ESPN Blogger: Dominik Will Rid Himself Of Talib
April 8th, 2011
The man who works for the Disney syndicate and boasts of his residence in the Tampa area, otherwise known as ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas, appeared on the “Primetime Show” heard on WHBO-AM 1040 Thursday afternoon to speak about the Aqib Talib saga and the Bucs.
In the opinion of Yasinskas, he told co-hosts Ronnie ‘Night Train’ Lane, Mark Carrier and Tom Krasniqi that Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik will rid himself and the team of the recurring headaches from the troubled cornerback in light of recent events where Texas police allege Talib pistol whipped another man and then shot at a fleeing subject, so good guy Krasniqi Twittered Thursday.
Yasinkas: Bucs are dumping Talib once the CBA gets resolved
Joe reached out to Krasniqi Thursday night so he could elaborate on what Yasinskas said. Krasniqi made it quite clear to Joe that Yasinskas was purely speculating based on his knowledge of the Bucs and Dominik; that Yasinskas was not told by a source that this will take place. Yasinsas was simply stating an opinion.
“He said the Bucs would try to trade [Talib] or cut him,” Krasniqi said. “I’ve been saying for the last 10 years the Houston Texans have the worst secondary in the NFL. Seeing Talib go there where he would be back in his home state would be a logical move.”
All of this makes perfect sense to Joe. Look, Talib is a gifted cornerback but he has become more than just a problem child. Talib simply cannot stay out of trouble and his more than annual incidents continue to grow more violent with each episode. No matter if he is found by a Texas court to be innocent of his recent charges, Talib is certainly looking at a multiple-game suspension by NFL warden commissioner Roger Goodell, thus has proven himself, like safety Tanard Jackson, to be undependable.
Players who cannot stay healthy are cut all the time in the NFL because they cannot answer the bell. In other words, teams cannot depend on them. Players don’t just decide to go get injured. Injuries are largely unpreventable. With Talib and Jackson, each of their incidents was and is absolutely preventable. Both made multiple decisions that not only put their NFL careers in jeopardy, but cost themselves millions of dollars and put their personal liberties at risk as well.
If Dominik finds a suitor to trade for Talib, don’t expect a whole lot in return. Consider last year the Steelers could only procure a late-fifth round pick for a player of at least equal value of Talib, wide receiver Santonio Holmes.
Teams generally don’t fall over themselves to cough up valuable draft picks for players with a violent rap sheet who are facing a multiple-game suspension if not prison.
April 8th, 2011 at 8:42 am
“No matter if he is found by a Texas court to be innocent of his recent charges, Talib is certainly looking at a multiple-game suspension by NFL Roger Goodell”
That’s where you’re wrong, Joe. If it turns out that he was merely present at the scene but never pulled the trigger or pistol-whipped anybody, then Goodell would have no reason to suspend.
The grand jury hasn’t even taken up the case yet. Let’s be honest here, any speculation on cutting him or suspensions is VERY PREMATURE. But then again, this is a sports blog and premature ejac- um, speculation is part of the job.
April 8th, 2011 at 8:48 am
Really?
Talib, who was on double-secret probation to begin with from Goodell himself, drove to a scene carrying a firearm where a man was assaulted by one of three poeple by someone (Talib, his sister or his mother)… where gunfire (from one of two people; Talib or his mother or both) was exchanged.
If you don’t think Goodell will suspend him, you don’t know Goodell.
Talib surely didn’t drive there to wish the man a Happy Birthday and buy him a drink.
April 8th, 2011 at 8:53 am
That would leave Davin and Cadillac the only 1st rounders under the Gru and Allen regime that either aren’t a bust or even on the team. This really makes me dislike Gru even more.
April 8th, 2011 at 9:22 am
Im suprised the old CBA or players themselves have not sued Goodell or the NFL over players losing games over non convictions. I’m pretty sure this type of dictatorship is unconstitutional. Personally I believe Goodell’s days are numbered. He’s done more to weaken the NFL than he has to help it.
If Talib does not get convicted I have no problem with the Bucs keeping Talib. He has to know if he makes it through this latest ordeal he’s on his last leg. He has talent for sure and if he ends up getting in trouble again it wont matter what team he plays for so why not keep him and pray he’s made his last mistake.
April 8th, 2011 at 9:26 am
Brad:
Well, first, this was collectively bargained. So the player’s union knew all about it up front because they agreed to it.
