and counting)! Kurt Busch (NASCAR Champion) has some girl accuse him of domestic violence more than two (65 days) months after the incident of alleged domestic violence and he is losing millions….Not condoning domestic violence in any form, but to be accused 65 days after the fact and not charged is not fair grounds to end a career.
Now Joe’s boy Winston has raped a girl (his word against hers like with Busch), yelled vulgarities about women in public, and committed theft and he is shielded by FSU, TPD, and the media. In the NFL and/or NASCAR, Winston would be suspended. No way the Buc’s need to waste a #1 pickon someone who has failed to apologize, struts around like he is untouchable, and will reoffend in the near future. I cannot believe Lovie is proclaiming him the pick without even interviewing him.
Is Lovie going to interview the girl? Is he going to ask Winston for the video tape that would clear him?
The Buc’s need a QB, but they need to also get a player who will play for the next 10 years. No chances should be taken on someone who could be on the NFL Exempt list his first season!
Greg Schiano
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:59 am
Greg Schiano, read this:
http://chopchat.com/2015/02/22/erica-kinsman-jameis-winston-drugged/
I don’t expect you to…but you should read it
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:01 pm
@ Joes,
So, I see that u guys intentionally omitted the most important quote by Licht to Peter King. Where is your supposed journalistic integrity?
Jason Licht: ‘I’d be lying if I said that we weren’t concerned about the off-the-field issues… I mean we’re all real people. We have daughters & wives & bosses to answer to. There’s people to consider when making these decisions.’
That seems like we might end up picking Mariota to me. SMH, Joes. U guys are silly.
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:03 pm
“Greg Schiano Says:
February 23rd, 2015 at 11:50 am
Winston has raped a girl ”
You are as right about that as you were guaranteeing that he wouldn’t throw at the combine.
Which is not at all.
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:06 pm
Greg Schiano
There is a reason you were run out of town…. Take a deep breath and go buy a Winston jersey.
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:15 pm
@ tmaxcon
You are exactly correct Sir, there are short memories when it comes to the public…and opinions can be changed by a good PR campaign & good behavior from the person in question….and winning is part of this.
History tells us this…..with Bill Clinton, Elliot Spitzer…..and look at the rehabilitation of Mike Vick….some thought he would never see the field again.
My point is that we will likely see that campaign from the Bucs if Winston is the choice….we would also see a campaign if Mariota it the choice….but it would be different…..likely calling for fans to look at the long-run….be patient…..”we are convinced he has all the skills necessary to make the transition…etc…
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:15 pm
Maybe Licht hasn’t looked at Winston’s release times yet. It would be nice to see those numbers published.
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:16 pm
I think the Bucs will take Winston. That is the type of decision bad ownership makes and the rest of the league knows it.
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:18 pm
the conclusion of every objective inquiry is that the only difference between jameis winston and every other non-virgin male who has never committed rape is that a past sexual partner has made an accusation against him. the only thing standing as a verifiable fact after all the scrutiny is that the accused was one of the accuser’s recent sexual partners.
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:19 pm
Joe left a lot out! Winston said Character is what you show when no one is looking.
What an idiot thing to say? So stealing and vandalism is who you are. He also told Peter King he welcomes the scrutiny and even says Bring It On to Peter.
He is digging himself a hole he cannot get out of!
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:25 pm
***ALERT SEASON TICKET HOLDERS***
You may be a party to a Buc poll….it will likely be a telephone poll (if they have your number)….there will be some qualifying questions…..age, sex….how long a holder….perhaps not if the Bucs have a profile on you)
The question about draft choice will come but it will be accompanies with many other questions so it will be somewhat not front and center…..they will ask opinions on both qbs & trading down.
They will need to reach appx. 300 fans to get statistically significant projectionable results.
May not happen but would be likely if they are seriously considering selecting Winston….or if they are on the fence. The Glazers may insist on the poll….and….it’s not really very expenses.
If contacted……please let us know……NO BS PLEASE!!!
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:27 pm
Should proofread my posts before submitting….my bad!!
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:29 pm
It doesn’t matter which way Licht/Smith lean, Bryan Glazer makes the call here. Period.
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:36 pm
Erik with CleanAthletics.com Says:
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:01 pm
@ Joes,
So, I see that u guys intentionally omitted the most important quote by Licht to Peter King. Where is your supposed journalistic integrity?
Jason Licht: ‘I’d be lying if I said that we weren’t concerned about the off-the-field issues… I mean we’re all real people. We have daughters & wives & bosses to answer to. There’s people to consider when making these decisions.’
That seems like we might end up picking Mariota to me. SMH, Joes. U guys are silly.
