Freeman Responds To Photogate

September 11th, 2013

josh freeman 0629

Yes, as Joe learned previously, Bucs franchise quarterback Josh Freeman missed the team meeting recently for the official team photo. Team officials have confirmed the absence was unexcused.

Per the Tampa Tribune duo of eye-RAH! Kaufman and Woody Cummings, Freeman responded to the incident with a rather cryptic if not haughty exchange.

Multiple sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed that Freeman was late and did not participate in the annual team photo, which was held a few days before Tampa Bay players voted for team captains.

Freeman was not selected, despite having been a team captain since 2010.

When asked to comment on his absence from the team photo, Freeman responded with a text message to the Tribune: “You know I can’t do Buc non-sanctioned interviews.’’

On face value, this is not good. An official team photo is for the franchise’s annals. For a former captain and franchise quarterback to not show up for the photo, at best that is inconsiderate and at worst, irresponsible.

But there seems to be a pattern here and it troubles Joe. Remember when Freeman was late to his own football camp and Vincent Jackson had to pinch hit for him? Freeman cited car trouble, yet never called his father for a ride (who was at the camp) nor called a cab, nor a car service, nor Enterprise Rental, which will pick you up. It’s not like Freeman cannot afford a $50/day fee for a compact rig.

Joe is going to tack on this last little nugget and let Bucs fans mull it over. The massive communication issues that happened Sunday on the first drive of the season? Why was Freeman so rattled when roughly the first 15 plays are scripted? Or, why, like most teams, didn’t the Bucs coaching staff just let the quarterback take over play-calling duties until the communication issues were solved on the fly?

It’s starting to smell as if the Bucs coaching staff doesn’t trust Freeman.

141 Responses to “Freeman Responds To Photogate”

  1. Brian D. Says:

    Shit ya think!?

    Does he sound trustworthy to you?

  2. Stranger Says:

    Sounds like the team told him to not talk about it.

  3. Couch Fan Says:

    Doesn’t sound so innocent.

  4. Buc1987 Says:

    “It’s starting to smell as if the Bucs coaching staff doesn’t trust Freeman.”

    I does not only smell like it Joe. It reeks of it.

  5. Buc1987 Says:

    I really am starting to think he’s going Ryan Leaf on us.

  6. Rob Says:

    Ya think? Why would Schiano trust Freeman? Schiano will trade for another qb and or trade Gosh before he can’t get anything for him. Gosh knows he is gone and shows how much he doesn’t care. I’d rather see someone else as our starter and if it must be Glennon, I can excuse his mistakes. Not bonehead Freeman in his fifth year. I think he parties too much. Just a hunch but he is not commited to his team or coaches. Won’t miss you Gosh. Go Bucs minus Freeman!

  7. tonytwocents Says:

    yeah….. this is un-interesting and all… so what the deal with PFTs report of a players-only meeting questioning the “legitimacy” of the captain vote (tallied by Mr Schiano)?????

    again… How about instead of a QB change going into the bye, we go with a new HC…Sully! He and Josh wont be pushed around and micro-managed by Schiano..

    And Sully’s a real motherfu(kin soldier! A West Point grad. Army Ranger. 2x Super Bowl Winner..

    SULLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  8. RBellBuc Says:

    0 – 16 … ha!

  9. Bucs34 Says:

    He does not want to be here! This needs to be watched very closely! If we have anything close to what happen in NY something is screwy and needs to be taken care of in a heart beat. Not happy with this type of attitude or disrespect. One team photo a year that takes what 30 min at most? Inexcusable behavior by Freeman.

  10. bucrightoff Says:

    It appears Freeman is the last Raheem era leftover that has to go. Sounds like he enjoyed playing for Raheem because it was carte blanche for everyone.

  11. Buc1987 Says:

    tonytwocents…I blame Sully for the Jets loss, because he kept dialing up the same bad plays that were not working. I don’t think Sully is the answer and I do think Schiano would make a great DC.

  12. Warrenfb12 Says:

    Something is def up at One Buc…

  13. Buc1987 Says:

    Wow Joe I know you had to put this story out there, but I hope I can sleep tonight. Thanks a lot!

  14. Vern4499 Says:

    @buc1987,

    You have changed your entire stance on Josh in less than 24hrs? Way to stand by your guy. You have done nothing but tell people how to be a REAL FAN for months and now you don’t like josh? Your a REAL FAN BUDDY! Keep it up.

  15. DallasBuc Says:

    Misleading headline there Joe

  16. tonytwocents Says:

    @’87

    I think Schiano had his fingerprints all over our offensive gameplan. just look at him yelling at Sully while he’s trying to call off a play.

    Schiano most likeley told Sully to wait until the NO game before we open up the playbook.

    Sully’s proven… He’s won championships.. Super Bowls. Was credited with Eli’s success.

    What has Schiano done?? What has he accomplished, other than dividing a team and fanbase barely into his second year.

    Ask the ones closest to the situation, the local media, with inside knowledge, and all the fingers point to Mr Schiano.

  17. Nick B Says:

    Hey, I’ve been one of the biggest Freeman supporters but if all this crap keeps coming out about him (as minor as some of it is….) it just adds up. And this team has too much talent (in my eyes at least) to let some slug drag them down. If this is the case we will definitely see these next two Sundays. Hope he and the team prove me wrong

  18. Couch Fan Says:

    What has Schiano done?? What has he accomplished, other than dividing a team and fanbase barely into his second year.

