Demar Dotson A No-Show
June 11th, 2015
Wants a new pact.
Bucs right tackle and all around good guy Demar Dotson apparently is irked about his contract with the Bucs enough that he boycotted the final day of OTA practice, which was open to the Tampa Bay pen and mic club this afternoon.
Last week, Dotson sat out practice, but watched from the sidelines.
With the Bucs drafting a quarterback at No. 1 overall, one expected to start the season behind a shaky offensive line, Dotson is trying to squeeze the Bucs into a new contract. On paper, without Dotson, that line looks even more suspicious.
Whether Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht capitulates or goes shopping for a new right tackle, no one really knows outside of Licht himself.
Meanwhile, Bucs coach Lovie Smith wouldn’t speculate about Dotson and tried to calm the storm.
“It doesn’t matter why he is not here,” Lovie said, noting OTAs are voluntary. Lovie also said he isn’t concerned about Dotson’s absence and won’t lose sleep unless Dotson does not show up next week for mandatory minicamp.
June 11th, 2015 at 2:09 pm
He doesn’t want to run the gassers with Jameis.
June 11th, 2015 at 2:11 pm
If he doesn’t show up, cut him.
We’re 1st on the waiver wire. He doesn’t have that much leverage, and He’s on the wrong side of 30, He should take his money, and be happy that he still has a job after the way the OL played last year.
June 11th, 2015 at 2:16 pm
Yeah cut him, because we have such depth at offensive line we can afford to lose him.
June 11th, 2015 at 2:16 pm
Ya.. what exactly is this guy’s leverage, without him things being worse than bad? Bro, you’re not even the best on the league’s worst line. I hope giggles Licht is laughing in Dotson’s agent’s face.
June 11th, 2015 at 2:18 pm
His leverage is that there are no tackles around that are as good as him that can replace him.
June 11th, 2015 at 2:25 pm
He IS the best offensive lineman we have….and grossly underpaid for starting RT’s. They should try to work something out with him but insist that he needs to be at the facility and participating…
June 11th, 2015 at 2:28 pm
His leverage is, if the O-line is not considerable better this year, Lovie might be back in his basement!!!!
June 11th, 2015 at 2:29 pm
@Joe
My understanding of the labor agreement is that all draftees signed or not, can participate in teams ota’s and mandatory mini camps, but not the official team “training camp” unless they’re signed…If this is true, could u pose the question as to where Marpet has been all this time if he hasn’t been on the fields or in the buildings?? And THNKS for all the gr8 reporting.
June 11th, 2015 at 2:50 pm
Buvc4Life:
It is true and Marpet has been at OTAs.
June 11th, 2015 at 2:58 pm
I am curios to know what Mr. Dotson is asking for… He is an average and sometimes below average right tackle… As long as his contract demands are reasonable he should get a new four year deal and make sure to put all the garunteed money in the first two years… I would hope we can find a better replacement by then…
June 11th, 2015 at 3:56 pm
last year he played below average, the only player who should hold out if he wants to because he is great is lavante david if anything, but nobody else in this roster deserves to holdout and ask for a new contract especially after last year.
June 11th, 2015 at 4:58 pm
evan mathis is available
June 11th, 2015 at 7:24 pm
Cute him! Money will follow good play.
June 11th, 2015 at 10:46 pm
Evan Mathis is a guard, Demar Dotson is on the right side of 30 at age 29 (Mathis is 34), Dotson deserves a contract, and he’s been the only reliable piece on this line. What leverage does he have you ask? I’m glad you asked. How about the biggest question mark on this team are in the trenches on both sides of the football. As the most reliable piece on a line that has been awful and will be relying on rookies, he has plenty of leverage. We all know that the masses get restless after a season like last year. We need to show some clear improvement. At least 6 wins is a must or Lovie could be on the hot seat. Mark my words. Dotson will get paid. A little hardball might be played, but he will get a new contract.
June 12th, 2015 at 7:52 am
Pay the man already!!! Good grief!
June 12th, 2015 at 8:59 am
Bucs can’t set a precedent that players are allowed to stay out of mandatory sessions and then get what they want regarding restructuring of contracts. Dotson needs to first return next week and then the Bucs need to pay him what he is worth. Would be best for all concerned….get ‘er done guys….we are on a mission to prove the Nay Sayers wrong!