Jason Licht Statement On ASJ
September 23rd, 2016
It’s officially official.
The Bucs sent out an alert on their official app and published a statement from general manager Jason Licht on their website, per the release of Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
“We are very disappointed in today’s news,” Licht said. “After careful consideration, we felt this was the right decision at this time.”
Yes, it is unfortunate. But ASJ got more than a few chances to grow up and fly right.
Mind you, ASJ’s stunts are the ones made public. One can only guess what he has pulled that no one outside of One Buc Palace is aware of.
Remember, ASJ was thought by Licht to be a steal of a pick. But as Licht has said he learned from Bill Belicheat, don’t let mistakes linger and fester. Learn from them and move on.
September 23rd, 2016 at 3:55 pm
He still worked out better then Dexter Jackson
September 23rd, 2016 at 3:57 pm
I’m not sure if it was the right decision or not to release ASJ immediately – but I applaud the firm, swift conviction of the decision.
September 23rd, 2016 at 3:57 pm
Hopefully Cameron Brate will develop into a 2nd round talent TE…..since he was an UDFA…..then we’ll be even.
September 23rd, 2016 at 3:57 pm
You mean the “bad” Dexter Jackson. 🙂
And perhaps better than Da’Quan Bowers.
September 23rd, 2016 at 3:59 pm
The Pats will pick him up and when the Superbowl with him . lol
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:01 pm
This is just a real shame. What a waste.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:01 pm
He must have done something pretty egregious that we are unaware of because the NFL is a business.
We certainly could have received at least a conditional pick for him and listed him as inactive until the deal but we chose to cut him outright.
I trust we made the right decision as we were obviously sending out a strong message.
Besides, we haven’t had very much luck with our later round picks anyway.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:02 pm
We just need to stop drafting anything but offensive linemen and linebackers in the 2nd round. Everything else we touch in that round is a spectacular bust. And yeah I’m thinking about the kicker this year too. Noah Spence is still an unknown.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:04 pm
@Tampabaybucfan
Very few teams with a GM that wants to keep his job would trade a draft pick for a guy with that many issues who’s also facing suspension. He’s just not good enough to warrant that based on his actual production and off the field problems.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:06 pm
@ Louis Friend
That’s why I said conditional pick.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:07 pm
What happened to having your teammates back? Smh.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:07 pm
he’s committed every cardinal sin a football player can at this point.
-not healthy enough to play 50% of the time
-not learning the playbook
-very public bad decisions on social media
-very public bad decisions on the field (penalties and miscues)
and now, a very public bad decision in real life
there’s not many more ways to prove to a team you can’t handle a football career
he might be successful somewhere in the end, but he was too comfortable being a knucklehead here. After no response from yanking him off the field in OTAs and demoting him to 3rd or 4th string in the preseason, there’s not many moves left for a GM to make
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:09 pm
Geez, everyone likes to say Jaboo was never convicted. Neither has ASJ been.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:09 pm
He’s just not good enough to warrant that based on his actual production and off the field problems.
———-
You do realize he’s led the team in TDs? No I’m sure you didn’t.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:11 pm
Does anyone know the rules on a player who is cut under his rookie contract…..can a team pick him under that contract or does the player become a free agent?
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:13 pm
You guys worried about a player who really never embraced Tampa Bay nor wanted to be here? PLEASE! Good riddance..NEXT!! You’d better be worried about Aaron Donald and Co. If my momory seves ne correct, He..took over that game with us last year. Just beating down everybody and everything in front of him. You’d better be worried bout the RAMS!
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:13 pm
Definitely a waste. And an idiot.
As soon as a cop says “I’m gonna let you off with a warning”, you say thanks and shut your mouth.
@Joe,
So now that he’s off the team, can you fill us in on some of the “other” things he’s done that you haven’t been able to share publicly?
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:16 pm
His demise correlates more with Freeman’s. I think Miami makes the most sense from him.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:17 pm
Nevermind…I got my answer….he will go through waivers and other teams will take on the remainder of his contract. I don’t know what happens if no one picks him up…..that would be unlikely.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:19 pm
Sorry. Was told in the strictest of confidence. Let’s just say the ending of ASJ really wasn’t and shouldn’t have been a surprise to anyone. Even a priest will only give a guy so much rope.