    —————————————

    People will say anything to pass the blame off of Freeman

  19. RBellBuc Says:

    We did it again. We managed to throw what looked like a promising season in the toilet by trashing Freeman all summer, and now he has literally stuck his middle finger up at all of you. It goes to show that a person can only take so much. He’ll be lifting the Lombardi before his 28th B-day somewhere else now. At 25 years old with already 4 years of starting experience. He won’t have a hard time finding a job, even if it is for the Raiders. Anywhere but here. We love to be perpetually looking for QB’s. it figures

  20. Buc1987 Says:

    “Sully’s proven… He’s won championships.. Super Bowls. Was credited with Eli’s success.”

    As what a QB coach?

  21. Vern4499 Says:

    Tonytwocents,

    Sully was quarterback coach in NY not OC. Your whole point is invalid.

  22. Couch Fan Says:

    Oh now its the fans fault Free has issues. Another good one. Keep em comin.

  23. Buc1987 Says:

    Sully has NEVER been an OC before in the NFL.

  24. tonytwocents Says:

    I know youve said you really like Schiano, but you cant let that blind you to whats really goin on..

    I really like Freeman, but I realize that he will always be no more than a middle tier QB… and thats ok if you have a good team around you.

    I really like Dominik, but I think he’s responsible for our lack of depth this year most likely due to all the time and focus on the Revis circus.

    I liked Schiano until I started to see a college trend with him in training camp. Rutgers players, Rutgers coaches.. The Bucs organazition has professional scouts at his disposal to scour the globe – not just Jersey – for the absolute best around. And the way he manged pre-season – our offense had no chance to gel. I knew I wouldn’t make a big deal over it cause it was preseason, but it carried into week 1…. now Im concerned.

    The fact that he tucks his players in at “lights out” and gives them twizzlers candy is creepy and needs to fu(kin stop.

  25. Buc1987 Says:

    So now we want to dump Schiano for Sully…a QB coach to OC for 1 game to head coach? Oh my head hurts!

  26. chef paul Says:

    I just got home and read these articles.

    Couch, SteveK, lightningbuc, realist, Miguel, and who ever I left out.

    All summer you were right. And we were wrong. There is no defense left for Freeman.

    I am now going to bed and toss and turn all night.

  27. tonytwocents Says:

    he’s been a WR coach, and a QB coach. and an OC that produced a 4000+ passer, a top 5 WR, a top 10 WR, and top 5 RB.

  28. Buc1987 Says:

    tonytwocents …4 Rutgers players on the roster. 4 that’s it. That Patriots have 5-6 Rutgers players on their roster. So fire Belichick and bring in Sully to coach the Pats. Sully has never even been an OC before.

  29. Vern4499 Says:

    Buc1987,

    Can answer my first post? How can you go from what you have been writing for the last 6 months to now you don’t like Josh in less than 24hrs? Your a Real Fan? As you like to say?

  30. tonytwocents Says:

    ’87: “So now we want to dump Schiano for Sully…a QB coach to OC for 1 game to head coach? Oh my head hurts!”

    uhh, he’s been an OC for over a year now.

  31. Buc1987 Says:

    chef paul…no crap man. I hope I can sleep tonight.

  32. Couch Fan Says:

    Makes perfect sense it does.

  33. Buc1987 Says:

    So 1 year of OC and crappy playcalling during the Jets game. He deserves HC. IDK about that. Yah you got me there he has one year with the Bucs as OC.

  34. BigMacAttack Says:

    Starting to smell like dead fish.

    Hasta la vista ….baby

  35. Buc1987 Says:

    Vern4499.. I’ve only been on site for 2 months.

  36. tonytwocents Says:

    I guess we’ll agree to disagree on that one. lets just see how this NO game unfolds…

    like my man Bruce Wayne says, “We fall,so we can learn to pick ourselves up”.

  37. Joe Says:

    Misleading headline there Joe

    Going to have to educate Joe how that’s misleading. Trib guys texted him for his take and Freeman responded, just as the headline states.

  38. Vern4499 Says:

    1987,

    Sorry two months. In those two months you told people how you are a REAL FAN and they are not because they weren’t sold on Josh. Now you read a couple articles and all the sudden you are done with him? A little hypocritical don’t you think?

  39. Pewter Bullion Says:

    [Claiming people have drug problems without clear evidece is begging to get banned. So Joe just helped you out — Joe]

  40. tonytwocents Says:

    @’87

    he brought in a lot more Rutgers players to tryout… only to cut most of them.. those were spots that could have been used on more talented players, with a better shot at a roster spot than a player that he’s used to whippin on and tuckin in at night.

  41. Buc1987 Says:

    Vern4499…go to the next article and read what I wrote down there in that thread about this photo shoot thingy. I’m not repeating myself at 12 am in the morning. I’ll give you a brief idea though of what I said. I’m going to watch Freeman very closely from here on out. If it appears he does not care about this team or care to even play in the NFL for that matter than I do give up on him. The photo shoot was a clear indicator that he does not care anymore.

    If you are going to call in sick for work, do you atleast call in or do you just say screw it? Freeman did not even bother calling or making up an excuse. That is fact. What happens if you and I don’t atleast call our boss and make up an excuse for not coming in?