But employers can get rid of people all the time, especially in a right-to-work state. All sorts of businesses have personal conduct policies that in some cases are very broad. Just because one is innocent in a court of law doesn’t mean they can skate before their employer’s eyes.
April 8th, 2011 at 9:37 am
He’s still our Best player on Defense….
April 8th, 2011 at 10:00 am
Amar
Funny, if Talib stays, that’s 60% of first rounders still on team! If Talib goes, well that drops to 40% of first rounders that would still be on the team.
Also, it’s actually one more player than the amount of Dungy first rounders on the team when Gruden got here. Marcus Jones, Regan Upshaw, Warrick Dunn, and Reidel Anthony were gone. Kenyatta and Booger were the only ones.
BTW Always wondered, who those two extra 1st round picks, we didn’t have for Gruden, would have been?
April 8th, 2011 at 10:14 am
Oar, EVENTUALLY all of the ‘Gruden/Allen’ players will be gone 🙂 … it’s called free agency.
And Raheem and Dom will somehow get credit for this too.
April 8th, 2011 at 10:17 am
Why are we still wrestling with this. Ian you are obviously playing the devil’s advocate role but you also need to research or check Goodell’s resume in the past 3 years. HE IS A NO-NONSENSE leader and he will suspend Aqib. You can only warn him so much and also remember the NFL does not have to honor the legal system ruling. Whether the Bucs cut him or not is not the question because we cannot depend on his critical thinking skills. Thats what he is missing, not just anger management. Case and point on how you can move from a place and the place is still in you. I am the same way but in a positive light. I grew up in Oak Cliff, Dallas in the hood and poverty. I have three cousins serving a life sentence for capital murder. My nephew was murdered by his dad’s girlfriend last November (my sister’s baby dad). I was in trouble sometimes growing up and the streets became enticing but I knew there was a better way. However, I still have friends that live in the hood and trust me Talib is a spoiled athelete not gangsta! So what does it matter that he is dumped or that he is the best player on the defense when he in unreliable.
April 8th, 2011 at 10:32 am
Talib’s irresponsibility has hurt himself, the team, and the Fans. His immaturity and lack of intelligence are not going to be fixed by any means available to the NFL. If losing a multi million dollar contract doesn’t do it- what will?? He’ll end up in prison, where he belongs.
Still don’t get why a couple guys keep leaping to his defense, when he keeps pissing on both team and fans, and trying to tell us it’s rain.
You guys masochist are something?
April 8th, 2011 at 10:46 am
I’m hopeful by summer’s end that Roger Goodell is suspended indefinitely
April 8th, 2011 at 10:54 am
Have to agree with Joe, here. I work in the counseling field…If ANY of our clients (most of whom have already been in trouble for domestic violence and anger issues) went to someone’s home with a gun, REGARDLESS of the reason, they would be terminated from the program, and most likely re-arrested.
You do NOT do that, that is what the police are for. Does not matter if he fired the gun…What you are taught in anger management and other programs like it is to resolve conflict through means OTHER THAN the street way.
Reading over the long history not just of Aqib, but also his mother…Knowing that he was ordered to take anger management after the cabbie incident…To THEN do what he did, sister or no, tells me he has not learned a thing. You cannot just take up a seat in those classes every week and expect your life to get better. Like so much else, you have to WANT to change, and I see no evidence of that here.
Also, I have questions about how interested in his future his mom and sister are. My guess is the sister has gone back to this abusive guy, probably more than once. Why would ANYONE who cared about Talib want him there? What good could possibly come of it? NO ONE in that family cares a damn about that…If they did, they would find a way to resolve this ongoing issue without him present.
There are agencies, and even PRIVATE counseling agencies that specialize in family and domestic counseling. An angry mom, and an NFL player with a gun have no more place in that situation than I have in a nickel package defense in the NFL.
The Bucs would be smart to dump him…If they do not, he will most likely continue to act the same way he has thus far.
April 8th, 2011 at 11:19 am
NNamdi
April 8th, 2011 at 11:38 am
SkookumSmitty- exactly. It’s not that he’s made mistakes. It’s that he KEEPS making mistakes, each time worse, with no regard for anyone- team or teammates!!
Becks- careful! I said that name 2 months ago, while predicting another” Talib the thug” incident. Everyone jumped on me like I was clueless Thomas 2.2″ inches!!! As if aquiring the best cornerback in football is ever a bad thing! Especially when it doesn’t cost anything but Money! No draft picks, players, – NOTHING! Except money we gotta spend anyway!
