“Sickening Allegiance”
September 5th, 2016
BY IRA KAUFMAN
Let’s get this column out of the way before the season is upon us.
This website does a lot of things right — and it deserves its surging popularity with Buc fans from Seminole to Singapore.
But it’s not perfect.
One of the puzzling issues on this site is a sickening allegiance to former Tampa Bay GM Mark Dominik, otherwise known as a “rock star” in these parts. I’m glad these guys don’t have a vote for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because by those standards, Gary Lewis & The Playboys would surely be on their way to Cleveland.
Mark 28-52 Dominik is hardly a rock star, and this nonsense simply has to stop. Buc fans are loyal, they are patient to a fault, but they are not stupid. JoeBucsFan needs to end this silly homage to an ESPN insider who preferred Marcus Mariota over Jameis Winston heading into the 2015 draft.
Jason Licht is Paul McCartney
By my count, at least 14 of Tampa Bay’s 22 starters in Week 1 at the Georgia Dome have been acquired since Dominik and Greg Schiano were dismissed after the 2013 season.
That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement for Dominik’s evaluation skills.
Six weeks after being named to a job he had long craved, Dominik made one of the most comical personnel decisions in franchise history. That’s saying a mouthful for a club that drafted Bo Jackson No. 1 overall and dumped Darrelle Revis for no compensation, only one year after yielding a first-round pick for a future Hall of Famer.
When 2009 free agency opened, this “rock star” signed wide receiver Michael Clayton to a 5-year, $24 million deal, with $10 million guaranteed. Dominik and rookie head coach Raheem Morris lauded Clayton for his blocking prowess and his toughness.
That’s fine, but how about catching a few passes?
What makes it worse is that Dominik worked at One Buc Place while Clayton went from a stud rookie in 2004 to an underachieving enigma in the four seasons before Dominik’s stunning gaffe.
Clayton had already been on the free-agent market for two days before the Bucs inexplicably brought him back. He was finally off their books, but instead of telling Clayton to hit the road, Dominik showed him the money.
Two days later, the Bucs wrote a fat check to free-agent running back Derrick Ward.
Quite an exacta.
Dominik made a smart move grabbing Vincent Jackson as a free agent in 2012, but he whiffed on Dashon Goldson, Eric Wright and Kevin Ogletree. He anointed Kellen Winslow Jr. the league’s richest tight end.
Need we go on?
In the draft, even Mel Kiper had the Bucs taking Gerald McCoy at No. 3 in 2010. But let’s be fair — Dominik hit it big on Doug Martin and Lavonte David in 2012 amid all the flubs.
Josh Freeman and Da’Quan Bowers didn’t love football, Myron Lewis simply couldn’t play, Brian Price and Arrelious Benn were always hurt, and Adrian Clayborn was nothing special.
In his first two years after replacing Dominik, Jason Licht added Mike Evans, Charles Sims, Kevin Pamphile, Jameis Winston, Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet and Kwon Alexander.
If Dominik’s a rock star, Licht is Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan and Neil Young rolled into one.
Rich McKay’s first two draft picks as Buc GM, Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks, already have busts in Canton. Ronde Barber may soon join them in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
I’m sure Joe will soon realize the error of attempting to raise Dominik’s profile. He seems comfortable in front of the camera analyzing the NFL for ESPN … just keep him out of the draft room.
There were surreal moments last year when I saw both Dominik and Schiano in the same segment, “breaking things down” as TV folks like to say.
Buc fans must have been startled to see Mark 28-52 Dominik and Greg 11-21 Schiano weighing in on league issues from the comfort of a studio in Bristol, Conn.
There they were, the rock star and the death star, side by side.
From now on Joe, when you refer to Licht’s predecessor, it’s just plain old Mark Dominik. In case you haven’t noticed, Elvis has left the building.
Editor’s Note: It seems Joe’s story on Dominik and the 2016 Bucs roster got under Mr. Kaufman’s skin.
September 5th, 2016 at 2:05 pm
Ira for President!!!!
September 5th, 2016 at 2:12 pm
I agree with Ira. Dominik acquired a few good players (it was his job), but his record overall, especially with 2nd rounders is a disgrace.
September 5th, 2016 at 2:13 pm
boom shaq a lack ah!!!
September 5th, 2016 at 2:13 pm
You tell ’em eye !!!!