  42. Buc1987 Says:

    Vern4499… actually if you like go to the effing game this week and see this fool out on MLK and Dale Mabry waving a Buc flag and holding up a sign that reads Be Loud Today for 2 hours before the game in 95 degree heat. Do you know who that will be? That’s right me. Am I a fan? You tell me.

  43. Vern4499 Says:

    1987,

    It’s fact he didn’t call or make an excuse? You have insider information. He probably does have an excuse. You and I may not like it but I’m sure he told his employer something either before or after.

    I have agreed with a lot of things you have written on here. I believe in Josh like I do the other 52 on the roster. I’m a Bucs fan first and foremost. Probably a little too much. Just thought it was funny how you bailed on him so quickly.

  44. DallasBuc Says:

    Joe- if freeman responded to the actual situation involving him not showing up for the photo then the headline would be accurate. All he said was that he couldn’t give an interview. Headline should read “freeman declines tribune an interview”

    Not as catchy I guess…

  45. Buc1987 Says:

    tonytwocents…I’m not giving up on Schiano just yet. Get back to me in week 16.

  46. SteveK Says:

    Just tuning in after hanging out with the old lady, 8 months pregger.

    Wow, what a headline. I only question Freeman’s development, execution, leadership and ability to win. Only the on field stuff should determine our QB, just look at Big Ben.

    I am shocked to hear this. It seems that Freeman has checked out. Maybe his “give-a-fu(k” is broken?

    I am not about to turn on him because of a damn photo, but if he comes out and plays exactly like he did last weekend, then I will be hoping for Glennon after the bye week.

    My QB needs to be 100% all in to their team. I hope there is a reason for this? I didn’t question Schiano’s integrity like earlier, and it appears the truth is emerging, Freeman is jaded and regressing.

    Can’t wait to hear how Dumb Dog tries to spin this back on Schiano.

    [SteveK: You are a long-time poster. Do not test Joe again. Knock off the personal attacks on Clear Channel on-air personalities. If you have to call someone a name, that’s a personal attack. No more. – Joe]

  47. Vern4499 Says:

    1987,

    Honestly I’m not questioning weather you are a fan or not. You seem very passionate. But don’t question others cause they don’t have your same opinion.

  48. Buc1987 Says:

    “Just thought it was funny how you bailed on him so quickly.”

    Vern4499
    I have not bailed on him yet. I’m saying I’m watching more closely than ever now. Especially after this. I don’t even come close to blaming him for the Bucs loss last Sunday.

    Holy hell spit in mothers face, call my wife a few names. I’ll get a lil mad. Tell me I’m not a Bucs fan and that just pisses me off to no end.

  49. chef paul Says:

    Finkle and Freeman. Freeman and Finkle. Josh Freeman is Ray Finkle.

  50. kh Says:

    Would this be such a earth shattering moment if Levonte David used his head last Sunday?

  51. Buc1987 Says:

    “But don’t question others cause they don’t have your same opinion.”

    Vern4499….if you have not noticed I do it that a lot less nowadays. I pretty much ignore most people I disagree with. Because it does no good to fight with them anymore. They are not going to change my mind and I’m not going to change theirs. Right? Don’t act like I’m not the only one that did this arguing of other peoples opinions. Because I’m not. I’m just maybe more blunt than others.

  52. Buc1987 Says:

    kh Says:
    September 12th, 2013 at 12:20 am

    “Would this be such a earth shattering moment if Levonte David used his head last Sunday?”

    Well probably not, but there would still be many people doubting Freeman.

  53. Vern4499 Says:

    1987,

    Like I said not questioning you as a fan. I also support because he is the starting QB for the Bucs.

    On another note. I went and read the thread before this one. Who the hell is this Joshfreebucs guy? Wow

  54. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    I really do hate all this. This really looks like it is going to destroy our season, and we are probably going to lose our coach, GM, and QB as a result. That sucks because we have so many great pieces, yet missing so many critical ones.

    Let me make one thing clear, you are a fool to defend Freeman in any way for this. He is wrong in every sense of the word. To defend him means you put him in front of the rest of the team. You would never see Peyton Manning do this, nor any other great QB.

    That being said, I’m not going to beat him down for it. This looks like its going to get ugly, so it’s just not necessary for me to beat him down. This is a dark time for our team. I just hope someway, somehow we can miraculously get out of it.

  55. SirustheVirus Says:

    This is disappointing. I really thought this season we would do great. Top 9 offense coming into another season with a secondary that look on paper like they’d be a lot better than last in the NFL. Thought Freeman would play the same minus the 2 back to back 4 INT games. Figured Schiano and the coordinators would improve on play calling ,playing to conservative, and actually make adjustments in the game, but now I see that we’ll probably need a new HC/QB and will be once again “rebuilding” Tampa is a F@*cking joke right now, how can a team win when no one trust eachother.

  56. RCS Says:

    “It’s starting to smell as if the Bucs coaching staff doesn’t trust Freeman.”

    and why should they?
    early in his career it was “he doesn’t have the talent around him”
    Now he has two top WRs, a stud RB, a pretty decent line, and a young up incoming defense.
    AND HE STILL IS SCREWING UP ! !

