Joel Glazer On Forgiveness, Controversial Picks

April 27th, 2017

Bucs owner Joel Glazer talks tolerance

REPOST FROM APRIL 2: It’s time to share another segment of Joe’s 1-on-1 with Team Glazer last week at the swanky Arizona Biltmore resort in Phoenix.

With a lot of Bucs fans debating draft-ready Oklahoma running back beast Joe Mixon, who as a teenager horrifically belted a woman in the face, Joe asked Team Glazer about its approach to drafting players with questionable pasts.

JoeBucsFan.com – Every year there are controversial players entering the NFL Draft, guys with legal troubles, guys who made controversial decisions. What’s your approach to considering drafting those players? Because usually, when the question goes to Jason Licht about a controversial player, he’ll answer and say it’s a team decision that includes ownership.

Joel Glazer: Every situation is different, and you gotta look at the situation. There’s not just one cookie-cutter situation on people. You gotta understand the circumstances, you gotta dig into the circumstances, you gotta really understand. Because a lot of times there’s just a headline. And there’s a lot more beneath the headline, and there are situations where you just may not want that coming into the team and being part of the organization. So there’s not one approach. We keep an open mind on everything, on every situation. But ultimately, it’s important to have a lot of work done, a lot of background work, and really understand the person, the situation. We’re big believers in forgiveness; you can’t just make one mistake and that’s it, you’re done for life. So we keep an open mind on these things, but a lot goes into the decision.

Great answer by Glazer, and it should offer hope to the pro-Mixon crowd. When 2017 draft research began at One Buc Palace, Mixon found an open mind in Tampa Bay.

Joe realizes some fans will quickly say. “Yeah, yeah, Glazer said they consider everyone. Blah, blah, big deal. What a softball question.”

Joe will counter that by saying Glazer easily could have answered with a focus on elite character guys and reverted back to the popular “Buccaneer Man” line of the Greg Schiano years.

Glazer didn’t do that. He was earnest and heartfelt in telling Joe — thereby telling fans — that the Bucs are happy to bring a clean slate and a Solomon-like wisdom to assessing every draft pick, regardless of public perception.

73 Responses to “Joel Glazer On Forgiveness, Controversial Picks”

  1. Joe in Michigan Says:

    We will see what the Bucs have found out about Joe Mixon soon. A first round talent in the second round? That’s exactly what we got with Noah Spence last draft. Licht has it figured out.

  2. SB Says:

    S.M.O.K.E!! There is no way the Bucs draft Mixon. However I could see why Glazer wouldn’t come out and say so yet.

  3. Trubucfan22 Says:

    Sounds like Martin’s 1 mistake will likely be forgiven by the bucs.

  4. TvD head ball coach Says:

    I think if Mixon is forthcoming about his mistake, and we truly feel he has learned his leason. Than I believe it is a no brainer to take a chance on this kid in the second round. The upside could potentially bring championships back to Tampa! That to me is the only thing that matter!

  5. Buccaneer scotty Says:

    As long as it’s not a kicker or punter!

  6. Joehelldeloxley Says:

    I agree with Joel Glazer we live in a world of Headlines, for everybody. One stupid decision and you’re “done” at least in the Newspapers (look at the Jameis Winston situation).

    Of course background check is important. I strictly dont know what the Bucks pople will find behind this Mixon situation.

    I trust them, whatever the decision is.

    Look at Ray Rice, still not playing after doing the same thing than Mixon.

  7. MadMax Says:

    He couldve pushed her away, or spit back on her if he was so offended after she spit on him (if that really happened). But nope, he threw a HUGE hay maker that broke her face! BROKE HER FACE!!! HE DIDNT HOLD BACK!! Think about that!

    DUI, drug use, alleged sexual abuse that was never proven, thievery …..those DO NOT COMPARE to violently attacking a much smaller woman like MIXON DID!!! Now if she was coming at him with a knife or gun, a completely different story!!!!

    Let him be someone else’s project! NOT US!

