“Sensitive” McCoy
June 15th, 2019
“He came after me on social media”
BY ZACHARY SEIFTER
JoeBucsFan.com intern
A Buccaneers beat writer opened up about the sensitivity of Gerald McCoy, recalling him aggressively expressing his distaste for legitimate media questions and commentary.
While McCoy may have joined Ian Rapoport’s podcast and said he will “never have anything bad to say about Tampa,” that doesn’t mean that his signing with division rival Carolina was a coincidence.
McCoy may not admit it, but there still may be ill feelings that the ex-Bucs defensive tackle has toward his former team.
At least in the eyes of Bucs ESPN writer Jenna Laine.
Laine was recently on Shemon and Sheppard on 99.3 FM in Fort Myers to discuss all things Bucs from OTA’s and minicamp and the subject of McCoy’s departure came up. When asked about him joining his NFC South squad, Laine had this to say.
“Well, you know, I had heard that he was feeling really good about his visits with both the Ravens and the Browns,” Laine told listeners. “And I know both of those teams really, really wanted him but then the Panthers emerged in that, it was an opportunity for him to go to a division rival. And whether he’s going to acknowledge this or not because he’s downplayed it, in fact he came after me on social media for suggesting it — which, whatever it’s a free country, he’s allowed to do that, although I certainly do not like having my integrity called out, that’s a first for me as a journalist.
“But that’s neither here nor there. You know, even guys, even players that are very close to McCoy agree, yeah he wants to play the Bucs twice a year.”
Now that doesn’t sound like someone who has said he will retire a Buc and will never disrespect the organization.
One has to think revenge has to be a factor here. And Laine says McCoy’s feelings toward how the Bucs handled his situation was part of the equation.
“I don’t blame him for feeling slighted by the organization because they kept him in limbo all offseason, you know,” Laine said. “And I know it’s a hurtful situation for McCoy.
“… … It’s like, do you want me? Do you not want me? Just let me go, when they could’ve done him a solid by just releasing him and letting him sign to a team when everybody else was in free agency, when all these other teams had an abundance of cash that they could spend. You know, he could pick and choose who he wanted to go to, and he certainly would’ve had a market. The fact that he was still able to sign, now the deal is up to $10 million or $10.25 million I believe, when it comes to incentives and things like that, but still well below $13 million, I still think that’s pretty incredible that he was able to still sign for that much considering this time of year when teams, the rosters are at max capacity and they just don’t have a lot of cash available. They have to move that around, so I still think so that they could’ve done him a little bit of a solid there in letting him go. He could’ve gotten a multi-year deal, not just a one-year deal. So I understand the frustration and feeling slighted and I think that’s ultimately why he was feeling very sensitive about some things. And he’s also one of those players where he likes to be liked by people. He does not like negativity, he can’t stand it.
“He has come after me before because he thinks that I ask negative questions in the locker room which, I can’t do anything about that. You go 5-11 for two years in a row, you know, you have double-digit losing seasons for, I can’t even keep track of how many at this point that I’ve covered. You know, that comes with the territory. But he is someone that really does not like negativity and it’s really hard for him to deal with and so with that, it’s a challenging time for him.”
McCoy’s sensitivity is possibly what led to his signing in Carolina. Having a handful of Panthers show up at a vegan restaurant for him probably made him feel good even though it was pretty clear that the Browns and Ravens were offering him more money.
As for facing the Bucs, McCoy will get his first chance during that Thursday night matchup in Week 2.
You better believe he’ll be sensitive that night.
June 15th, 2019 at 12:13 am
Let’s be honest he’s not the only one we’ve seen get tired of her questions.
June 15th, 2019 at 12:40 am
Buccluck Says:
June 15th, 2019 at 12:13 am
Let’s be honest he’s not the only one we’ve seen get tired of her questions.
Ahmen brother.
June 15th, 2019 at 1:03 am
Love the veiled shots at McCoy. Get em, Jenna.
June 15th, 2019 at 1:07 am
I look forward to our matchups. I think we have the advantage. First thing I do, run right at his spot. Pound on him the first couple series and he’ll be walking like he’s got sh|t in his drawers. We hang 100 yards on them and River Ron will regret ever signing our secret weapon.
June 15th, 2019 at 1:15 am
Yeah I believe Marpet is going to pancake his lame ass ! And he Won’t sack Jameis! You picked the loser Mccoy should have taken a pay cut
June 15th, 2019 at 1:20 am
McCoy is all about max cash and getting his ego stroked.