Are you surprised….this goes on every day….several times a day…it is comical…
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:37 pm
@TBBF
Tokyo Joes is right! 🙂
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:40 pm
LMAO @ TBBF! C’mon man! They’re not going to poll the fans. Also, you need to brush up on your statistics. 300 is not what you need for a statistically relevant number. You need to triple that and and some more. Do they plan to poll the people that don’t currently have season tix that will get them once Winston is drafted.
The article above is quite a stretch by King but I guess he has to type out this dribble daily to make sure he gets his pay check.
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:43 pm
Maybe Schiano is mad because his pasta was served a little cold. Give him a break. Lol
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:55 pm
@Bucfan4life
Most think there always need to be more polled to be projectionable….and I can tell you….that if the poll is of season ticked holders…..300 is enough….1000 as you suggest would be 1-30 or so holders…..totally not necessary.
Now…if the poll is expanded to ex-holders…or those that are potential buyers…the number polled needs to be expanded.
The Bucs may not have ever done this when it comes to a draft pick…..and they would never announce the results….but they very well may in this case….and like I said….it won’t look like a draft pick poll…there will likely be many other questions….like qustions on the “fan experience” stadium, uniforms…..etc.
Just my opinion here….but my comments on marketing research/polls is from experience in the field.
February 23rd, 2015 at 1:04 pm
Bucfan4life Says:
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:40 pm
LMAO @ TBBF! C’mon man! They’re not going to poll the fans.
Read that again……maybe you are right…..but if they have that attitude, they deserve an angry non-supportive fanbase and empty seats.
Not polling fans is like a company not researching what their consumers think about their product or service.
The most foolhardy Companies refuse to spend money on research because they “know what their consumers think”…….a good prescription for failure.
February 23rd, 2015 at 1:09 pm
From what I have seen, the BUCS should want Winston once they complete two tasks: the background investigation, and making sure he knows he can only play football (take baseball off the table via contract terms).
February 23rd, 2015 at 1:10 pm
Do we have 300 season ticket holders? Boom pow! Lol
February 23rd, 2015 at 1:21 pm
Bucfan4life & Nick,
Here is a link to Marketing Research & the NFL
Note the sample size of 700 is acurate between 1-3% variance…and is a national poll.. (not one team’s ticket holders)
It also illustrates the importance of polls to NFL teams and the league.
https://rmsbunkerblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/market-research-and-the-nfl/
February 23rd, 2015 at 1:46 pm
“But I’d be lying if I said I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the off-field stuff. It’s always in the back of your mind. We’re people too. We have wives and daughters and bosses to answer to. And at the end of the day we will do the kind of due diligence the likes of which I don’t believe the Bucs will have ever done. This decision is going to affect so many people and their families. We’ve got to get it right.” – JASON LICHT (SAME ARTICLE)
February 23rd, 2015 at 1:48 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:36 pm
Erik with CleanAthletics.com Says:
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:01 pm
@ Joes,
So, I see that u guys intentionally omitted the most important quote by Licht to Peter King. Where is your supposed journalistic integrity?
“Jason Licht: ‘I’d be lying if I said that we weren’t concerned about the off-the-field issues… I mean we’re all real people. We have daughters & wives & bosses to answer to. There’s people to consider when making these decisions.’
That seems like we might end up picking Mariota to me. SMH, Joes. U guys are silly.
Are you surprised….this goes on every day….several times a day…it is comical…”
Agreed.
February 23rd, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Rapist! Rapist! Rapist!
February 23rd, 2015 at 1:55 pm
Ten reason why the Bucs will draft Mariota over Winston..1. The bucs don’t want all the bad press that will come with Winston. 2. They cut Williams who was starting and a number of other players with issues , 3. The bucs wouldn’t sign Incognito last year even though we needed an offensive lineman badly, and it would have cost nothing. .. 4. Koetter is a pac 12 coach with ties to Mariota 5. We hired a qb coach who specializes in a spread no huddle fast paced offense also with ties to Mariota. 6. Eveytime Lovie has been questioned about Winston, he himself brings up Mariota. 7..Winston and Lovies leadership styles are polar opposites. 8. Lovie values ball control, Winston threw the 2rd most interceptions in the 2014 colleges season. 9 The whole Bucs management staff must approve the decision.you cant even get 5 people together to agree to draft Winston or not, that are not fsu fan..None of the bucs coaches went to or coached at fsu. 10. Lovie flew out to the collage championship game Winston wasnt playing ..
February 23rd, 2015 at 1:58 pm
Alleged
February 23rd, 2015 at 2:01 pm
@ jake lang
Add this…..The Bucs interviewed two late-round spread QBs……why?
