Players-Only-Meeting Story Overblown
September 12th, 2013
Donald Penn strikes back
Donald Penn seems to want to pancake anyone who thinks a Bucs player-only meeting is, was, or will ever be a big deal.
This afternoon at One Buc Palace, Penn noted that the Bucs “have at least four players meetings a season.” It was a comment to add perspective to national and local media reports that it was a big deal that the Bucs had a players meeting before opening day last week. However, Bucs icon Derrick Brooks noted to Steve Duemig on WDAE-AM 620 this week yesterday that Week 1 seemed to be an odd time for a players meeting.
Tampa Tribune beat writer eye-RAH! Kaufman said on SiriusXM Radio today that a subject of the recent players meeting was the commitment of Josh Freeman.
September 12th, 2013 at 2:49 pm
Much ado about nothing. A lot of Chicken Littles in our TB sports press corps jumping to conclusions and coming up with these conspiracy theories (team captain voting). Can’t we just concentrate with how sucky the Bucs are and forget this off-field stuff?
September 12th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
Does anyone expect these guys to actually say what really happened? Do you think he is going to say, “Yes, we are concerned about Freeman’s commitment to the team vs. to the yayo”? Or, “we don’t trust Schiano, and we wanted to discuss it”.
Bunch of rubes.
September 12th, 2013 at 2:53 pm
Damage control, phase 1.
September 12th, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Ok. We will probably never know what really happened so lets move on to a more pressing story. The fact that Lavonte David was FINED FOR A PUSH! is absolutely appauling. Add to the fact that Clay Matthews DID THE SAME THING BUT WORSE to Kap.
September 12th, 2013 at 3:03 pm
I just read Lavonte was fined for his penalty. Are you kidding me?
September 12th, 2013 at 3:04 pm
Let the “spin” classes begin.
September 12th, 2013 at 3:06 pm
I watched some much more egregious hits, in bounds and out, over the weekend. I can’t believe David got fined for a little push. Someone out there really has it in for this team.
September 12th, 2013 at 3:13 pm
@couch – yes, ridiculous
September 12th, 2013 at 3:13 pm
All this drama because of choices j5 has made. And his team mates having to cover for him … His coach too. And he sux. Free is done here. Just bench hi already!!!!
September 12th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
At this point, I really don’t care about the team meeting. I really only cared when there was a rumor of Schiano rigging the votes. Regardless of whether or not they spoke about it, you’d be a fool to believe everyone on this team is behind Freeman, just like you’d be a fool to believe everyone on this team is behind Schiano. There is obviously some division amongst the team, and the best way to deal with that is probably to hold a team meeting (which is probably not a good idea at the current time, lol). I really think this is a situation where the higher ups (Dominik, the Glazers, etc.) may need to step in, because I have a hard time seeing this situation just work out on its own.
September 12th, 2013 at 3:18 pm
Come to Tampa!, where QB’s die hard, and the team that everyone loves to hate!
September 12th, 2013 at 3:18 pm
Speaking of which…..where’s Dom?
September 12th, 2013 at 3:23 pm
The meeting was called by the most tenured Buc, long snapper Andrew Economos. They said it was more of a pep rally then anything else. Why is it so hard to believe that they called a meeting after such a tough loss?
I have supported Freeman this long. If the reports and rumors prove true then all bets are off. The players and coaches around him have always praised his work ethic. What I don’t get is that how could members of the media know more than the Bucs organization? Why would they commit to a player with such obvious and serious issues as Freeman has been accused of?
There is still a lot that we don’t know about this. Anyone calling to trade Freeman for a ham sandwich right now is overreacting. Anything that is coming out right now, the team has known about for some time and has purposely kept him around and as the unchallenged starter.
September 12th, 2013 at 3:26 pm
@oil derrick brooks
he is hiding under his desk just like back in 2011
official member of MGM ( Mike Glennon Mob )
because its not what Glennon can do, but its about what JFro-6pak cannot do.
September 12th, 2013 at 3:28 pm
WCBF,
With all do respect, nice post. I appreciate your take on the situation, and I am not happy for Freeman. I have only hated on his on field performance, never his personal issues. I hope he is ok.
With that being said, what are the allegations? What is “serious” about them? Is he doing something illegal? Is he a boozer?