Carolina took care of both. That’s why he’s a Panther.
June 15th, 2019 at 1:59 am
Meanwhile, Suh is completing his non-sensitive training. Marpet and Jensen were also reported to be in attendance. Flavored ice substituted by filet-flavored protein shakes.
June 15th, 2019 at 2:13 am
Hes a Pisces.
Most sensitive people in the world.
June 15th, 2019 at 3:07 am
How sad, I just realized we don’t get to see Dirk and Jenna go at it anymore. That was some entertaining stuff.
Gerald no doubt wants revenge but he also wants to be honored by the Bucs one day so he’s got to say the right things.
June 15th, 2019 at 4:17 am
McCoy puts family first , that being the case who would want their kids. In Cleveland or Baltimore especially with weather. This played a large role in him picking Carolina , media the only ones saying it’s for revenge
Let the guy be let’s talk about Bucs that are here but another 4 articles in a row of JW please
June 15th, 2019 at 4:34 am
He didn’t lose those games by himself..he had a little help from his friends (teammates)! I’m done talking about THE GREAT GMC!
June 15th, 2019 at 5:02 am
@Jenna … “And he’s also one of those players where he likes to be liked by people. He does not like negativity, he can’t stand it.”
Recognize that’s just Jenna Laine’s opinion, but she MIGHT be onto something. McCoy embraced the spotlight it seemed and gladly accepted his role as a ‘face of the franchise’ but always seemed sensitive about the negativity that went with that spotlight, especially when the Bucs lost. And we’ve lost early & often.
McCoy MIGHT retire as a Buccaneer, but I have my doubts because of HIS choosing to sign on with our division rival. Doesn’t matter what his motivation was … Perception is Reality.
June 15th, 2019 at 5:55 am
that’s neither here nor there.
———-
Exactly let’s leave it at that and if I heard joe correctly he said if we don’t comment he won’t post. So let’s hear more about that filet-flavored protein shake.
June 15th, 2019 at 6:00 am
Ahhh our daily dose of GMC…
June 15th, 2019 at 6:17 am
“it was pretty clear that the Browns and Ravens were offering him more money”
Based on what? I heard the opposite – that the deal with Carolina was the highest offer with the incentives included. Or at least the highest quoteable number anyway. Hell – even Jenna is parroting the $10.25M # – when in fact its a $7M deal with LTBE incentives up to about $8 or $8.5M.
June 15th, 2019 at 6:32 am
SOFT!!! as a melting soft ice cream cone…..
June 15th, 2019 at 6:57 am
Oh, McCoy will be a beast when plays the Bucs, and if he has any “disruptive” left in his tank (I believe he does) he is going to unload it the Bucs O line and Winston. He11, he might not even apologize for brutal plays. He might even ask BA he thought that last play was “disruptive enough.”
Yes, McCoy has always been a bit of a ham, but he IS is a fine player and good guy. He’s not worth $13M. Still, no one can fault him wanting to play his former team twice year.
June 15th, 2019 at 7:05 am
Revenge game…..sometimes when you are motivated by revenge it just doesn’t go your way, he could very easily end up even more embarrassed. Do him a solid lol they dont owe him nothing and if hes under contract they can do whatever you want. It’s what you signed up, it’s what made you a millionaire. Spoiled little sensitive drama queen, I hope we smash Carolina and embarrass him right out of the NFC South.
June 15th, 2019 at 7:26 am
McCoy is finesse. All you have to do is get just a bit physical with him and he will fold like an origami animal. Come on Jensen, what say you?
June 15th, 2019 at 7:27 am
Agreed Buccluck
June 15th, 2019 at 7:31 am
So now we’ll get to see what an actually motivated McCoy looks like at least twice next year. It’s a shame he couldn’t find something to motivate him while he was here.
June 15th, 2019 at 7:50 am
GMC lways got the most rousing fan support running out of the tunnel of anyone on the D, and that is a fact. Lavonte and Kwon have been close seconds over the past couple of years. Who will be the new Mr. Popular? Well, GMC got the honors from Day 1 (he did get injured early his first two years) but I expect (and know the Bucs hope) Devin White steps into that light. JPP could get the honors but that looks bleak. I also think Carl Nassib’s popularity with fans will increase this year. For the O, it will of course be Evans and this year I expect Godwin will be the #2 most popular. OJ Howard can be in there but he’s not had the staying power to be ultra popular yet. I think there will be some surprises this year on who goes up on the side of the RayJay.