  8. Not there yet Says:

    If the bucs were considering drafting Joe Mixon he would have visited by now. Did he visit? Because you can do all the research you want but you don’t draft a guy like that without a visit. See jameis winston. If he visited already then I think we have the Locker room environment that could reign this guy in. But like Jason Licht said it’s he a bad guy or was it just a bad decision. I wouldn’t have done it but I understand, if anyone could push a man to the brink of destruction is a bitter angry woman, that being said it’s an entirely different thing to buy a woman in a public place surrounded by people unlike cowards who hit women. So I’m leaning towards bad guy because he was in public meaning he just probably didn’t care what anyone thinks

  9. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    You can judge me any which way you want. But I believe in forgiveness too. And I believe in bring winning football back to Tampa. Joe Mixon is the real deal, and I would be thrilled if we drafted him.

    The things this kid can do on a football field are spectacular. But I doubt we draft him.

  10. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    *bringing*

  11. Mort Says:

    You can research all you want, it was deplorable and is unforgivable. You cannot hit a woman and break her face. I don’t care if your feewings get hurt.

  12. MadMax Says:

    I dont think he’ll be touched until the 5th……(my other post is in moderation)

  13. MadMax Says:

    really Joes? lol

  14. MadMax Says:

    @Mort, Yep!

  15. BFFL Says:

    Punching a woman senseless is despicable. It goes way beyond a mistake. I hope Mixon is blackballed from the NFL. I could never root for such a low life.

  16. Maze Says:

    We already knew ownership was open to drafting questionable players. He said what we already expecpted. Tailb, Winston etc.

  17. Tackleblockwin Says:

    Don’t understand one bit how people can defend Mixon. Not saying the woman didn’t instigate, but there is no way that she was a serious physical threat to him. He knocked her out because he couldn’t control himself. Don’t need that kind of person in our locker room. What he did was not petty…be real Bucs fans.

  18. MadMax Says:

    ^this!

  19. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    Can’t speak for other people, but my stance is this, Yes what he did was abhorrent and egregious and despicable and vile. But it was a split second decision made by a 17 year old kid that most likely grew up surrounded by violence.

    So because he fouled up one time, that should be his death sentence? One strike and you’re out? People deserve second chances to right past wrongs and start over new. It’s not like he murdered anyone, she isn’t crippled for life, and he’s served the sentence the law demanded he serve.

    By all accounts, Joe Mixon has impressed in private interviews, and is making his rounds through the Nfl. Sure, some teams have taken him off their draft board, But make no mistake, He will be drafted. And whoever drafts him will get a heck of a player. Why shouldn’t it be us?

  20. Steven007 Says:

    There is no way the Bucs draft Mixon. There are 31 other message boards for all the other teams around the league where someone has almost certainly said that same thing with their team inserted in the name. Here’s what we do know, we have absolutely no idea what the Bucs are going to do. Not with the first pick and not with the other six picks. As Joe said and Glazer made clear, there is a book on everyone and you need to try our best to read the book. There might be a couple of ugly passages in that book, some that are despicable and some that are non-starters for some people. But we are at those people. We’ll see what happens.

  21. Steven007 Says:

    That should have read we are not those people. IE the decision-makers. That comment went out completely unedited unfortunately…

  22. MadMax Says:

    @Blake, you should know by now I respect you and your posts. But, people have died because of a hit to the head that wasnt supposed to go that way. Its a question of judgement and character when it comes to him.

  23. rayjay1122 Says:

    While I absolutely do not agree with Mixon’s choice to slug that female, I also realize he was basically still a kid and kids do stupid things. I also believe in forgiveness. If who he is now is a much improved version of what he was at 19 and he can be had in a latter round, I have no problem with the Bucs snagging him. They wont take him unless he passes their screening. He could be a great talent stolen late in the draft due to this situation.

  24. martinii Says:

    Every team that has a need for running back is considering their spin on Mixon No team in the NFL will say we don’t want to win and wouldn’t do whatever it takes to win. There is an old axiom that says don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see. I guarantee Mixon has been fully vetted by every RB needy team and I believe he will play a major impact in the 2017 draft. If he is there when the Buc’s feel he is a value expect Licht to do that which leans on the side of winning not popular fan influence.

  25. tdtb2015 Says:

    For those of you wondering about Martin coming back according to Steve Deumig Martin’s problem was known by the organization for a long time. This was spoken on his show. (BTW I hope all is coming along good for Steve)

    IMO That is why he got the clause in his contract to give the Bucs the ability to void his contract with no money obligation to him.

    So Martin should be history by September if not before.

