“Walk A Mile In The Man’s Cleats”
July 10th, 2020
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
You can bet Donovan Smith isn’t the only Buccaneer troubled by health concerns heading into the opening of training camp.
He’s just the second to say so publicly.
Smith took to Instagram Friday to detail his ambivalence toward the return of pro football amid a coronavirus pandemic. He didn’t rule out his presence at One Buc Place later this month, but he offered no assurances about his participation.
Smith’s first child is due soon after players are slated to return to the facility. Who can argue with Smith’s contention that the health of his family deserves to be his top priority?
If Smith opts out, his absence would create a major concern for the Bucs at left tackle, but protecting Tom Brady’s blind side has to take a back seat to protecting Smith and his growing family.
My only quarrel with Smith’s Instagram post is the inclusion of financial matters at the end of his statement. He suggests players should be entitled to raises across the board for competing amid the pandemic, instead of potentially seeing 35 percent of their paychecks withheld.
That’s a money issue, not a health concern. My advice to Smith is simple: stick to COVID-19, not a bank account that few Buc fans can relate to.
Gray Area
The NFL is still deciding on its stance regarding players who plan to opt out of the 2020 season. The issue isn’t whether those players would be paid their base salaries — they would not.
But there are complex contract details to be worked out with the NFLPA and players may face a firm deadline to declare their intentions.
Coaches and fans should respect Smith’s decision, writes Ira Kaufman.
Smith is an intelligent man grappling with a difficult decision.
While he has the financial wherewithal to sit out an entire season, he has invested five years of sweat equity into this organization and his teammates. When Smith looks at this roster, now led by Tom Brady, he has to like his chances of playing in the postseason for the first time.
That prospect is very enticing.
But when his head hits the pillow, Smith doesn’t rest easy. His personal sleep number is off the charts because the idea of returning to One Buc Place at the moment is chilling, no matter how many safety protocols the NFL has issued.
Let’s hope Smith’s fears don’t materialize during camp or the regular season. Let’s hope Buc players, coaches and support staff remain healthy and the 2020 season concludes, as scheduled, with a Super Bowl in Tampa in early February.
Ease Up
At this point, we know Brady intends to report on time. He says he’s having fun again and Buc fans share his enthusiasm about the upcoming season. But that fun could quickly turn into concern if the virus infects this roster in a significant way.
Smith is already concerned, and his trepidation is understandable.
If he opts out, Smith shouldn’t generate scorn from Buc Nation. Walk a mile in the man’s cleats before you criticize him.
Every NFL player is trying to balance these issues before reporting day. It’s an agonizing decision, one that should be supported by fans no matter which way it goes down.
Every Buc player, from Vita Vea to Ronald Jones, has a deeply personal choice to make. It’s a dilemma unprecedented in the 100-year history of the NFL.
Let’s hope these dire circumstances never come our way again.
To play or not to play … that is the question. Bring on the answers.
Enjoy Mike Alstott’s June interview on the Ira Kaufman Podcast.
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Ira Kaufman’s column is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click on Ira to visit BillCurrieFord.com. GM Sean Sullivan will help you personally in every way he can. Superior service and body shops, too. Joe has used both!
July 10th, 2020 at 4:42 pm
I don’t think anyone would’ve had an issue with his Statement if he wouldn’t have included the comment about his pay. If you want sympathy or understanding from working class fans don’t ask for a raise.
July 10th, 2020 at 4:45 pm
Ira has said eloquently here what many already promulgate. More direct: If you are concerned with playing to the point you’d rather not play, okay. Sit out, and sit out the whole season so order can be kept. No hassles from the NFL, but you don’t get paid either.
Sitting out doesn’t mean you are a coward, especially if you have the scratch to sit out a year; some players truly don’t have that luxury. While no one should give a guy grief for having his priorities in order as HE arranges them (that’s what grown men should do), he also takes a risk that “next man up” will mean he IS outslide looking in next year. Welcome to adulthood.
July 10th, 2020 at 4:47 pm
I agree with Bucpower the pay comment pissed me off. I hate my generation all I hear is woe is me. What about all the first responders and front line workers that have the potential to be exposed? They make yearly what Smith does in a day. I don’t hear any of them complaining. Don’t play if you don’t want to. But don’t claim you’re hurting for money.
July 10th, 2020 at 4:50 pm
“The NFL is still deciding on its stance regarding players who plan to opt out of the 2020 season. The issue isn’t whether those players would be paid their base salaries — they would not.”
If this is true, it’s the logical line of the day.