June 15th, 2019 at 8:18 am
So if we get McCoys best game what will he have as a stat line? 4 tackles, .5 sack, 2 QB pressures. Boy that sounds like BA and his O need to be scared to death of that statline.
I watch some of McCoys play last season and nearly every big run was right thru McCoys gap were he should have been but was washed down line using his great first step and washing him down the line away from the play. Yes I do not know what his assessment was, but I bet it was to tackle the ball carrier. Just a guess.
Yes he will get to play against the Buccaneers 2 games if he stays healthy. Bring it and make him wish he would have chosen the Browns or Ravens because we are Dominating him and the Panthers. As Carl Nassib said on his Instagram “Be Humble, shut up and play”. With the photo of him after sacking Cam. So bring your best equipment belt batman you are going to need it. Hopefully you will need those bat tissues in your belt.
Go Bucs!
June 15th, 2019 at 9:09 am
Both Baltimore and Cleveland are total crap hole cities… I would take a little less money to go to Charlotte NC if I had a choice. Do you really want your wife and kids walking around downtown Baltimore? Can you imagine the vegan dining options available in Cleveland? No bueno…
June 15th, 2019 at 9:16 am
The majority of posters on here ridiculed him non stop even though he was our best players for years. I am sure he wants revenge. I hope he comes in, gets 5 sacks and loses 31-28. He was a class act and never deserved all the hate he got from this town. Any man would want revenge on this fan base.
June 15th, 2019 at 9:37 am
McCoy was not the best player we’ve had, he was the most popular. Big difference. And ill say it again, McCoy wouldnt of had many teams after him no matter when we cut him. The money thing is just an excuse. Teams always find a way to sign the players they really want. Only 3 teams wanted him period. Stop trying to put this 1 trick pony, whos losing that trick with age, on a pedestal. He doesnt belong there.
June 15th, 2019 at 10:03 am
Where the hell has tmax been?
I’m getting worried……..
June 15th, 2019 at 10:03 am
Someone get Geraldine McWahhh a ba ba and a Batman pull up.
June 15th, 2019 at 10:44 am
mccoy is soft served ice cream. really sensitive.
June 15th, 2019 at 11:05 am
Take your batman pajamas to Carolina McCoy, you weak stick. I was done with you after the famous “Sorry Ben” thing against the Steelers last year. Give me a break. Do you want to play football or not? If not, stay home and have a pillow fight. Would much rather watch Suh step on some guy than that kind of crap. “Sorry Gerald”. Goodbye…… Another good piece served up by Joe.
June 15th, 2019 at 1:52 pm
@Joe:
This post shows how local sports reporting has let down fans in Tampa Bay. Now that Gerald is gone we get to read stories and opinions like this one. For a decade this stuff was hinted at by reporters and talked about in comments by TMax and other commenters. Like your Kellen Winslow post earlier, why wasn’t this known and talked about years ago? Did the Buc media know this but keep it quiet? or did they just not know very much?
Steve Deumig, for all his bluster, fell in to the speak-no-evil crowd. I well remember his loud claim about how Schiano had mistreated the sainted Freeman. “I know things that you don’t know,” he whispered. It sure seems like some posters on this website were better informed than the “Voice of Tampa Bay sports.”
We are told that the local reporters have great inside sources but can’t tell scoops because it would burn valuable contacts. But what value are contacts and scoops that can’t be used? And don’t let me get started on the national press — Ian Rappaport comes to town and in one day gets access and scoops that the local talent hasn’t come up with in months. And he’s not afraid to publish it. And he keeps getting sources to talk to him. What gives?
Joes, I regard you guys as the cream of the local crop. I appreciate your willingness to take stands, be they unpopular or even wrongheaded. But someone needs to blow the lid off the code of omertà around here. Fans want to hear about what is going on. I like some posters on this site and skip over others — Come back, Pablo! — but it’s embarrassing when they pick up more vibes than the talent. And especially when they have a better feel for the team than Bucs player management (see: draft and free agent evaluation over the last five years). If local guys with contacts and experience won’t tell us, who will?