Kinda think that smirk of his in his mugshot was the final straw. Million dollar body, ten cent head.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:20 pm
It was the right move to get rid of him but…couldn’t the Bucs have gotten something for him? Some cash, a late round pick next year?
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:21 pm
Oh he will get picked up. He’ll make a few plays at some point later in the season and we’ll all be screaming and crying about it.
Or, he goes to the Pats and becomes a perennial pro-bowler. Let’s hope not.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:21 pm
Smells like Licht may have already shopped him and got little to no nibbles. Then last night and this morning happens, and, oh well.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:22 pm
Thanks Joe, I understand if you have to keep it off the record. Was just hoping for a little extra insight 🙂
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:26 pm
Like we moved on from Blaunt and Talib?
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:27 pm
Joe Says:
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:19 pm
So now that he’s off the team, can you fill us in on some of the “other” things he’s done that you haven’t been able to share publicly?
Sorry. Was told in the strictest of confidence. Let’s just say the ending of ASJ really wasn’t and shouldn’t have been a surprise to anyone. Even a priest will only give a guy so much rope.
Kinda think that smirk of his in his mugshot was the final straw. Million dollar body, ten cent head.
_________________
LMAO! Yet Joe had no idea about Josh Freeman down in South Tampa. Too rich! Boomer Esiason knew…Joe didn’t!
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:28 pm
Good this means the Bucs are going to get Winston more talent this offseason. I’m pretty sure Licht was going to anyway but now he has to.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:30 pm
That’s the thing….I bet this is another of those players, that didn’t want to work here and then goes to another team and plays like a championl. It has happened before. Dammed!…we are cursed!
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:31 pm
Well….at least Joe can’t say…”We let ASJ go for no good reason”
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:32 pm
Well Licht is about to learn another thing from Bellicheat. That ASJ is a top ten TE and will prolly be a Patriots HOFer.
^^^^^^
Jk, just had a really bad day and now I see this garbage
I just really hope we can get this team out of the basement. It seams like NOTHING will go our way sometimes.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:40 pm
Some people..Idiots just don’t get it. I was once stopped by a cop over on Fowler by USF many years ago. Yes, I had been drinking. HE said to me, You barely stopped at that last stop sign. I said, I’m sorry officer. I thought I stopped. after reviewing my Dl and registration he said, I know you been drinking. How far you got to go? I said, about 4 blocks sir. He said, Hurry up and get your A.. Home. I said, Thank You sir!! My heart was beatin out of my body. I..got a break. But I also kept my mouth closed and only answered him when he ask me something. I never forgot that. And..I have never drove inebriated again either! All ASJ had to do was..Shut his piehole. IDIOT!
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:46 pm
Still don’t. Only heard “rumors.” Would love to see video or photos. Funny how no evidence has ever surfaced.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:49 pm
@Mike Johson
I was also stopped by a cop when I was stationed at MacDill……most cops were ex APs….he noticed that I had an open bottle of rum next to me on the seat. He said you’d better put a cap on that or you’ll spill it. He asked if I was headed to the base (2 blocks away) I said..”yes Sir” and he said “drive straight”……that was in 1967……times have certainly changed.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:50 pm
Here is the insight: If you heard what Joe heard, it is irrefutable evidence the guy is a complete mental midget. Like third grade-level mentality. That’s why Joe isn’t/wasn’t surprised at all with his headcase antics.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:51 pm
He was drunk 3 hours before practice. He would have been worthless today anyway.
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:58 pm
Joe Says:
September 23rd, 2016 at 4:46 pm
LMAO! Yet Joe had no idea about Josh Freeman down in South Tampa. Too rich! Boomer Esiason knew…Joe didn’t!
Still don’t. Only heard “rumors.” Would love to see video or photos. Funny how no evidence has ever surfaced.
__________________
What’s funny is that Josh Freeman, who you wanted the Bucs to sign to a “team friendly” contract, is not in the NFL. Wonder why? Maybe somebody else had the video or photos.
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:03 pm
Tweeting & driving is dangerous. Let’s learn & move on. GO BUCS!
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:15 pm
My question: What Bucs brainiac did the mental evalution of ASJ and did not recognize a third grade mentality?