Perhaps they know that they are trading Glennon and will choose two QBs….both with similar styles…then design an offense for them.
And….there were other non-spread QBs later round prospects available….Shane Carden from ECU is one.
February 23rd, 2015 at 2:06 pm
And Charles Sims was selected in the 3rd round as the PERFECT spread running back! Dougie will be traded on draft day!
February 23rd, 2015 at 2:18 pm
“you cant even get 5 people together to agree to draft Winston or not, that are not fsu fan.”
jake lang…is this a fact or a reason? Or just your reasoning?
TBBF..missed that one…I’m surprised.
February 23rd, 2015 at 2:26 pm
@87
Yep…I missed that…..strickly speculation on the 5 non FSU fans from Jake Lang…
I guess I have been influened by Joe’s editing techniques….
February 23rd, 2015 at 2:26 pm
TBBF, the interviewed one spread and one traditional late round QB, unless you think Blake Sims is a spread QB, which he is not
February 23rd, 2015 at 2:32 pm
I would prefer the guy who makes well thought decisions both on and off the field…
February 23rd, 2015 at 2:59 pm
CreamsicleBananaHammock Says:
February 23rd, 2015 at 2:26 pm
TBBF, the interviewed one spread and one traditional late round QB, unless you think Blake Sims is a spread QB, which he is not
Lane Kiffin changed the Alabama Offense to spread this year…..see the linki
http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2014/12/46706/breaking-down-
alabama-the-tides-spread-offense
February 23rd, 2015 at 3:02 pm
@yungry
Like we have said, it’s about the money.
http://chopchat.com/2015/02/22/kinsmans-attorney-wanted-insurance-policy-jameis-winston/
February 23rd, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Mike Evans Jameis Winston two players cut from the same cloth
February 23rd, 2015 at 4:01 pm
just a thought, but how can the pro winston crowd absolutely trash erica kinsman and it’s ok?
February 23rd, 2015 at 4:21 pm
@Robert
I thought she wanted justice? Now it’s revealed, Aunt Pat wanted an insurance policy on Winston. She really cares deeply about her niece.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Shakedown
February 23rd, 2015 at 6:44 pm
Allegedly and unconfirmed but I read where she wanted 7mil to stay quite. There’s also a few pics of them together all lovie dovie. I could only speculate and none of it would be positive. All I can say is – hell hath no fury like …
February 23rd, 2015 at 8:01 pm
You left out the part said we all have daughters and wife’s we have to get this right. Hmmm why would he be worried about daughters and wife’s if he drafted Shameis
February 23rd, 2015 at 8:54 pm
the bucs will pick the best qb for our team ..M.M.
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:06 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:41 am
There isn’t one shred of evidence that Licht is leaning toward Winston in this article…..he said he was leaning toward Winston being immature rather than bad guy….
Much of this isn’t smokescreen….it could be the proverbial trial balloon.
Joe has admitted that he isn’t objective when it comes to the choice so it’s understandable that any positive comment about Winston will be magnified …
Yey again
February 23rd, 2015 at 10:46 pm
So when L&L say good things about JW it’s a smoke screen but when they say good things about MM it’s obvious? lol
February 24th, 2015 at 2:17 am
Funny how the only thing that the Mariota crowd keeps using the term “smoke” or “smokescreen” in regards to the Buc’s leaning towards Winston. Which essentially means that they are in denial of it all.
Face it teams that have the number one overall pick don’t resort to smokescreens or tricks to confuse other teams. Do you ever remember a team with the first overall pick using smokescreens in any other draft? Didn’t think so… This is the only year that I have ever heard of anyone saying a team with the first pick in the draft is trying to use smokescreens to confuse other teams.
It is so far from the truth it is not even funny. The Buc’s don’t care what Titans are planning to do with the second pick, the Jags with the third, and the Raiders with the fourth and so on and so forth. All the Buc’s are worried about is who they are going to draft with the first overall pick, and clearly Winston is the current favorite.
Look at the past history of the NFL draft and notice that teams that have the first overall pick do not trade out of that spot, period. Especially, especially, especially teams that need a quarterback most certainly do not trade out of the spot when there are players worthy of the pick.
There is no benefit for the Bucs to need to use smokescreens or mislead other teams at the top of the draft, plain and simple. No team can jump them or do anything to prevent them from picking whoever they want. If the Bucs.
February 24th, 2015 at 5:28 am
Unlike most posters on here, I’ll bet the Glazers review all legal documents from a detailed investigation before seeing it, if they see it, to have a complete picture. They’ll also see in the documentary yet another different version from the accuser.