September 5th, 2016 at 2:21 pm
Ira…once again…you’re proving your Hall of Fame worthiness. 🙂 When Dirtstar Dominik basically bidded against himself to get Revis…for 1 mil per game played and the pick that turned put to be Sheldon Richardson…it turned out to be a final Hail/Fail Mary to a poor run as GM. He defines the Peter Principle where he was basically promoted beyond his abilities. He has found a home as a big talking “analyst” at both BSPN and Sirius XM football channel. Why do I picture an autographed picture/poster of Da Dom in JBF’s office? 🙂
September 5th, 2016 at 2:25 pm
Great stuff Ira. I couldn’t agree more. With that said, big time props to Joe for providing the platform to express your views.
September 5th, 2016 at 2:27 pm
And that’s not counting this 3rd draft which could net us 3, huge new pieces in hargreaves, aguayo, and spence, as well as some solid contributors from the other picks
September 5th, 2016 at 2:29 pm
Ira
You Rock!!!!!!!!
September 5th, 2016 at 2:46 pm
Preach it Ira.
Joe’s never ending attempts to put layers of lipstick on the biggest pig of a GM since – well, his predecessor Bruce Allen is nothing short of comical.
I still believe that Dom is holding pictures of one of the Joe’s in bed with a Tranny to ensure that JBF continues to be the lone voice in the wilderness still trying to prop this guy up somehow..
September 5th, 2016 at 2:50 pm
You knew for sure when Joe congratulated Dominick for having 28% on the roster instead of disparaging him for not having 72% after 3 years…..
I actually think there is a method to Joe’s madness……the bottom line….it is better for Joe to take an unpopular opinion to his readers (more readership activity) The Tribune could have learned some lessons from Joe. (Of course Joe would never admit to profit motives)
This is dead wrong, way off base, and Joe’s comments are below.–Joe
September 5th, 2016 at 2:55 pm
I like Mark 28-52 Dominik! Accurate and more to the point. Thanks Ira!
September 5th, 2016 at 2:58 pm
There are dozens of examples why Dom was a terrible GM and only a handful of good moves in 5 years. But the only “evidence” really needed is the fact that Dominik has not even sniffed a chance at another job in the NFL since he was fired by the Bucs 3 years ago.
September 5th, 2016 at 2:59 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo thinks Mark (Martha) Dominick was trolling Pablo’s table dance establishment the other night…..boy did he/she look really good in that tight mini-skirt fishnet hose and red pumps…..but Mark, you’ve got to get the Adam’s apple surgery if you want to be passable…..nicely shaven legs though!!!”
September 5th, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Byron Leftwich
Angelo Crowell
Giving Antonio Bryant $10 million for ’09 along with the Clayton deal
Giving away Blount for a sprinter.
Giving away a borderline HOFer in Talib for low value.
Giving away premium draft picks for the overpaid Winslow.
The Great Lumpkin.
Arellious Benn.
His role in the hiring of Greg Schiano.
LETTING MICHAEL BENNETT WALK FOR NO REASON.
Brian Price. who got punched by
Mark Barron. who we selected in front of
Luke Kechly. because Greg Schiano needed a guy who could cover TEs like Jimmy Graham. A guy like…Luke Kechly.
Luke was the first of a trifecta of All Pros we’d leave on the table for Carolina, as the rockstar later drafted LB Najee Goode 3 spots ahead of Josh Norman (and 2 spots ahead of LB Brandon Marshall).
Then we took 6th CB Johnathan Banks over 1st team all pro Kawaan Short. Love that rockstar. Panthers couldn’t have won the NFC title without him.
Cap off that illustrious 13 draft by taking Mike Glennon over Jordan Reed and Keenan Allen, and it’s no wonder the guy now has a job where applying makeup is a requirement.
September 5th, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Fact based article,I love it.
September 5th, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Chucky Gruden is the reason Rich McKay bolted for Atlanta. Gruden wanted Bruce (gag me with a spoon) Allen. Chucky was still flaunting the SB win, so what he wanted, he got. Boy, did ole Chucky end up stinking w/Allen at the end. Anyone was better than Allen including Dominik. JBF’s purpose with rock starring Dominik is to keep fans riled up on here so the ad moolah comes in. 🙂 Sure seems to work. Looking forward to Sunday, 9/11. Go Tampa Bay Bucs!!
September 5th, 2016 at 3:14 pm
GMs make their bones in this league by turning around losing franchises. George Young did it by taking a Giants team with a Bucs-like losing legacy, drafting Phil Simms and the original LT, bringing in Parcells and Belichick, and building a long-time winner.
Dominik didn’t do that. Whether by his hand or the Glazers’, he had crappy coaching. And certainly not enough winning. Jury is still out on Licht. But winning is all I care about. They can all be anointed as rockstars if they take the Bucs to the playoffs for 3-4 years running.