And frankly, I get it about players being more exposed with all the sweat and mucus flying around. They SHOULD be concerned and make the choice best for themselves and their families. But we should not call them people on the “front lines” as some players have done in describing their “work.” Let’s save that for those who risk their lives by performing a service to others that pays a pittance. Police, fire, medical, military; even folks who have to work to survive that we see driving supplies around, delivering packages, working in grocery stores, etc.
July 10th, 2020 at 4:53 pm
So why can’t teams offer housing for players that are concerned they may infect their families ? I don’t buy it..
The 65 year old cashier at Publix isn’t taking a risk? Everyone who works in a store , a hospital or clinic, a restaurant isn’t taking a risk?
First responders aren’t taking a risk?
If a player doesn’t want to be there for his team because he’s afraid of the virus-
do you want this guy on your team?
The protect the family issue can be dealt with by quarantine.
Sorry, no sympathy here.
July 10th, 2020 at 5:01 pm
They usually do. That housing, however, does not bar family members from being with their families.
July 10th, 2020 at 5:15 pm
What I haven’t heard is players asking about Covid symptoms and results. Oh that’s right healthy athletes cough and sneeze for a day or two. In recent history no one has cared about the flu or the common cold. You do know all types of Covid have been around for DECADES right? Our immune systems are very familiar with Covid and only have to adjust to the new strain. Just like getting the flu shot but adjusting to the new strain of flu every year.
July 10th, 2020 at 5:19 pm
That housing, however, does not bar family members from being with their families.
True, but the players have to take some responsibility- if they are worried about their families catching the virus from them, then they need to stay quarantined for the appropriate number of days. Every “go to work” occupation has an element of risk now.
July 10th, 2020 at 5:19 pm
I think we’re all walking in the same shoes. I have got up and went to work everyday since this began. I don’t have the financial ability to take a year or a few weeks off. I too have a family. It’s his life and his decision on whether to play or not, but don’t be surprised or mad if somebody else takes his position.
July 10th, 2020 at 5:31 pm
Fine let him stay home
I am sure he is a strong business man and will make his 20 million back.
July 10th, 2020 at 5:35 pm
D. Smith making the mistake of thinking out loud……
Best to criticize the big guy after walking am mile in his shoes……that way, you are a mile away & he would have to chase you barefooted.
July 10th, 2020 at 5:45 pm
I have no sympathy. I was deemed an essential worker and haven’t missed a day since before this whole “sickness” mess. Plus I don’t make millions of dollars to do it. I find it amazing all these people still want to be sequestered into their homes for the rest of the year. For all these people who are to afraid to do their jobs then they shouldn’t receive services from the people who are still out there busting there humps. Basically it’s ok for us commoners to risk getting the “sickness” but not them.
July 10th, 2020 at 5:45 pm
Get a short term lease stay sequestered away from the family for the season. Military families are apart from their families months at a time. It’s hard to take Smith seriously. His words give insight into his mindset. It’s a lack of focus which also surfaces on the field far too often.
July 10th, 2020 at 5:53 pm
Bucnjim. Herd immunity didnt work for polio either. And you are not an expert.
July 10th, 2020 at 5:58 pm
In any other business, if you have a contract it is enforceable by law. Not the NFL. They can say they are going to cut everyone’s pay 35% without recourse.
I do not blame Smith for bringing it up.
If he is that concerned, he can sit, if he wants. That will void anyone other than an NFL player’s contract.
If he wants to be paid he can make some sacrifices. People have lived in tents to keep from exposing their families. He can make the same sacrifice, live in a hotel for the duration.
I hope that the NFL can figure it out and make it work. They have several factors that make it likely. They can modify the helmets to great effect. They can dominate TV for a few months. The amount of teams and length of schedule make it possible.
July 10th, 2020 at 6:01 pm
I can tell you now that Joe is right about his cave/cat 5 hurricane scenario.
That would be the only way the stuff could be cured. Isolate and let the weak in isolation die. Truth.
Now with reopening too soon spikes are off the charts in some locations.
Personally we have now had over a million visitors here in the last month and a half. We only had 3 cases in our town before they opened up Yellowstone. Now we have over 40.
Slight % uptick in less than 6 weeks
Tourist season goes through Labor day so Yaaay for another 8 weeks of tourists coming in coughing, sneezing, and spitting all over the place without masks.
I can afford to completely isolate for quite a while but why? Nobody else is. Makes no sense to go completely hermit when nobody around you is.
I work by myself so I only am exposed in the lumber or grocery store. I wear masks n95 cause I use them at work anyway, however I still think the absolute diligence it takes to be completely safe is beyond most people’s ability.