  57. tonytwocents Says:

    If Mr Schiano got Rutgers to pay $40,000 to put up a fence around their practice field for the Beef O’Bradys bowl…..

    We should be able to hire Al Pacino for $40,000 to give our team a pre-game and half-time speech on Sunday.

    Lord knows we need this win.

  58. Vern4499 Says:

    KH,

    I hate to say this because I love Lavonte but you are probably right sir.

  59. Buc1987 Says:

    “Don’t act like I’m not the only one that did this arguing of other peoples opinions.”

    Effing A you people catch me on my drinking night.

    rephrase :
    Don’t act like I’m the only one that did this arguing of other peoples opinions.

  60. Couch Fan Says:

    I blame it all on the defense.

  61. Buc1987 Says:

    Hawaiian Buc… I fully concur.

    Vern4499…”On another note. I went and read the thread before this one. Who the hell is this Joshfreebucs guy? Wow”

    Maybe it is actually Freeman himself. LOL seriously though maybe? LOL I don’t know anymore.

  62. tonytwocents Says:

    @ Joe,

    a team can script 15, 150 plays. but if the D throws them off track, the script is out.. and thats when its time to adjust. which we were horrible at doing.

    as far as calling plays, I dont think Freeman is allowed to. plain and simple.

    In the picture JBF posted, you can see Josh going to Sully after his helmet goes out. Only to have Mr Micro-Manage nudge himself in front of Sully and in-between him and Josh. This is an OFFENSIVE issue. Mr Micro Manage needs to step back and let Sully & Free “DO THEIR JOB” (as he likes to say)
    https://www.joebucsfan.com/?p=95469

  63. Biff Barker Says:

    Sounds like somebody has a major pouty face. Regardless of his relationship with the organization, it’s still pretty immature to snub his teammates.

  64. Buc1987 Says:

    JoshFreeBucs Says:
    September 11th, 2013 at 10:58 pm

    why in the hell, would I want to be somewhere where I’m not appreciated, where my coach don’t think that I’m a good QB,after he, (the coach) makes me change the way I play the game, know he don’t trust me as a QB ?? where only one of my teammates (Mike W) have the guts to stand up for me. and where the fans are to blind to see what is going on, and to realized that this is not a one man sport and it’s not up to me how it is played.
    I will be out of here next year with a team that is going to let me play the game the way I know how to, ( a mobile QB ) and not a pocket QB like what they want me to be. and hopefully I will have a chance to comeback and tear you all a new one.

    ^^^^Is this Josh Freeman? ^^^^

  65. Buc1987 Says:

    No probably not. Just some “Freemanite” like me using a different screen name. Nice try Raphael. I’m not that drunk.

  66. BigMacAttack Says:

    I think Josh has finally given a good reason to bomb Syria.

  67. Buc1987 Says:

    Although Josh is pretty immature….could be on some of those lines that he was saying. No it’s not… right?

  68. Buc1987 Says:

    tonytwocents…to tell you the truth I don’t think there was anything wrong with the headset to begin with. I think it was crowd noise in the back of the end zone.

  69. tonytwocents Says:

    This is just a hunch. I think that Schiano gets rid of players who dont like him/don’t respect him.

    So out goes Blount. Out goes Talib, Winslow. Barber doesnt return.

    I dont think Freeman likes/respects Schiano. And I think Schiano knows this. But he cant get rid of our “Franchise” QB as easily as he did Blount and Winslow.

    So he needs to make life a living hell for Free… And its working. Freeman isnt coming back. Why would he want to? At least not if this coach is still here.

    So he’ll play good enough for free agency, and Schiano will buy himself 2 more years with a project QB.

  70. BigMacAttack Says:

    Maybe the Bucs will turn into Zombies and devour the Saints. I hope we have a cool flyover on Sunday. I think my favorite was the A-10’s a while back. That’s a zombie killer of the highest order. Gotta love the USAF.

  71. chef paul Says:

    Here’s a speculation scenario that wouldn’t blow up the whole organization. Maybe last year Josh told Schiano he wasn’t going to stay with the team. Just finish his contract and go. Then THATS what they drafted Glennon.

    I’m sure they would trade Josh if that happened but one can hope its only that minor

  72. tonytwocents Says:

    @’87,

    I heard Josh on 620. he said it cut in and out like a bad cell phone. and he kept hearing “you got that?” at the end of the play call.

    so he went to the sideline, and for the dumbest reason ever, the coach sends him back out with the same faulty headset.

  73. Joe Says:

    Newsflash Dallas: Freeman responded.

    Suggesting Joe is trying to mislead people is a Crime Against Joe.

  74. Buc1987 Says:

    JoshFreeBucs = Josh’s dad?

  75. Oahubuc Says:

    It’s the o-line’s fault. And the new system’s fault. And the fans’ fault. Also, he needs more weapons.

  76. BigMacAttack Says:

    I think it was Schiano’s fault that Blount couldn’t gain an inch on 3rd or 4th and goal. He sure could get it down there though, as long as he got past the LOS.

    Wait that’s wrong. It was “W’s” fault.

  77. Buc1987 Says:

    Joe Says:
    September 12th, 2013 at 12:50 am

    “Newsflash Dallas: Freeman responded.”

    “Suggesting Joe is trying to mislead people is a Crime Against Joe.”

    Uh oh someones in trouble….