September 12th, 2013 at 3:32 pm
@Steve
Check out the chorus of Buckcherry – Lit Up.
September 12th, 2013 at 3:33 pm
OK….I’m done reading or posting anything until after the game. It seems the whole town has lost it’s sanity and the best way to deal with it is not to partake. Some of these articles are just pure trash journalism. You don’t post an article that says “The Meeting Was About Confidence In Freeman” unless you have some source other than an opinion by Ira Kaufmann. What the hell has this site become?? I expect this crap out of Scott Reynolds but I didn’t think I’d start seeing it here. Later…
September 12th, 2013 at 3:34 pm
You want to know what really is happening???
All of the Freeman apologists are freaking out.
That is the only confusion that exists. There whole perception of Free and the Bucs future has just crumbled before their eyes. So they are freaking out… inventing stories that somehow there is a revolt against the head coach. Because is CAN’T be Free’s fault in their world.
September 12th, 2013 at 3:37 pm
@WCBF,
Not everyone has been saying Freeman has an amazing work ethic. There have been reports of him not having a great work ethic, even before all this came out. If you know the layout of One Buc Place, it would be pretty easy for a player to show up late and not be seen by the media, as the players have their own parking lot and entrance. I would expect nothing more than the Bucs to publicly and privately support Freeman to the media – he is the face of the franchise.
September 12th, 2013 at 3:37 pm
#238 Knocks the cover off the ball and out of the park.
September 12th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
I normally just read overblown reactions by many people here and just shake my head. But when there is smoke there is fire. I am a huge Freeman fan, but I am not blind to his faults. He is not solely to blame for this team’s struggles in week one, everyone is accountable, from players to coaching staff. But something is very odd about all these reports. I never wanted Glennon to play during the regular season because that is the worst thing possible for both Glennon and the team. But right now, that might end up being a reality and that makes me sad.
Here’s to week two everyone! Let’s hope for solid play and maybe a win!
September 12th, 2013 at 3:45 pm
@joe
you were dead on about ” if the bucs lose to the jets. everyone will be lining up to jump off the skyway.”
I think bobby just took off for the skyway, lol
official member of MGM ( Mike Glennon Mob )
because its not what Glennon can do, but its about what JFro-6pak cannot do.
September 12th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
“Why is it so hard to believe that they called a meeting after such a tough loss?”
Um, WCBF, the meeting was last week. Before the tough loss. Now what’s your excuse?
September 12th, 2013 at 4:01 pm
Shmeetz,
Great post, probably the best one of the day. That is EXACTLY how I feel.
September 12th, 2013 at 4:24 pm
And to think all Freeman did was gives us the lead with 40 seconds left in the game…… Sheesh
September 12th, 2013 at 4:36 pm
Duemig is doing non-stop damage control for Bad Gosh.
September 12th, 2013 at 6:13 pm
Thanks Hawaiian, us Hawaii Buc fans need to stick together eh?
Raphael,
He did a good job getting us that lead in that drive. I’m just worried that later on this season, or sooner, we are going to learn something that at best means he will no longer be on the team next season or at worst means suspensions or even cut.
I really hope my fears are never justified. I want him to pull it together, along with the rest of the team, and really shine this season.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:12 pm
I do think the meeting is overblown. Every team probably has a players only meeting. Penn said they happened 4 times a year on average.
Whatever. But the issue of Freeman not showing up for the team photo and losing his captain status is an issue. The fact Shaun King and Ian Beckles have heard multiple rumors about his off the field activities that they themselves hope are false, doesn’t bode well. Is this Jamarcus Russell 2.0? Immaturity? Partying? Missing important events.
September 12th, 2013 at 7:56 pm
I loved this bloody nose on Jared Allen seen in the pic above. No fine here I believe. DPenn70 stoned Allen ALL DAY! The Vikings game was a true bright spot last season. Hoping to get a bright spot this weekend.
September 12th, 2013 at 11:45 pm
Facts, people, facts.
The metting took place BEFORE the Jets game.
Chip Carter just showed video of Andrew Economos (sp) being asked if it was to discuss Freeman’s commitment and leadership. His answer?
“We didn’t talk about anything like that. It was more like a pep rally.”
Look’s like Ira Kaufman is lying and the meeting was exactly what I suggested all along.