  26. Kalind Says:

    Blake. We disagreed yesterday. NOT TODAY! Hooray! I’m with you. The drafts is 100% about value. There a point where Mixon’s talent provides sufficient value to outweigh the character concerns. I think it’s at a trade down in roud 2 or rd 3 area. (Late 50s to 70s)

  27. BROCKTACULAR Says:

    I cannot believe some of you people… You know DAMN WELL all of us have done something in our lives that was either, dishonest, disgusting or just downright HEINOUS in your life that no one else has seen. Or you think no one has. Wouldn’t you want a second chance to either make amends for what was done or to prove that it was a mistake or misstep in life and you are not that same person that committed that act.

  28. Mojiska Says:

    Mixon did a terrible thing. He was punished by the decision makers at the time (oklahoma & courts). If they vettes him and decided that vior is behind him, they should draft him. They did it with spence and winston.

  29. Bill Says:

    It’s strange some of you think this isn’t about football, or improving the team, or winning championships. That’s all this is about. However, drafting a hot-head who looks to be on track for a future suspensions doesn’t do any of that.

    Let me be clear, I’m not saying Mixon is that guy, I don’t know. But we all know he might be.

  30. TouchDownTampaBay Says:

    Nope Brock. I have never punched a woman. If I did and there was a video of it, I would lose my job and probably not be able to get another job again in my industry. That would be my consequence and I have no problem if a guy that punches women never gets a shot at the NFL either.

  31. BROCKTACULAR Says:

    @TDTB. Didn’t say punch per se. I said SOMETHING. I’m no angel and never struck a female in my life but there has been a questionable thing or two that I’m not proud of in life. As we all have done and few of us dare to acknowledge.

  32. Ndog Says:

    The one thing I would be truly disappointed in is if the Bucs kept Martin. He was selfish and it cost this team all year long. And to be clear he did not make one mistake as getting busted for drugs does not happen after one time. He’s been doing this for awhile and just now got caught. This is a TEAM now so there is no place for selfish players.

  33. MadMax Says:

    @Brock, Ive never hit a woman, especially a much smaller woman, and he did it with as much power as he could. He didnt just slap her face or push her away (which he could have done and this probably wouldnt be so big).

    Those of you who want a future Ray Rice result in our hands, go ahead. I know my stance and Im sure the Glazers and Licht arent far off. Like I said, this isnt Winston or Spence!

    And the heckling! Good grief opposing teams fans will have a field day with him….we dont need that!

  34. Mo_Downs Says:

    Sooooo, you give the drunk, racist insult hurling female who spits on an African-American male and went even further and charged at him and punched him in a public place…….. in a case of mistaken identity a pass on assault & battery and instigating a bar fight…a pass?

    Because….?

    Soooo..what if the “VICTIM” had put out one of Joe Mixon’s eyes while “RAGING” over an “alleged” homophobic insult by “someone” in the crowd?

    Yeah, that’s what I thought. It’s all fun and games until a drunk starts a bar fight…and the person that started the violence by calling a total stranger a Ni#%er, spitting on him and charging him and hitting him…before he threw 1-punch and ended an unjust and racist attack.

    Oh, Brother..!!

    Choose a headline…..

  35. Ndog Says:

    Hey guys I just did a mock draft and I had to share as how awesome of a draft would this be? Check it out :
    TE O.J. HOWARD
    ALABAMA

    S BUDDA BAKER
    WASHINGTON

    WR JOSH REYNOLDS
    TEXAS A&M

    RB MARLON MACK
    SOUTH FLORIDA

    EDGE BRYAN COX JR.
    FLORIDA

    FB FREDDIE STEVENSON
    FLORIDA STATE

    WR RICKY SEALS-JONES
    TEXAS A&M

  36. Chris Schiefen Says:

    I know this’ll be controversial, but I find it a mite bit concerning when every single article mentions Mixon hitting a girl. They NEVER mention that she hit him first. Yes, he should’ve been a calmer head, and yes, don’t ever hit a lady unless she’s just brutally attacking over and over (& over). But the narrative out there now is that Mixon just hauled off and hit a woman for no reason, and I find that irresponsible in the least. And of course, the reason why this whole thing happened was supposedly because Mixon made an anti-gay remark to the lady’s friend, so Mixon is obviously not a great guy in this regardless.

  37. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    @Ndog Any draft that where we get both O.J. Howard and Budda Baker would be out of this world awesome.

  38. Ndog Says:

    I don’t think that’s possible Blake but you never know.