  78. Buc1987 Says:

    When asked to comment on his absence from the team photo, Freeman responded with a text message to the Tribune: “You know I can’t do Buc non-sanctioned interviews.’’

    WTH kind of response is that DallasBuc?

  79. Buc1987 Says:

    “Wait that’s wrong. It was “W’s” fault.”

    LMAO!

  80. Buc1987 Says:

    I don’t know any more. I need to think with a sober mind about all this in the morning.

  81. tonytwocents Says:

    seriously Joe, whats going on with this player’s-only meeting?? I’m sure you have a few anonymous sources that can shed some light…

    if there really IS a rift between the players and Schiano, then it could even relate to this TMZ article (no offense Joe….well kinda).

  82. Andrew 1 Says:

    I know Im not defending Freeman for this. I just dont think our season will be sunk over this.

  83. Buc1987 Says:

    Really the bottom line is if the Bucs win this Sunday. Or even if they lose and Freeman looks good. Most of these comments go in the trash can.

  84. Buc1987 Says:

    tony..I think we’ll learn more about this meeting tomorrow later in the day. or perhaps not. It may all be top secret.

  85. tonytwocents Says:

    ^^^ well you break down the Jets game, take into account that Free gave us a chance to win, take into account the dropped passes, the awful pass protection, and no run support, Freeman actually had an above average day.

    he should have had a comp percentage of over 60%, and some of those dropped passes might have turned into or setup TDs.

    but you inbred, simple minded non IQ havin folk cant see that, can you…

  86. Buc1987 Says:

    Andrew 1 Says:
    September 12th, 2013 at 1:04 am

    “I know Im not defending Freeman for this. I just dont think our season will be sunk over this.”

    I just don’t think or hope our season will be sunk over this?

  87. tonytwocents Says:

    Im bankin on top secret…. which I can understand… dont wanna air out your family business.

    but itd be nice to get some good investigative journalism for the fans sake.

  88. Andrew 1 Says:

    @ Buc1987

    think or hope?

    lol you had me seriously considering that for a second. but honestly…its both.

  89. Buc1987 Says:

    tonytwocents…I’ve not given up on him at all yet. Just have raised eyebrows that’s all. I’ll be watching him more closely now is all. LOL inbred…you still crack me up.
    I don’t blame him at all for the loss to the Jets. Keep that in mind.

  90. Buc1987 Says:

    Andrew 1 … I just shelled out 1,300 bucks for season tickets and bypassed our usual family summer vacation for these tickets. So I HOPE your right.

  91. tonytwocents Says:

    oh, me neither… not at all. you cant deny the o-line looked like one of those banners at high school and college games that the players run through. bottom line, is Freeman did enough to win the game, only to have our D give it up in the last seconds. like what happened 5 times last season.

    but unless Schiano has a sudden change in philosophy like Coughlin, and eases up, and we tear sh!t up for the rest of the year….maybe into the playoffs… unless that happens, Freeman is gone.. and he deserves to have a chance with a coach and a fanbase who support him.

  92. Buc1987 Says:

    Ok well I’m going to bed now. If I can’t I’ll thank Freeman for not doing the team photo. G’nite!

  93. Buc1987 Says:

    I hear ya on that last paragraph tony. G’nite!

  94. Andrew 1 Says:

    @Buc1987

    lol the family must have been pretty upset.

    like Ive said in some earlier posts, if we get the running game back it should put us back on track. getting Nicks and a FB back in the lineup will go a long way in doing that.

  95. tonytwocents Says:

    take it easy ’87

  96. Buckinnuts Says:

    He’s not a “Franchise Quarterback”. Bucs fans have wasted 4 years on him.

  97. DallasBuc Says:

    Joe- so I am commiting a crime against you because I said your headline is misleading? Sorry but it is. If photogate is freeman not showing up to take a photo then, no, he did not respond to that situation. As previously mentioned, he responded to an interview request by declining. Big difference. No crime on this end.
    And there is no name calling or disrespect being slung by me at you or anyone else. No need to get offended with all the crime against joe stuff. I have a legit complaint about the headline vs content. You asked me to educate you on how the headline was misleading. I have now done that twice.
    Go bucs!

  98. nate Says:

    Its time to malke a trade for a qb maybe mallet..and keep freeman on the hot seat…

  99. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    I just read all the comments here, along with the article. I am sorely disappointed in too many people to mention after reading all this. I’m not talki g about the team, I’m talking about you so-called fans.

    One game.

    Already you people have given up on the season. Already the head hunters are looking for anything to make any member of the team look bad. Throw Freeman under the bus. Throw Schiano under the bus. Heck, Sully? Eating tire tread.

    I am ashamed at how easily you “fans” turn on the team.

    After reading this stuff I’m more disappointed in my fellow fans than in the team itself.

    It’s only been one game people. If the Bucs go 1-5 than you have something to cry about. 2-4? Cry away.

    But 0-1? Grow up.

  100. arealbucsfan Says:

    I agree with @tonytwocents. Come bye week cut Schiano loose and let Sully take over and see what happens.

  101. arealbucsfan Says:

    From what i saw it seemed like Schiano wouldnt let Sully call some plays. With Sullivan as HC it could be better for Freeman

  102. Eric Says:

    This is the down side to the other side of the coin to Chuckies experienced QB approach.