Let’s just hope and pray for some Football in September!!!
July 10th, 2020 at 6:09 pm
Durango 95 Says:
July 10th, 2020 at 5:45 pm
Get a short term lease stay sequestered away from the family for the season. Military families are apart from their families months at a time. It’s hard to take Smith seriously. His words give insight into his mindset. It’s a lack of focus which also surfaces on the field far too often.
So so True.
Too bad about some people not understanding what the military sacrifice for everyone for a small % of what these players make.
July 10th, 2020 at 7:01 pm
You cannot be mad at anybody for not wanting to play any sport during this uncertain time. Its a very personal decision. But I can see why someone would not play. Some players almost have to play. You can be sure some players will get infected, All that contact. I pray for anybody who get the virus. My wife as a nurse has told me stories of the death she’s seen from the virus. People fighting with everything they have to live and survive once stricken. I would not play. But then again, I’m not a professional baller. I wish them the very best. As always here Ira, great storyline.
July 10th, 2020 at 9:47 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
“Best to criticize the big guy after walking a mile in his shoes……that way, you are a mile away & he would have to chase you barefooted.”
.
.
=D
July 10th, 2020 at 9:52 pm
Craig Says:
“I hope that the NFL can figure it out and make it work. They have several factors that make it likely. They can modify the helmets to great effect. They can dominate TV for a few months. The amount of teams and length of schedule make it possible.”
.
.
They can also hold open tryouts. It would not be hard at all for them to find free agents and college players willing to take the field. Whether or not we have a season doesn’t rely on players at all, but the will of the owners.
July 10th, 2020 at 10:01 pm
“My wife as a nurse has told me stories of the death she’s seen from the virus. People fighting with everything they have to live and survive once stricken.”
.
.
Any death is tragic. Why don’t they give us the daily details and sad stories about the 250,000 preventable deaths by medical mistakes every year? If we treated that as if it was a “pandemic,” something might actually change. The answer is because they are not trying to use that tragedy to implement an agenda.
SMH.
July 11th, 2020 at 4:56 am
It’s ludicrous to even think of a season at this point. The whole country is infested and the virus will continue to linger. It will be almost impossible. Maybe spring season.
July 11th, 2020 at 11:39 am
After seeing how many delusional Americans we have during this pandemic, I’m shocked that toilet paper ran out before tin foil did.
July 11th, 2020 at 12:40 pm
First off…I agree with Ira and the others that the money part diminished DS statement.
Ironically however I find some here who claim to be “essential” workers griping that they’re doing their jobs and so DS should be forced to do his because their financial situation isn’t as good as his? That’s class envy of the worst kind and I’m the freaking progressive here.
If you are performing as an “essential” worker I applaud you and thank you. And I try my best to leave outrageous tips at drive through windows and pickups for staff who are bravely soldiering on. I remember combat pay in Vietnam….I think we all owe servers and other essential workers great tips.
As for the “decision”. Stats are really clear that the “disease” represents a much greater threats to blacks than whites. The league is 70% black!!! There SHOULD be great concern…at least understanding that players should get options. No not pay them to stay home. They lose this year of vesting and it burns one season in the length of their contract with no pay.
A black DB on the Chiefs pointed out that yes he is black…his wife is also black and she has diabetes one of the co morbidity factors. IE His wife has two strikes against her already if he should bring the disease into his house.
What he is thinking about is not some freaking political platitude or bravery or whatever…he’s thinking about the health of the woman he LOVES his LIFE partner!
July 11th, 2020 at 12:43 pm
Unbelievable FTW on this thread!
“I’m shocked that toilet paper ran out before tin foil did.”
Still laughing at that one Unbelievable.
July 11th, 2020 at 12:48 pm
^ lol, thanks St. Pete!
July 11th, 2020 at 12:52 pm
This should not be difficult. As someone who was an “Army brat” raised in the 50s, it continues today that service men and women leave their families for 6+ month tours. All the Bucs and NFL need to do is sequester every team from Training Camp thru their final game, and play football. At least three times I can remember, we told my Dad “goodbye” and saw him again 6 to 10 months later…..it was hard, but not impossible. Just a thought. Go Bucs!
July 11th, 2020 at 12:54 pm
unbelievable Says:
“After seeing how many delusional Americans we have during this pandemic, I’m shocked that toilet paper ran out before tin foil did.”
.
.