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:24 pm
37,
If you have ever listened to any of ASJ’s interviews you would think that he was a very articulate, intelligent individual. He always says the right things. I bet he could bamboozle a lot of brainiacs.
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:33 pm
@Joe
Got it. Some people take longer than others to grow up. And some never do. Remains to be seen with this kid but it’s damn waste for us.
None of that excuses a DUI Honestly, I Still can’t believe someone is dumb enough to be told they are being let go with a warning, and then continues to talk them self into actually getting arrested!
I think now when other people do something mind-blowingly stupid, we should give them the “ASJ dumba$$-of-the-day” award. #ASJ #DAOD
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:38 pm
Would love to sign alshon Jefferey in free agency
Draft
TE: OJ Howard
TE: Jake Butt
Or a Safety
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:43 pm
ASJ should’ve gotten some advice from Licht about how to cover up your drunkenness in public. #AskAPro
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:43 pm
Dude can catch, should have kept him. It’s not like he pulled a Greg Hardy.
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:51 pm
Do a little math: Most teams will keep a player after a DUI provided they are not scrubs. Yes, ASJ had talent. Yet going on three years, he rarely was able to utilize that talent. Given the fact ASJ got cut a few hours after being released should tell you all you need to know.
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:54 pm
Ha!!! To be fair, ASJ never got pinched for selling pot out of the trunk of his car the night before a game.
#UniversityOfWashingtonTightEnds
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:54 pm
Listen…we can debate the value or lack thereof of ASJ and whether he should have been cut…..none of us have all the information possessed by Licht and Koetter…..without that, we just can’t make an informed argument.
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Pickgrin Says
“I’m not sure if it was the right decision…”
I was hoping for the best coming into this year in regard to ASJ, but I have little tolerance for players who are given multiple chances and blow them out of stupidity.
Alan Cross is replacing him, but I don’t expect that to last very long.
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Also, it outs us two TEs down, unless Luke Stocker is healed up.
September 23rd, 2016 at 5:56 pm
That’s the thing. He comes across as smart and wise. Yet everything he does is dumb. Saying and doing are two different things. Pretty sure he may be in arrested development. Dude has mentality of a child. Really.
September 23rd, 2016 at 6:10 pm
I’m glad they cut this pos. Unfortunately, now he’ll go to the Patriots and win a Super Bowl.
September 23rd, 2016 at 6:37 pm
It’s just crazy to me how if he’s such a mental midget Jason Licht and Co. didn’t screen that in the pre draft process.
Such a waste of a high pick. For the Bucs to get out of the cellar, they have to start drafting better.
Bummer.
September 23rd, 2016 at 6:42 pm
Serious lack of talent and depth on this roster, now combined with a serious distraction on the eve of a very crucial game.
Worried that the preverbial “corner” may be farther down the road then we’re hoping.
We’ll see what this team is made of on Sunday. Coach em up Dirk, let’s go!
Go Bucs!!!
September 23rd, 2016 at 7:05 pm
From what Joes are saying, seems like this release might be viewed by even the players as addition by subtraction. Also sheds more light on the fact that JW called ASJ out at practice – a leadership trait no doubt, but not very characteristic of the ultra-positive Jameis-style leadership. This might not be a distraction to the team at all, rather a bit of a shot in the arm to the real “professionals” on the team. I guess time will tell.
September 23rd, 2016 at 7:24 pm
80% of my plays on madden went to asj I’m in a world of hurt now lol.
September 23rd, 2016 at 8:01 pm
Bucaltheway
So are the Bucs the fans just don’t realize it yet.
September 23rd, 2016 at 8:06 pm
He’ll have a great career with another team, count on it, its just the way of the bucs.
September 23rd, 2016 at 8:32 pm
Wesley…I won’t count on it and I’ll tell ya why.
Think of all the players that the Bucs have cut through the decades that went on to have “great” careers. You could probably count them on two hands and a have a few fingers left.
Now take all the players that they’ve cut through the decades that left and became nothing. You could count to forever….
So no I won’t count on ASJ becoming anything. He might, but I’m not counting on it.
September 23rd, 2016 at 8:37 pm
Big Ben still plays with the team that drafted him! But I know why?