    Put all your eggs in the franchise QB basket and you might hit a lasting contender winner, or spend years in perpetual loserville. Remember Dilfer and Vinnie, our other two first round high draft choice “build a team around” selections. Doug had some grand success.

    Mix in a lunatic guy from Rutgers and one of the worst GM’s in the league and you get the 2013 Tampa Bay Bucs, and the continuation of the going on five years of ineptitude.

    I don’t see it getting where we all want it with the current cast. Far from what we were promised. it is only one week into this season, but 1-6 in our last seven. Omimnous.

  103. Eric Says:

    Ominous…….where is auto correct when ya need it?

  104. tonytwocents Says:

    hey Bonzai,

    what are we, Buddhist monks?? NO! we’re NFL fans… fans who had to wait for 9 months before we could get a glimpse of our new team.

    and after our 1st game, IN 9 MONTHS, what, do we just sit back and nod?? go back to trimming your bonzai bush..

    but us real fans have passions. even those ignorant fans I dont agree with… at least they have passion! …they dont know what theyre talkin about, but at least they have passion! if you arent either jacked up or pissed off after our 1st real game in 9 MONTHS, then go play with your bush.

  105. WestCoastBucsFan Says:

    While Freeman is completely in the wrong here, the “seasons over” comments are a little ridiculous. Yes, Freeman should have been with the team to take pictures but please try to keep some perspective. It’s a picture, not a game plan meeting or something significant to affect on-the-field success.

  106. tonytwocents Says:

    @arealbucsfan

    the more you think about it, the more sense it makes. he’ll be a HC next year anyways. why not here??

  107. tonytwocents Says:

    the same way Joe sees Free as our best shot at making the playoffs….

    I see Sully as our best shot at making the playoffs.. he’s been there. he’s won there. he’s been to championships. he’s won there. he’s been to Super Bowls, he’s won there.

    A graduate of West Point and seeing his demeanor. Army Ranger. Martial Arts experts. This guy must understand honor. I heard Schianos press conference and his 620 show, and I just wanted to hear him take responsibility for that loss. But he didn’t. He kept going back to penalties, and the offensive rhythm. Two things that were a direct cause of his coaching.

    Sully’s a badazz, humble, a champion. No ego.

    Schiano wants you to think he’s a badazz. He’s cocky. He hasn’t won sh!t. And the way he controlled the Rutgers program and media, his ego’s as big as Kim Kardashian’s a$$.

  108. tonytwocents Says:

    Sully 4 HC!!

  109. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    @BuccaneerBonzai

    I can remember plenty of season under Coach Dungy starting 3-4 to kick off the 1st 7 games. Of course I’m discouraged with a the outcome of Sunday’s game. But one game will not push me over the edge.

    @Joe

    I’ve got luv for you doing your thing. Giving the rest of Us average Joe’s detailed intel about our squad. But you let Donald Penn off the hook in a previous thread. In no way-no how was behavior on the sideline exemplary. That type of childish behavior IMHO should be WEEDED out of our locker room. It wasn’t his 1st time doing that on the sideline either. Like I’ve said before-I never heard a veteran plead to his counter parts to” Hey take it easy-Don’t go to Hard In practice-We need you for the long run”……….

    “Time lost is time lost. It’s gone forever. Some people tell themselves that they will work twice as hard tomorrow to make up for what they did not do today. People should always do their best. If they work twice as hard tomorrow, then they should have also worked twice as hard today. That would have been their best.” — John Wooden

    Sticking up for a malcontent player in Eric Wright.
    “I can’t believe this trade and I’m just gonna leave it at that smfh”

    Just not a fan of Mr. Penn’s actions of late; Its cancerous.

    As much as I would LUV 2 see C.J. Mosley in a BUCS jersey.

    2014 1st round pick Tampa Bay Buccaneers -Taylor Lewan? With so much money tied up with our injury plagued/underwhelming offensive line. We cannot fall back into the dark years of terrible offensive line play( Seriously I mean no disrespect to Rob Taylor, Reavis, Farrell, Yarno etc, etc, etc). IMO Its time to rebuild this once promising offensive line (No matter the 2013 outcome)

  110. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    That’s one big ego!

  111. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Humble without being unassertive

  112. ChrisFromOrlando Says:

    The good thing is that Freeman got no contract from the bucs in the offseason.
    If he plays bad he hurts himself a lot.

  113. tonytwocents Says:

    @LUVMYBUCS

    Donald Penn is the best O-Lineman we have….so far. Football on Sundays is War. Its emotional. And as sloppy as his unit was, I’d sh!t all over them too.

    Call this a coincidence. But I just read an article on Schiano on NFL.com, mentioning how he has a framed picture of John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success… and here you are quoting Mr Wooden. Obviously a fan as well.

    Maybe you and Mr Schiano share the same role models. Or maybe you share the same skin???????? hmmm?????

  114. tonytwocents Says:

    I just watched Sullivans presser, and then Schiano’s. Sully seems like a positive energetic and optimistic guy with a plan. Even after that ugly loss.. Schiano was more low energy, he glared at that phone that went of in the beginning, lol. He just needs to lighten up.

    but Sullys a smart cat. Schiano, not so much. so he tries to make up for it by being a hard a$$.

    in the NFL.com article on Schiano, the first line read that he was running late for practice. in the second or third paragraph, it mentioned how cluttered his desk was with stacks of papers and notes and self help books… doesnt seem very detail oriented to me… he needs to hitup Talib for some Adderall to help with his focus.

    and yes JBF readers, I will be on Mr Schianos a$$ and whoever else deserves it, like Bob Bostad, until things get better.