September 5th, 2016 at 3:18 pm
Even though I agree the rock star status is way over doing it. I believe Joe looks a Dominik as a information source…instead of a football guru.
September 5th, 2016 at 3:25 pm
Jason licht has been around the block and it has benefitted him greatly.
That said ,we are lucky glazers decided to hire within and promote Koetter.
Raheem,Lovie,and Dominic must have left a bad taste in their mouth.
September 5th, 2016 at 3:52 pm
@ORLBUC
Yesterday I might of agreed with you,but with Ira simplified grading system:
Unfortunately Bruce 38-42 Allen grades out a little better under the Ira Kaufman grading system.Allen did have the advantage of working with an established HC, Dominic had Raheem and Schiano.I also did not like the way Mckay was pushed out and we were only a .500 team after McKay left.
Love to see IRA grade their drafts though,think dominic would get the edge.
September 5th, 2016 at 4:03 pm
I’m literally laughing out loud that Mark Dominik is still a topic of conversation on JBF. Two Dominik articles in one week!
September 5th, 2016 at 4:09 pm
I gotta say one of biggest gaffes that mark had and no one ever mentions, is that he forced Derrick Brooks out of the door.
Sure DB was aging, he was certainly slowing down, But he wanted to play. the bucs needed his leadership, they needed him in the locker room and on the field. The bucs lack of quality veteran leadership to go with a rookie head coach, rookie QB, and a rookie GM, was a recipe for disaster. I get the rebuild and turning over the roster, but you need those locker room leaders to get the players on the right mindset.
the bucs still havent replaced DB’s locker room and on field leadership for the defense. Maybe Kwon will step up and do a little bit, but you really can’t replace the godfather. I think this was Mark’s biggest bungling. The bucs became a mess right after they cut DB.
September 5th, 2016 at 4:10 pm
Ira,
Props for all that stuff already mentioned. Yet, I’m going to best remember “the rock star and the death star, side by side”. It leaves a great image.
September 5th, 2016 at 4:18 pm
Simply AMEN ! & AMEN !!!!
It’s been like talking to the Wall round here.
September 5th, 2016 at 4:19 pm
A-freaking-MEN!!!!
September 5th, 2016 at 4:20 pm
if he was such a rockstar GM he would’ve had a NFL job by now… has he even been invited to an interview? only good thing i liked about Mark was he kept the team in good cap standing and they kept his cap guy greenberg so not missing the “rockstar” one bit…
September 5th, 2016 at 4:48 pm
I wonder, since Ira has a pretty good inside view of the Bucs during the 2012, and 2013 season. How many players that were drafted had Butch Davis’s name on it. If not for Butch Davis the popstar cupboard would have been very bare!!!!!
I do not think that Butch Davis got the credit, of the fact that he could be a top NFL evaluator at the NFL LEVEL!!!!!! Just remember, no Butch Davis no LVD54 on this team!!!!
And that is REAL!!!!!!!
September 5th, 2016 at 4:51 pm
No way a first year GM acted alone in cutting Derrick Brooks. That order came from the glazers who like StPetebucfanan has pointed out on-many occasions glazers were cutting cost because of the Manchester debt and priority to pay off that debt.
September 5th, 2016 at 4:59 pm
I guess the Joes were right. They let Ira write what he wants.
September 5th, 2016 at 5:01 pm
I don’t think money was the issue with Brooks….a couple of mill is like $2 to us compared to the Glazers…..
September 5th, 2016 at 5:03 pm
I am no fan of the rock star and there is plenty of ammo to blast him with but the Derrick Brooks one does not fly with me. that came from ownership and was executed with very little class. you will never make everyone happy when an era comes to the end it’s a true no win situation but glazers and the rest of the organization sh!t the bed big time on that move.
September 5th, 2016 at 5:07 pm
Ha ha ha Ira. Get em. Many, many, many, many Bucs fans have been irked by this site’s “rock star” nickname of Dominik.
I get why the Joe’s call him that, but if it always leads to a confusion as to how good he was as GM, then I would drop the nickname. Ye they won’t do it. To each his own and it’s not my site.
September 5th, 2016 at 5:11 pm
Ira, the only Rock Star I can see on this website is you for telling it like is is. Dominick couldn’t find his way to the men’s room at One Buc Place better yet put a quality product on the field!!
September 5th, 2016 at 5:16 pm
Dear Tampabucfan,
Joe does not take kindly to you making inaccurate allegations and taking shots at Joe’s integrity and credibility.
