Jul 26, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) calls a play as center Jeremy Zuttah (76) gets ready to hike the ball as head coach Greg Schiano watches during training camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the national media spotlight thanks to leaked information about Josh Freeman’s standing in the NFL’s Drug Testing Program was made public. And that means everyone on Twitter is getting in on the act of commenting on the team and their situation.
The first tweet is probably the most telling, as this is a conversation between Rudy Carpenter, a former Dallas Cowboy and Tampa Bay Buccaneer who is now a free agent, and current Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett. Consider what Bennett is saying, and what that means about the organization. There are NFL players who do not want to play for Greg Schiano. “Nobody likes him” is a very damning statement from a current player. Here’s the opinion of a former scout in the NFL:
Can't get over what a mess it is in #Tampa, slowly turning back into the Yucs. Can't imagine the admin returns in 2014
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) October 1, 2013
And former members of the Buccaneers’ organization:
These arent just tweets Im more pissed off tonight at this franchise than Ive ever been save the night Dungy was let go in very weak fashion
— Stephen White (@sgw94) October 1, 2013
It's a joke this is out there“@Deadspin: Josh Freeman is in Stage 1 of the NFL's drug program. How do we know that? http://t.co/xNdIwdEmfn”
— Anthony Becht (@Anthony_Becht) October 1, 2013
So free takes adderall for ADHD the bucs better get there ducks in order for letting his involvement in the program get out
— shaun king (@realshaunking) October 1, 2013
FWIW, Bucs organization was a fantastic one to work for. They were 1st class when I was there. I hate to see all this drama surrounding them
— NFL Philosophy (@NFLosophy) October 1, 2013
There are some great people at One Buc Place who will be unjustly lumped in with the bad ones creating this. So unfortunate.
— NFL Philosophy (@NFLosophy) October 1, 2013
And some national media members:
Lawrence Tynes situation. Josh Freeman situation. I wouldn't go house shopping, Buccaneers' front office.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) October 1, 2013
"Hi, I'm Greg Schiano, and welcome to my audio book on how to put out dumpster fires. Step one, buy more gasoline."
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) October 1, 2013
Early sense on the public reaction to the Josh Freeman statement? Greg Schiano's days in Tampa could be numbered.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 1, 2013
Greg Schiano will spend the bye week alienating the seven Buccaneers who don't already hate his guts.
— scott pianowski (@scott_pianowski) October 1, 2013
The point is, those who see any redeeming qualities in the Buccaneers’ (especially the Buccaneers’ coaches and staff) are few and far between. But I think the most telling current and former players are speaking out.
That means that there are likely players across the NFL who do not want to play for the Buccaneers. That impacts free agent negotiations, the ability to re-sign players, and much more. If that’s not a huge red flag that a change at the coaching position needs to happen, and happen soon, I’m not sure what other proof the Glazer family needs.
These tweets are outward examples of internal problems that show why Greg Schiano should be fired, and they probably shouldn’t wait for the end of the season to do it. No amount of winning washes away the stench of controversy and distrust around this organization.
Consider how nice it would be to have a tight end like Martellus Bennett. Based on his tweet, it’s clear that he won’t be joining the Buccaneers any time soon.