    In the meantime….. Mike Sullivan for Head Coach.

  115. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    @twocents

    Time for an upgrade

  116. tonytwocents Says:

    just a new direction.. since week 1 was a carbon copy of the preseason, we have now gone through 5 weeks of God awful football. I really hope we beat the Saints. Its a must win. If we go 0-2, depending on how/why we lost, we should really consider putting in Coach Military Mike Sullivan.

  117. tonytwocents Says:

    It seems strange how just hours after Mike Florio reports on a players-only meeting regarding the “legitimacy” of the tallying of the captains vote by Schiano, that JBF comes out with this photoshoot article seemingly out of nowhere..

    Did the Bucs ask Joe to release this info, because it seems like it could have a lot to do with the players-only meeting…

    The meeting paints a bad picture of Schiano’s situation.
    The photoshoot incident could have led to Schiano nixing Freeman’s “C”.

    I just hope JBF can give us the whole, unbiased story…and I hope the Bucs don’t have you in their pocket, or else we might as well get our news from buccaneers.com.

  118. tonytwocents Says:

    correct me if Im wrong Joe… besides… Ive got the flu and Ive been up all night. I could just be a little delirious.

  119. ChrisFromOrlando Says:

    @tonytwocents:
    Florida corrected his article now and says that the player meeting was done in preseason.

  120. ChrisFromOrlando Says:

    not Florida…FLORIO

  121. tonytwocents Says:

    well it was done before the Jets game, yeah. but the captains vote was on the Thursday before gameday. so that meeting could have taken place any time inbetween…

    regardless. a players-only meeting before the season even starts is concerning. all it shows is that there is some concern with the current state of the team. weather its with the coach or quarterback or whoever.

  122. Adam Says:

    This whole thing stinks like a whorehouse at low tide.

  123. Splengo Says:

    Freeman is done in Tampa and he knows it. This train wreck happened the day Schiano was hired. This is going to end badly, but like it was intended. Once Freeman is gone so will Sullivan. Schiano wants McNulty in that job and it’s going to happen. Schiano is going to make this team the way he wants it if it kills him and that may happen too.

  124. Josh Freeman's Helmet Says:

    I swear to God. I told Josh myself that there was a photo shoot. Sully communicated himself over the headset. Honest.

  125. BucsQcCity Says:

    Schiano started it this offseason by wanting real competition at QB. He did some media control damage after but I guess Freeman didn’t bought it. Now that division is upon fan base and so called analyst, it gives him the perfect scenario to put Glennon in without losing its head, at least for this season.

    I don’t blame Freeman because like other posters wrote, Schiano set him up to fail but he need to step it up and ask for a trade right now or start to cares about the team. Keeping him because we are afraid of him developping into a consistent QB elsewhere is not the answer. We need to care about what’s better for the Bucs.

  126. MTM Says:

    Schiano is setting the stage for Freeman to be benched. Freeman knows Schiano is a knucklehead at this point and ready to move on. Freeman will go somewhere and do well. Schiano will continue to struggle because he lets his personal feelings dictate his personal moves.

  127. Maxx3442 Says:

    He doesn’t have his heart 100%in it anymore, it appears. He’s a likely career quality backup somewhere else and can you say, “bridge water in 2014?”

  128. B.D Says:

    Maybe Josh was upset because they wouldnt let him dress up like michael Jackson for the team pic?

  129. lightningbuc Says:

    Where is West Coast Buc Fan, who constantly ridiculed those of us who tried telling that JFro likes to get his swerve on – heavily and consistently, and that it WAS affecting his practice and preparation?

    The purveyors of this site, the Joes, felt that Boomer Esiason was talking out of his ass last year. But some of us on here knew it was true. OOPS!

  130. mvermulm Says:

    Anyone calling for a new HC because he has the assistant coaches and players on lockdown is out of their mind. Many successful coaches have been the same way, including the most successful current coach up in NE.

    Even if he did (which I’m not convinced of personally), the HC has the right to take anyone’s captain status away at any time, especially if said player has not shown the responsibility needed to retain it (like missing a team photo). Saying Schiano is sabotaging Freeman is absurd, as a coach is not going to sabotage a player when it could ultimately cost him his job as well.

    Freeman is simply not fit for the scheme that Sully and Schiano are trying to run, and it shows more and more everyday. Sully is running a system for a pocket QB who can read defenses (like Eli), which isn’t Freeman’s game. Unless Freeman vastly improves in the next couple of games, we will be seeing an Eli-style QB in Glennon in week 6, and we’ll all be praying for the rebuild to be swift.

  131. Sam Says:

    Why was this just reported now? Because of the pft article?

    I’m surprised a story like this was relegated to the comments section.

  132. Mark G Says:

    We have had how many national talking heads question Freeman’s work level or commitment and every time THIS blog has been skeptical. Now it tuns out they may have been right. I read this blog daily because I want the real deal on our Buccs not just “in the tank with the Buccs”.