It is laughable that you think you’re so smart that you can ascribe motives to Joe’s honest work. Spewing a pile of BS for the sake of “clicks” is horrible business. Always has been and always will be. You really think Joe is that stupid? And it’s also laughable that you think you know what gets traffic on this website. You absolutely don’t. Joe would wager that what you think gets the most clicks actually gets the least.
You’re in the commenter cooler for a while. Enjoy it.
September 5th, 2016 at 5:18 pm
Yikes!
September 5th, 2016 at 5:21 pm
TBBF…welcome to the family!
September 5th, 2016 at 5:27 pm
“Who wants to buy this diamond ring”. What, they’re not in the hall of fame? Lol
September 5th, 2016 at 5:32 pm
Ruh Row
TBBF – please report to the principal’s office IMMEDIATELY!
September 5th, 2016 at 5:33 pm
What? TBBF in the cooler? What about Pablo? Can he still come out and play?
September 5th, 2016 at 5:41 pm
There may have been some positives that Dominik brought to the team, such as bringing in particular players (yes, 28% of them in 2016) or shepherding the franchise through cap purgatory to untold millions in cap space. Still, being a superior ‘capologist’ doesn’t win you games (or Superbowls for that matter). However you think about A-Ha-loving ex-GM Mark Dominik or AC/DC-loving GM Jason Licht, the responsibility ultimately falls on the shoulders of ownership. The Glazers choose the people to run the organization, and they sign off on paying millions to underperforming players, like Clayton. This is not mentioned in the article. What was the philosophy of ownership during the past (lost) decade?
September 5th, 2016 at 5:48 pm
Lol this is gold
September 5th, 2016 at 5:49 pm
In the words of Getty Lee. “If you chose not to decide, you still have made a choice.” I chose life.
……………………
For those that are not in the know………This statement wreaks of Irony
September 5th, 2016 at 5:50 pm
And Joe………..He is known as TBBF most commonly.
September 5th, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Oh…………an I am cooking Steaks in the SNOW on Labor Day!
One of the things I don’t enjoy about living up here. Bucs games happen at 11 AM! I Love that. Skiing and Snowmobiling, I love that. Snowing on my Labor day grill I still haven’t gotten used to.
September 5th, 2016 at 6:00 pm
Speaking for Pablo:….It is ok that my Jefe is in Purgatorio for a minute. He is a good dude and will stand tall. Joe actually likes him. My barrera idiomática limits me from everything American except Table Dances!
September 5th, 2016 at 6:01 pm
Andytheman24 Says:
September 5th, 2016 at 5:48 pm
Lol this is gold
………………………………..
🙂
Also gold that non posters are lovin it! Must be good stuff right now
September 5th, 2016 at 6:03 pm
@Doctor Stroud
mark dominik was not even the “capologist” . It was Mike GreenBurg and dominik was all to happy to take credit. and NFL GM Bruce Allen had already had the team way under the Cap years before mark dominik gutted the team and lead them to the nfl basement!!!!!
and if Carolina had not tanked for Cam Newton, the Bucs would have been 7 time owner of the NFC South Basement!!!!!
And that is “Real”!!!!!!
September 5th, 2016 at 6:10 pm
Compared to Jon Gruden’s lacky Bruce Allen, Dom was a rock star. Anywho give them hell Ira, lets see if we can’t grow JoeBucsFans from a snarky fan site into a legit source of Bucs news, they should keep an attitude and have an opinion, but at the same time just being snarky for the sake of being snarky gets boring after a while.
September 5th, 2016 at 6:12 pm
Some folks say ” the glass is half full” some say “the glass is half empty” The Realist says ” looks like I have to buy another beer soon”
September 5th, 2016 at 6:17 pm
SB with Jameis
very nice working man reference.
September 5th, 2016 at 6:18 pm
*Thunderous applause*
September 5th, 2016 at 6:18 pm
By the way guys, we are 51 Members Strong in the JOEBUCSFAN.com Pickem league so far!!!! Only three days left to join if you haven’t. Good Luck to all of you who will compete!
To any who haven’t joined here is how to get in
http://games.espn.com/nfl-pigskin-pickem/2016/en/group?groupID=99276
September 5th, 2016 at 6:21 pm
Go Ira!!!!!! ROFLMAO!
September 5th, 2016 at 6:23 pm
Ira with a truth bomb on the Joes!!!
September 5th, 2016 at 6:24 pm
SB with Jameis
freewill my head and fingers were not on the same page.
September 5th, 2016 at 6:24 pm
It seems the Joes are not in a good mood today. I hope they don’t put Ira in the cooler.