  39. unbelievable Says:

    Would love me some Howard and Baker!

    Also think we need another edge rusher.

  40. Blake_bucsfan Says:

    Same here. I think that Njoku & Baker is a little more possible. Only on the off chance that Baker slips for some reason.

    Throw in Kareem Hunt in the 3rd and Trey Hendrickson or Tanoh Kpassagnon in the 4th and that would be a stellar draft as well.

  41. Jolly Bucs Fan Says:

    Exactly Joe, they did research into Jamo and knew that he was an excellent man with true character but had made mistakes, like all of us.I dont see that in Mixon and neither will Licht, Koetter, or the Glazers

  42. unbelievable Says:

    I wouldn’t mind that at all Blake!

    I honestly don’t see the Glazers rolling the dice with Mixon from the PR perspective. Fact is they still have to deal with Jameis having a bad rap despite doing nothing but being a great teammate and member of the community since he has arrived.

    Look what a video did to ray rice (I know his numbers were down that season too). I just don’t see them wanting the additional headache and having to explain their decision.

  43. Architek Says:

    Draft Mixon in the 2nd round and sign AP.

  44. Trubucfan22 Says:

    If the bucs knew about Martin’s drug issue before they signed him, then they were certainly ok with it going forward. I don’t see the glazers or bucs brass and coaches giving up on Martin so easily. Like everyone keeps saying, they all knew he had drug issues. So why would they change their stance just because he was busted for the problem they knew he had? That doesn’t make sense. imo the bucs stand behind Martin, and give him a chance to come back and prove he belongs. Obviously if he blows that chance then they can safely cut him loose. But if he comes to OTAs ready to rock and redeem himself, there is no way the bucs turn him away.

  45. Trubucfan22 Says:

    Those practices in a few weeks will tell the bucs what they should do in the draft and what Martin’s future with the team is. That OTA will be huge for Martin to impress his team.

  46. BuccaneEric75 Says:

    Ndog, Reynolds in the 3rd is pretty rich. He can be had in round 5 or later IMO.

  47. Destinjohnny Says:

    Mixon is a talent though…

  48. rhenry Says:

    Mixon has the talent to be huge in the NFL. With that being said, if the Bucs draft him and he blows up the league, how will you feel if they paste his pic on the side of Ray Jay? I for one think they should remove those larger than life pics of the players and replace them with cheerleader pics. Yum!!!!!

  49. Gilhealy Says:

    Nice draft, Ndog. If, for some unforeseen good luck, we happen to land Howard, oh my. Wow. I try not to talk about it. You know, jinx and such. But oh my gosh, what an offense we would be running out. Batten down the hatches. We about to get real.

  50. Buc1987 Says:

    Well, show me the way
    To the next whisky bar
    Oh, don’t ask why
    Oh, don’t ask why

    Show me the way
    To the next whisky bar
    Oh, don’t ask why
    Oh, don’t ask why

  51. Duke Says:

    Jameis Winston said something recently to a group of kids that was deemed offensive, sexist etc etc. He was condemned by media and a healthy number of JBF posters. He made the unforgivable sin of acknowledging that boys and girls are different.

    I noticed that some of the same people who joined in the shaming party for Jameis now have changed their position 180
    degrees and claim “A Man should never hit a Woman”. First, that’s sexist as it stereotypes women as weak and not equal to a man. The equality pushers have already passed legislation that makes it a crime to discriminate between men and women in the armed forces. This ideologically driven agenda dismisses notions of women being the weaker sex and punishes individuals and organizations that don’t act with the same ideological overview.

    So either you believe that you’re an enlightened progressive who believes in equality. Meaning you will belt any person who challenges your less than manly beta male self. Or your a troglodyte, Neanderthal who denies equality for (fill in the blank) and clings to out dated western cultural values. Meaning your not going to hit a woman because she is a woman.

    Being Progressive ain’t easy.

  52. 1sparkybuc Says:

    A 17/18 year old kid is not a man. He’s a boy. The girl shoved him and then slapped him. He overreacted and hit her ONCE. Kids do stupid things. He was punished by the school and the court, and continued consuling beyond what was ordered by the court. I seriously doubt it’s a mistake he’s likely to repeat. Jim Brown threw a woman through (not out) a second story bedroom window on to his front lawn, and he was no teenage kid when he did it. He’s still mentioned in every conversation about the GOAT. Mixon has been mentioned as being a top 5 overall and. #1 RB in this draft by some of the experts. I would love to see the Bucs draft him in round 1. Forgiving and second chances are not an issue for me, because I’m no Christian. I can do it. I like the influence Jameis and others on this team could have on this kid’s life. It’s the perfect environment, and the Bucs might win a few games in the bargain. Winning would be good for everybody.