Seems like a pretty good idea now, huh!
April 8th, 2011 at 11:59 am
I don’t see how the probations was “double secret” at all. I think everyone knew about it.
In response to your other comments, I would agree if the incident had occurred at a bar or some such place…but we’re talking about Talib’s sister’s house. A family members house. That means if proven innicent, the commish would not be able to make the claim that Talib was placing himself intentionally into a bad situation.
And the truth is, right now we don’t know his intent upon arriving at the home of his sister. He could always keep that gun in his car. He could have pulled up and seen something happening, and then made the decision…which means the commish could not claim premeditation.
And, as far as employers getting rid of employees all the time, that’s NOT the case where unions are involved. Employers must prove there is valid reason. In Talibs case, if proven guilty, there would be valid reason. If proven innocent, there would not be. At least, that’s how it should work.
April 8th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Again, you are assuming Talib does not keep a gun in his vehicle for protection purposes. Think it doesn’t matter? It points at intent or lack thereof.
April 8th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
As to the trading of Talib
I would be amazed if Dominick got anything for him. I also think it would be a mistake to let him go.
Really, what does it hurt to keep him? He won’t count against the roster while suspended. The Bucs can still plan to bring in a replacement in order to prepare for the worse.
People say, “But what about next time he does something?”
Really, what does it matter if he does something wrong here or in Texas or wherever? Either way, he could be on a team at the time, and that team would benefit from his skills up until that point. Unless, of course, he is on suspension, but then he does not count against the roster, so who cares?
It makes more sense to keep him in Tampa. And if we happen to acquire a suitable replacement, or one of the other guys on the team steps up, then make a decision. Maybe by then his value will have raised some.
April 8th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Hey I don’t think releasing Talib for a late round pick would be worth it. Lets just get our other guys up to speed in case he’s gone. Aqib Talib is easily our best player on defense, shutdown corners are rare. Especially ones that are just starting to hit their potential. Free Talib!
April 8th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
The main of point of this whole thing is that, we are seeing Talib getting in trouble AGAIN! Not if he did it or not but that he will have yet another trail hanging over his head for another season. I am sure he will get a continuance until after the season.
If there is a season he will have been awaiting trial for two different offenses that are similar for two seasons in a row. How many other players can say that? Sounds like someone reliable and team oriented to me. Role model material.
April 8th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Cut both idiots, it would show some character. They will have to undermine rah rah who will want to protect his buddies.
April 8th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Pete Said:
“Again, you are assuming Talib does not keep a gun in his vehicle for protection purposes. Think it doesn’t matter? It points at intent or lack thereof.”
I make no such assumption. When an intake is done for counseling, especially where violence was involved, the question “Do you carry weapons” is always asked. When they are, we strongly urge the client to cease carrying, at least through the course. We understand that this is not always possible, but it IS always recommended.
In other words, people with anger and violence problems are STRONGLY discouraged from carrying them, because of their already demonstrated problems.
My only assumption is that Talib got all those warnings, and chose to carry anyway…A bad decision.
April 8th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Both meaning talib and THC jax.
April 8th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
skookum
Kinda like,
“Guns don’t kill people, people kill people!”
April 8th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Pete:
So you are OK with the Bucs keeping a guy they can’t depend on, seriously? Let’s say the Bucs are marching toward the playoffs when Talib pulls his next stunt and the Bucs are SOL. You’re good with that, seriously?
It simply boils down to dependability. The Bucs can’t depend on the guy, other than to get in trouble.
Guys get cut all the time because they can’t stay healthy. This is no different.
April 8th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
Pete Dutcher:
Your lengths to defend Talib are becoming absurd now.
No. Matter. What. If you are in Talib’s position, you call the cops and let them do their job. No. Matter. What. Talib is not some ordinary citizen making $25k a year.
April 8th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Pete:
Do your homework. The NFLPA collectively bargained to allow Goodell to have this authority. And Goodell will have the same authority under the new CBA. Joe is confident there are many unions where the shop collectively bargained to have personal conduct clauses involved.
April 8th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@ Joe
Cops were called tha 1st time. They didn’t show up and this happens more often than one would think.
April 8th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
IMHO:
Now that could be a lawsuit. That’s huge.
April 8th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Sigh…so many shades of grey to this whole thing. So many people with way too strong opinions on a matter about which the truth has not even yet begun to unfurl.