September 5th, 2016 at 6:25 pm
Love that the Joes are cool enough to post factual opinions that don’t match theirs
Go Bucs!!!
September 5th, 2016 at 6:30 pm
Rod Munch Says
“Compared to Jon Gruden’s lacky Bruce Allen, Dom was a rock star.”
I don’t know about that.
The way I look at it, every GM has strengths and weaknesses.
Bruce Allen was good able to get the cap under control at a time when it was left in crisis by McKay.
Mark Dominick was good at negotiations (regardless of what Realist states) and came up with original contract structures that are now the norm throughout the NFL. He was ‘okay’ at picking out free agents.
But he absolutely sucked at drafting.
Licht is great at drafting, but absolutely sucks at veteran evaluation and free agents. He isn’t horrible at contract negotiations so far either, though we won’t really know until Jameis gets his $100 mil deal in a few years.
So far, Licht isn’t batting a thousand in free agency this year either. Sweezy is a complete waste so far. Grimes has been good, not great…and given Buccaneers luck, I half expect him to get injured and put on IR at some point.
And yet…he seems to do great with Undrafted Free Agents. Go figure.
Luckily, it’s the drafting ability this team needs most from the GM.
September 5th, 2016 at 6:50 pm
Rich McKay, the best damn GM in the history of the franchise.
September 5th, 2016 at 7:13 pm
@Ira
Since the truth seems to be flowing around here, Tell them how Monte Kiffen was leaving during the week for college recruiting and Rah ran the defense all week when the dreaded 4 game losing streak happened in 2008!!!!!
Real recognize Real!!!!!!!
September 5th, 2016 at 7:17 pm
Let’s not go to the other extreme now.
September 5th, 2016 at 7:19 pm
tmaxcon Says:
September 5th, 2016 at 6:24 pm
SB with Jameis
freewill my head and fingers were not on the same page.
……………….
All is forgiven for a lover of the Greatest Three man band in Rock History.
September 5th, 2016 at 7:20 pm
IRA with the walk off…. and he even watched it for a while.
September 5th, 2016 at 7:23 pm
I’m not big on trashing has beens. They were here. They failed. And we as fans suffered. What are we gonna do now? Lets live in the present. Lets win some GD games. The ghost of coaches/GM past serve no purpose towards us going to the superbowl. Lets win now guys. To hell with the past. Game one is Sunday. We gotta whip ATL to start things off!
September 5th, 2016 at 8:08 pm
THANK YOU IRA. Don’t and will never understand the Joe’s almost teeny-bopper teenage girl obsession over cluless bumbling, fumbling, and stumbling Dominik. You’re absolutely right, given his resume here and if for nothing else than picking Bowers “potential” over Bennent’s in-house production while having the cap room to spare, is quite sickening INDEED.
September 5th, 2016 at 8:27 pm
Its laughable that you can can stand on your soapbox and defend Miko’s right to free speech and ban somebody that you feel insulted you.
Free speech is a beautiful thing. Joe will stand up for it all day. But Joe has the same right to not provide a forum for credibility attacks on his business. The anonymous commenter is free to access JoeBucsFan.com with a new name and IP address and comment all day long. –Joe
September 5th, 2016 at 9:31 pm
Debating who is the best GM for a franchise who has 5 good seasons and 1 great season out 40 years is futile…. all the bucs GM’s including the overrated mckay have sucked. Remember mckay is equally responsible for that pathetic slop Dungy called offense.
September 5th, 2016 at 10:51 pm
SBwJ,
It’s Geddy not Getty, BUT he doesn’t write the tunes. Their drummer (N. Peart) does that. Nonetheless, good quote to make a point.
September 6th, 2016 at 12:34 am
Stick to your guns, Joe(s)! Sounds to me like you should buy Ira a few bags of concrete so he can harden the [explicitive] up.
September 6th, 2016 at 12:55 am
Doctor Stroud:
Joe sees what you did there. 🙂
September 6th, 2016 at 1:32 am
What’s lichts record Ira? 8-24? We’ll see what he is soon. I’m hopeful he’s the man but we haven’t had a winning season yet
September 6th, 2016 at 9:09 am
Dear Ira,
I love you. That is all.
Buc15
September 6th, 2016 at 9:12 am
IRAAAAAAA!!!!!! YES
September 6th, 2016 at 10:44 am
Ira’s only writing what the majority of JBF commenters have been saying for quite some time now. Not sure what the big to-do is. Most of us know that Joe is misguided when it comes to Dominik (and Manziel and quite a few other subjects in recent years). Ira’s calling it like he sees it. And he happens to be correct.