Too many facts for it to be delusion. Points for making me laugh, though. =]
July 11th, 2020 at 1:23 pm
stpetebucsfan Says:
“Stats are really clear that the “disease” represents a much greater threats to blacks than whites.”
.
.
Up to 90% of blacks in the US are vitamin D deficient. What does the body need to fight respiratory viruses? Magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D. UK studies of COVID19 patients show a clear pattern of nutrient deficiency.
If the press and the CDC spent as much energy teaching about nutrition and supplementation as they did pushing the fear porn, then there would be much less need for the fear porn.
The lack of proper nutrition in the US is a product of the lack of education, coupled with a food industry which pushes Americans away from healthy options and onto processed, nutrient scarce crap that makes Americans fatter and sicker. This is embarrassing for an advanced country to be doing to its people.
Who benefits? The monopolistic corporate food giants, the pharmaceutical industry, and the health care industry.
We are concentrating on the wrong thing. If we had a proper diet and exercise, we would not be susceptible to these viruses. There would be no need for masks and social distancing. There would be much less need for the Pharma and for health care. No need for big brother contact tracing. So why does nobody talk about nutrition? Because they want us spending our wealth on the rest of it. They want us scared. They want us controlled.
God loves us and wants us free, but if we do not help ourselves, what can we expect? Help me wake our brethren, St Pete!
July 11th, 2020 at 1:42 pm
stpete
You like attribution so
This is cut and pasted from the US Dept of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health
Obesity and African Americans
African American women have the highest rates of obesity or being overweight compared to other groups in the United States. About 4 out of 5 African American women are overweight or obese.
In 2018, non-Hispanic blacks were 1.3 times more likely to be obese as compared to non-Hispanic whites.
In 2018, African American women were 50 percent more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white women.
From 2013-2016, non-Hispanic black females were 2.3 times more likely to be overweight as compared to non-Hispanic white females.
People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats, diabetes and LDL cholesterol – all risk factors for heart disease and stroke.1
In 2018, African Americans were 20 percent less likely to engage in active physical activity as compared to non-Hispanic whites.
I’m thinking that it’s not the fact that they are black that makes them more susceptible to the ‘Rona’ as much as the obesity and all the health issues it brings.
Just an observation
I’m thinking(not a doctor nor do I play one on tv) that our large, athletic,(not obese) lineman have little to fear from this. Admittedly, their families could pose a completely different problem.
July 11th, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Bush’s Coke Spoon and GP
I’m not sure I follow your point. Are you suggesting that because blacks have clearly lead a lifestyle with bad dietary and health choices it’s THEIR FAULT?
Really? Because that’s what it sounds like.
There has been much discussion as to why blacks have poor diets from economic reasons to lack of grocery stores that even sell veggies…instead of $$$ stores.
Whatever the causes…that’s another entire debate…we have blacks at higher risk than whites. it’s just ONE factor…as is age…as is obesity…as is genetic predispostion…treatment received…many many factors go into anyone’s individual diagnosis. We are simply talking about RISK factors not automatic determinants.
Wonder how many NFL players have co morbidity issues such as diabetes? Perhaps in their family? Most player would seem super healthy but might they have one condition that could cause complications for Covid.
July 11th, 2020 at 2:20 pm
Yeah, I mean it’s not like we had a former 1st lady who spent 8 years trying to educated and improve the nutrition of Americans, and fighting to have kids eat healthier in schools, only to be villainized by the right and called anti-American for encroaching on their freedom to be fat and unhealthy.
July 11th, 2020 at 2:21 pm
*trying to educate and improve ^
July 11th, 2020 at 2:41 pm
stpete
My statement was…”I’m thinking that it’s not the fact that they are black that makes them more susceptible to the ‘Rona’ as much as the obesity and all the health issues it brings.
Just an observation”
Where in ‘that’ did I say or infer fault, after merely ‘showing’ you the stats to show that it *probably* has nothing to do with skin color, as you have inferred numerous times.
I just wanted to be on record with my opinion that the ‘Rona’ is not racist.
July 11th, 2020 at 2:49 pm
stpete
Please tell me that you understand that all variables must be considered and tested for before you can come to a conclusion. Lazy science isn’t. It’s speculation at best.
July 11th, 2020 at 5:18 pm
stpete
* Wonder how many NFL players have co morbidity issues such as diabetes? Perhaps in their family? Most player would seem super healthy but might they have one condition that could cause complications for Covid. *
I don’t know about their families, but, with the investment that the various NFL teams put into these players, do you think they might have an idea about their general health?
July 11th, 2020 at 6:02 pm
The biggest Loafer of all is just excited for an excuse not to play.