April 8th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Very, very stupid move if we get rid of Talib………..Bucs office: If you are reading this please, please do not get rid of Talib. Huge mistake, huge setback in the process for our next Super Bowl…….. I know we’ve been doing this, but it’s serious this time when I say 1 MORE CHANCE.
April 8th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
I got you Joe…. Listen everyone who doesn’t think that Talib could get suspended if found innocent: Perfect example: Ben Roethlisberger was NOT found guilty for rape, but was suspended 6 games last season….#NUFFSAID
April 8th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@SkookumSmitty
That makes sense.
I’m not saying you are wrong, Joe. I just personally think that keeping him on the roster and evaluating his spot once he serves his suspension, would seem to be the wiser option. If he get’s his act together by then we could have a good player still.
On the other hand, I also said the Bucs can focus on finding a replacement while he’s suspended, and if someone steps up, he becomes more expendible…or his value increases for trade talks.
🙂
I cannot disagree with that statement. Perhaps I’m too…open…to redemption in my fellow man.
And this is exactly my point. In all the things I’ve suggested, I have only been tossing out possibilities that might or might not have been the case. Until we know the whole story…or at least until the Bucs do…no permanant deciosion should be made.
April 8th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
deciosion = decision
April 8th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
And thru all of this we are believing the real thug Billings and not listening to the ex police officer who said Talib did not have a gun,Talib is the type that would have said damn right I pistol whipped him,he put his hands on my sister he did beat his as.. know doubt,and know matter how many of you say it,Tim,Joe,skooty,and even Thomas would not care what the results you mean you would just sit there and say Sorry sis, your just done for, I care more for the money than you.Lets just make sure he showed up with a gun and if he did, so long,but Billings friend and neighbor that no one is talking about and I dont know why because everyone that said anything negative was mentioned from the ex coaches to the cab driver but the one guy with the most credibility said Talib did not have a gun,but then again some of you will say the cop is crooked or too old just so we can sign a free agent
April 8th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@ Hunter
If u read tha Rapestburger police report, you would know that he was innocent due 2 settling outta court and paying tha young lady off 2 conflict her 1st statements. They found blood and semen. Enough said
April 8th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@IMHO: But he still was NOT found guilty. Doesn’t matter if he really was or not.
April 8th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
@Pete Dutcher
The whole story has been discovered from the Bucs standpoint. Talib’s point is that of which you speak of. From the Bucs point of view his decision making is way too off center to consider trust and that is 88% of the fanbase and media’s point.
It’s ok to love the underdog in stories but excusing ignorance and foolishness is not cool. Joe is right, he does not earn a average salary and he should not behave as a average citizen in situation. Pete please stop defending Talib.
April 9th, 2011 at 12:36 am
No way we cut this guy and get nothing for him. Way to talented and also our best CB. But let this play out before making any decisions. And if we could draft my personal favorite DB Jimmy Smith from Colorado, with the 20th pick and actually spend some money on FA’s. Nnamdi Asomough and Smith would allow us to get rid of Talib. If he is charged/found guilty of this shooting incident. Then he is gone forsure!!
April 10th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@FuNkYxMuNkEy
“Nnamdi Asomough and Smith would allow us to get rid of Talib. If he is charged/found guilty of this shooting incident. Then he is gone forsure!!”
Dude, if you think the Bucs are going to lock up over $15,000,000 per year in cap space on Nnamdi Asomough, you’re on crack…
That would be insane…
April 10th, 2011 at 11:32 am
Havok94- nope, I think they will spend about 10,000,000 a year for Nnamdi. He’s twice the CB Talib is. He’s also a great team leader, intelligent, and active in the community- things the thug will never be. Nnamdi will give us 4 years of leadership and the greatest CB play ever in a Tampa uniform- and we have had great CBs !! Teamed with Rhonde this year, along with Biggers and Lewis, our CBs are actually a strenght this time! Grimm will help Safeties, and I think Asante will take Jone’s job. Secondary is good
Now all we need is 3 staring LBs, and 2 new DEs! Uggh! But we are getting there. Got plenty of money AFTER signing Nnamdi. Might as well sign a couple good OLBs that actually play the run!
April 11th, 2011 at 9:05 am
@Architek
I know I might be taking things to the extreme…but I just think the Bucs should hold onto him, suspension or not.
If they end up cutting him, I would probably not like it, but I would accept it and move on.
Until then, barring a change of opinion, I’m going to keep hoping for the best in people…Talib…or whoever.