  133. Architek Says:

    Ok I have officially lost it. Joe what the HELL is this and why is this just now surfacing?

    You probably about this two weeks ago. How are we as fans suppose to support and spend our money on this team with this drama going on.

    This pisses me off because we have so many players deserving of better than this drama. Man fire all of their asses and bring in a real staff and real QB.

    If Glennon can’t be decent fire him too. Glazer’s clean this mess up right away!

  134. Red86 Says:

    I’m Pro Freeman and I’m disappointed in this situation and the state of the team. It’s not looking good at all. It’s looking like an implosion is about to happen from Owner, GM, Coach, and possibly Freeman. I hope I’m wrong and things can get better. SMH. This is out of character for Freeman this year. The late children camp arrival and this meeting. Something we don’t know and may not know isn’t right.

    Maybe there is some truth to Schiano being the problem. Bennett was a good guy that had beef with him. Then an unknown disgruntled player make a quote against the coach last year. McCoy talked with the coaches about stopping the stunts and they did well that game. Now McCoy saying he trust the game plan. (Which is strange. The stunt is still ineffective. Only one sack from a lineman fyi.)

  135. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    The idea of Sullivan replacing Greg Schiano is simply not going to happen. It is the silly fantasies of a guy that wants everyone to think he has a lick of common sense and football knowledge.

    The whole reason the “players only” meeting was raised at PFT was because they thought it happened after the week one game and PFT loves to say anything that makes the Bucs look bad.

    They discovered it happened before the game. So they try to cover themselves and say it was likely to express dissatisfaction amongst the players.

    Supposition.

    In fact, everything you guys are buying into is supposition. Of course, certain guys are using anything and everything to garner attention to themselves here, and when they see something that can feed into their agendas, they dive in. They know the fears and frustrations of the fan base allow them to manipulate.

    So take a moment. Consider everything you are hearing and reading.

    The only real truths are these: The Bucs had a bad week one game. The starters barely played in the preseason. A couple team people ran late a couple times. That’s it.

    Everything else? Supposition. Assumptions based not upon fact, but upon agenda.

    And each has had real explanations provided. But these same people with agendas try to manipulate you into not believing them.

    Starters not played much in Preseason?
    Explanation: They played no less than any other season except where injuries are a concern. Year after year, the starters have barely played in preseason games 1, 2 & 4. Yet, because some people have an agenda they want you to buy into, suddenly this means something other than what it does.

    This team was decimated by injuries last year. Even if the bucs were gun-shy in the preseason, it only makes sense. But the simple truth is, for the most part they did the same thing that is done every other year.

    Freeman ran late to a couple meetings?
    It happens. Each time had an explanation. This is not something that happens several times a week or month. It happened 1-3 times over a span of years. Yet it adds to the agenda, so it is pushed.

    Schiano and Dominick drafted Glennon?
    We all knew that if Freeman went down, the season was over with Dan-o in there. Third round quarterbacks are drafted with the expectation that they will be backups. ALWAYS. Sometimes gold is struck and they do better than expected, but the vast majority become career backups.

    Schiano expressed a need for competition at QB?
    Well duh. He also expressed a need for competition at DT, but does anyone believe he wants to replace GMC? Or at RB. Does anyone believe he wants to replace Martin? So yes, he wants competition at QB. And of course he would be happy if Glennon turned out good enough to become a starter. That would mean the Bucs struck gold on a gamble. What coach would not say that???

    Now here’s what will likely happen. Someone with an agenda will address one or more of these comments and try to either shoot it down or claim I know nothing. Maybe I don’t know much, but I recognize the difference between fact and fiction, between fact and theory.

    And all they offer, when you look closely, is theory.

  136. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    At midway thru the season someone will claim they were the first to predict the Bucs would turn things around. Just remember, you heard it hear first.

  137. [THE HANGOVER] The One Where We Discuss Another Ugly Offensive Performance | Rays Index Says:

    […] Things are getting ugly for Josh Freeman. No way he finishes the season as the starting quarterback. [JoeBucsFan] […]

  138. lightningbuc Says:

    “Freeman ran late to a couple meetings?
    It happens. Each time had an explanation. This is not something that happens several times a week or month. It happened 1-3 times over a span of years. Yet it adds to the agenda, so it is pushed.”

    I haven’t heard an explanation for missing the photo. How do you know he’s ran late to only 1-3 meetings? That is “supposition” on your part.

  139. WestCoastBucsFan Says:

    @lightningbuc

    Why not actually look to see if I commented before asking where I am? Scroll up. It’s there.

  140. gatorbuc77 Says:

    I don’t put it past Schiano that he is sabotaging Freeman. Rigging the not playing him in pre-season, rigging the captain vote, and maybe even giving him bad information about the team photo.

    Schiano then gets in front of it and talks to the media, what’s Free to do. Not talk about it . . . or tell the truth that their are problems with the relationship. If he speaks out, it makes him look bad. For his future he is stuck having to sit back and take it for a while.

    I definitely agree Schiano is a control freak, but I see no proof he is not a megalomaniac. Believing his was is the best (only) way without supporting evidence. He consistently shows a lack of respect those who surround him. I do not put it past him to set those who disagree with up for failure so he can fire them.

  141. guns4roses Says:

    Free didn’t spend the off-season hanging with Lamar Odom did he?