September 23rd, 2016 at 8:46 pm
This is all about ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!! something that this team has not seen the past 2 years!!! We just witnessed the Bucs Organization taking a big step forward!!!!! Fear not Buc Fans, We will be able to be proud of this team again!!!!!
I stand up and applaud ( like many of the players) of the actions that were taken today!!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!
September 23rd, 2016 at 8:57 pm
Call Dolman Law Group ASJ.
September 23rd, 2016 at 11:37 pm
This team won’t be a contender again until the owners spend the money to win, like Malcolm glazer did.
September 24th, 2016 at 12:30 am
Smart move. Get it over with and move on with guys that care about the team.
September 24th, 2016 at 1:16 am
As I have said before; This rec core is weak and now weaker, offense has no short yardage back and no starting caliber NFL tailback………. Trust me , a good short yardage game is worth 2 wins a year……….. This teams leadership has left Jameis with less talent than he had on offense since the last time he played Florida ………I like Licht and Koetter but they are getting sucked in to the same thing that all coaches and gm’s that get fired in three years do…………. My guys, my system and we will be ok…………… BTW Jacoby B ran for more yards (appx45) last nite than Tom Brady has ever run for in his career . Case and point !! coaches can make a huge difference but unfortunately for most owners,players and fans ; they very very ( jay Gruden/ josh Norman) seldom do !!!!! Why don’t the bucs know where their ( players/ employees) are, this is a billion dollar buisness with only 22 qualified people to make the maximum profit ……….ASJ is begging for help, he needed help , the bucs should have known everything to the minute…….. So the bucs are worth a billion dollars and you have a player that makes you 5 percent worse ( 25 million) and you don’t know where he is and what he is doing ……… Well this is why?????? I will f ing assure you , that it is worth spending 10 mil a year on knowing when your players , piss, burp,spit and sleep !!!! NFL owners , just are not as smart as we give em credit for , nor are the coaches ( Jay Gruden and Co) !!! ASJ is an Idiot but Joel,Brian and Jay Gruden are at times less intelligent than ASJ !!! ……A Billion dollar company with 22 employees that really make it GO and you know one of them has a problem and can’t be replaced , but you can’t successfully help him and don’t know where and what he is doing ( Really??) That is an organizational failure!! Saving pennies to lose Dollars…….Joel , Brian , Saving pennies to lose Dollars , again !! Unless your just that dumb or don’t care ??? Brian and Joel read this again you two little mindless brats, You Failed !!! You two owner/ leaders ( not!!!) failed, not ASJ !!!! You have not realized your market, your business makeup, your per piece value( affects Jameis also $) your going forward value and keys to success; All because the true operation and value of an NFL organization is way above your lil spoiled heads……….Hell Blount had a hell of a game last night and Barron will have seven tackles this weekend ( led the Rams last year) and both would make this team way better and that makes it worth way more( 1.1 billion ) Can I spell idiot !! Or Idiots , losers and ass clowns any more clearly, yes ASJ fits that bill but he isn’t the one that just lost 100 million for being more of an idiot than ASJ ever thought of being !!! Joel and Brian you are Losers !!! Sorry I meant you are losing money and are not grasping reality !!! Ok , now let’s let ASJ clear waivers , get him the real help he needs and resign him for 750 k
September 24th, 2016 at 10:20 am
I’ve been a pro NFL football fan all my life. The one bellyache I have is the players’ character issues. There are PLENTY of talented kids out there w/no character problems who would die for just a tryout with a pro team. The teams pay their scouts decent coin to find good/the best players. That means no rap sheets, no gang banger antics off-field. I had my doubts about Famous, but informed FSU alumni said he won’t embarrass the team. So far, so good. There are HOF players who belong in a broken sewer dump, character-wise. Winning ain’t everything when it’s got dirt all over it. Go Bucs Tomorrow!!
September 24th, 2016 at 11:38 pm
Another 2nd round pick in the toilet. To me their was just to much potential to give up on because of a second DUI. But.. what do I know? Many,many players in the NFL are still playing for teams who have done far, far worse. Austin Seferian-Jenkins was 3-3 with a TD so far this year snd it looked like maybe this could be his year? I guarantee he will be picked up by another team and like 95% of Vuccaneers players who leave this team, they go on to be great plasyers,