June 15th, 2019 at 2:16 pm
Laine is conflating things here. She specifically said somewhere that he changed his mind to go to the panthers within the hour after Suh got #93, that was what triggered him. That is what he said was a lie. He never said getting to stay in the division wasn’t a factor.
June 15th, 2019 at 2:16 pm
To the best of Joe’s knowledge, Kellen Winslow II never jerked off in front of Joe. And Joe had never heard any such rumors. And knowing how Joe is under the microscope of the Bucs, unless Joe got someone on the record to confess Kellen Winslow was a serial jerkoff, Joe very likely would have had his credentials revoked for reporting such a lurid act without serious, reliable attribution.
Besides, Joe likely would have opened himself up to a slander lawsuit for writing such a thing about Winslow, without having multiple on-the-record sources.
You may have noticed Klemko never cited his source’s name.
(About the nastiest thing Joe ever saw Winslow do was yell at then-Times reporter Stephen Holder to “Get the f*uck out of my face.” Joe found it more amusing than nasty.)
Couple of things here. Joe once had a sports editor say “Once you lost your credibility, it’s like losing your virginity. You never get it back.” If Joe blabbed who told him what within hours of learning something, guess what? That guy not only would never tell Joe something again, Joe wouldn’t have any sources at all.
Keen readers can read between the lines of many things Joe writes that he has learned from off-the-record sources. (Hint, hint, hint… malcontent DeSean Jackson). Other times Joe holds back on things he has heard because it is not only fishy, but it is only coming from one source and the last thing Joe wants to do is get played. Other times Joe simply doesn’t want to get sued or lose his credentials for reporting something that is simply too fantastic to believe even though it may be salacious.
There are outlets at One Buc Palace that beg the Bucs to yank Joe’s credentials. Joe doesn’t need to throw gas on that fire by reneging on off-the-record agreements with people. When something is off the record, that is sacrosanct to Joe, like a priest hearing a confessional.
June 15th, 2019 at 4:24 pm
Not much good to write about a 5-11 team is it? So the writers/reporters/local talk show host gotta create that inflammation. Please win Bucs. Nobody is safe
from sacrifice on a losing team to desperate fans
June 15th, 2019 at 5:28 pm
PLEASE stop with the McCoy articles! Dude’s dust in the wind.
June 15th, 2019 at 9:29 pm
Joe dabbling in Fake News?
“it was pretty clear that the Browns and Ravens were offering him more money.”
It’s been reported in multiple places those teams weren’t offering anything near what the Panthers offered. Joe is confident in the accuracy of what is written here, as always. –Joe
June 15th, 2019 at 11:37 pm
It goes to show how media writing can affect the fans opinions of a player. Not saying it’s wrong, just that a player should respect the influence they have. Can’t help but think with a small contingent (maybe large) of fans who are vocal about their distaste for GMC made the decision to release him that much easier.
June 16th, 2019 at 12:50 am
Glad his clownshoe is out!
June 16th, 2019 at 1:10 am
I’m just astatic that he signed with Carolina for a couple of reasons. Fist off , I never and I mean NEVER considered him to be this top 10 defensive tackle and for him to go there just so we play him twice a year i know we can run on his finesse arse all day long ! B.A knows it too ! Secondly I have a great feeling he is going to make thier defence worse off by just his presence on the field as he has done with us for countless years because history will repeat itself even for individuals..3rd off I have almost rooted against him for so long and have been crapped on for it by others that now I can do so and have it be legit because he plays for another foe In our division.he can not stand negativity huh ? Well he has done nothing to even make the most positive bucs fan get a feeling that he would have got us out of the hole AKA.buccaneers cove ! Out of all the years he was a big , I plor any of.you to name 10 impact plays.this joker has made to win a game , to take.over a.game , to make you go that’s it McCoy wow ! What a 4th quarter stop ! And so on and so on…so let him just offsides with his finesse first step to nowhere and get either run up on by a running back or to be side stepped.by jameis for a big time throw and now let the local pen and mic club in Carolina have to put up with his snark arse ways ! Good riddance and it’s a great day in Tampa Bay ! Go BUCS BABY !
June 16th, 2019 at 9:39 am
He feels slighted by an organization that has gifted him roughly $100 million over his career but never got a return on their investment… he holds a grudge. That’s hilarious.
June 16th, 2019 at 8:00 pm
Heard a rumour that TMax has moved to the Charlotte NC area
June 17th, 2019 at 1:37 pm
I wonder if hell make the final cut on the panthers