  53. Trubucfan22 Says:

    1spark, bucs shouldnt waste a first rounder on him though. While i respect your willingness to forgive (or not care) he could probably be had in the second and maybe even third round. So get extreme value for him and risk waiting for him in the third. If he is there then take him.

    if you really wanted a RB in the first round, might as well take one of the other 3 RBs. the baggage isnt worth Mixon in the first. Just because you don’t care about what he did doesnt mean the rest of public doesnt. Avoid that circus and get one of the guys that are just as good as mixon.

  54. MadMax Says:

    Sign Peterson, draft Perine in the 3rd.

  55. USFBUC Says:

    I love Mixon as a player and if the Bucs due their homework and are okay with it then I am okay with it. I understand some having reservations about drafting him but at the end of the day he only committed a misdemeanor.

  56. 1sparkybuc Says:

    A key to it for me was the fact that he regained control of himself after one punch and walked away. It was not premeditated. It was a reactionary response from an attack he wasn’t expecting, and likely the environment he was raised in didn’t instill how a gentleman would handle an aggressive female in that situation. He’s been punished and should now be allowed to pursue his career. The girl is long since recovered, and has also learned from the experience. She will think twice before putting her hands on anyone again. Too many people are acting like this happened last week. Get over it and move on. I hope Mixon has a great career and a great life. It would be even better if it was with Jameis and the Bucs. They could bond over football and overcoming bad reputations.

  57. Maze Says:

    Yep Peterson and Mixon would be a powerful, “hard hitting” combination 😉

  58. Fred E. Buc Says:

    As our troops echoed over the 911 terrorists: God may have mercy on you; we will not! So true, Mixon may be okay now, and I’m sure Glazers will get the bottom of it before letting him be drafted. But we really don’t need the baggage here.

  59. 813bucboi Says:

    i hope we do draft him….all bets were off once she spit on him….cant put your hands or spit on someone and not be prepared for the consequences male or female….im not condoning what he did but im not blackballing him either….she was just as wrong as him…what she did was just as hideous as him…..GO BUCS!!!!

  60. YungGawd38 Says:

    So he’ll get drafted by the patriots and all will be forgiving.. and we will lose out again becuz we let the public dictate whom we should sign or draft because of their past

  61. YungGawd38 Says:

    So he’ll get drafted by the patriots and all will be forgiving.. and we will lose out again becuz we let the public dictate whom we should sign or draft because of their past..💯💯💯

  62. webster Says:

    For those who say the bucs wont draft mixon, remember the bucs were one team that was trying to sign hardy. Just saying

  63. Fred E. Buc Says:

    Yes, forgiveness.

    To err is human; to forgive Tom Mixon, is stupidity.

    Something like that.

  64. Fred E. Buc Says:

    Webster…I remember they were looking at Hardy. I would hardly recall that was trying ot sign him!

  65. Fred E. Buc Says:

    Corrrection…Joe Mixon…of course. Same thug though.

  66. Billy Buc N Brazil Says:

    Bucs trade piçks with the chiefs pick up another second and draft Obi 27th.

  67. Kevinthepainterimagine Says:

    Thought you already shared this a few weeks ago joes

  68. Zwak Says:

    If a lady spits in my face I would have done the same thing! Sorry

  69. Fred E. Buc Says:

    Zwak: That is your decision. And then you are probably convicted of assault.

    I’ve not seen anything factual that said she spit on him anyway…allegations. But it’s clear he broke her face.

  70. Bird Says:

    Trade back and draft cook. If cook gone. Mixom may be plan B. Or the running back from Tennessee

  71. Eric Says:

    if they think Mixon is best draft him.

    But Cook is better.

  72. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Bring on Mixon

  73. LifeOfABucFan Says:

    As a woman who has been hit a few times in the past (got two teeth knocked out)…and I’m not even 5 feet tall..never weighed more than 100 pounds..I say..

    Bring Mixon to us!!!