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Twitter’s Reactions to the Drama Surrounding Josh Freeman, Greg Schiano and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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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:

And former members of the Buccaneers’ organization:

And some national media members:

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.