“Intrigue”
September 4th, 2018
Perception fueling speculation.
Ian Rapoport smells something rotten.
Yes, the Bucs have not made a decision on when America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, will start his next game after returning from the three-game sentence handed down by NFL strongman Roger Goodell.
Joe’s been snooping around and there really isn’t much more to it than what Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht told the WFLA-TV Channel 8 audience during the AAF job fair fourth preseason game last week.
Licht said it would not be fair to make a decision now on who starts the fourth game of the season at Chicago. Complicating the matter greatly is that it is a short week as the Bucs will host the Steelers on “Monday Night Football” the week prior.
How sharp or rusty will Jameis be having been away from One Buc Palace for three weeks? What about a gameplan that starting quarterbacks are involved in? What will the team’s record be? Will Jameis still be in football shape? There are tons of factors involved.
Rapoport, of NFL Network, seems to believe the Bucs are angry enough at Jameis getting suspended that they have left the door open that Jameis is no longer the starting quarterback. There is nothing, not one thing, that Joe has heard that suggests the Bucs are moving on.
Rapoport referred to this as “intrigue.”
Besides, Jameis is beloved by his teammates. Joe has even heard players are wanting to dedicate the first three games in honor of Jameis. The way Jameis is respected by his teammates, if the Bucs tried a stunt like pushing Jameis out the door this season because of that suspension, the Bucs may just have a player insurrection on their hands.
Even the numberscrunchers have been won over by Jameis’ play.
Joe will never forget when Cam Brate was on SiriusXM NFL Radio this summer and when he was asked about Jameis perhaps getting benched for what the interviewer perceived as poor play, Brate responded that Jameis is a starting quarterback for a reason.
As Joe stated above, there are real and legitimate reasons why the Bucs have not declared Jameis as the starting quarterback in Chicago. From what Joe has heard, the team wanting to move on from Jameis is not one of those reasons.
From NFL total Access : The #Bucs won’t say that franchise QB Jameis Winston gets his job back when he returns from suspension. Why? pic.twitter.com/shwoSf2kEx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 3, 2018
September 4th, 2018 at 12:09 am
I have tickets for the Atlanta game the week after the bye. If he doesn’t start in Chicago, I fully expect him to be ready in Atlanta. Like the higher ups at OBP, I am disappointed that Jameis got himself in this mess but not enough to cut off my nose to spite my face. Jameis will be back by the Atlanta game if not before. Move on people. Nothing to see here.
September 4th, 2018 at 12:14 am
What could be a story is the tropical storm that will probably turn into a hurricane and may head to New Orleans and cancel the game this Sunday. Here’s to praying that it’s nothing more than a bad storm no matter where it lands. God bless!!!
September 4th, 2018 at 12:22 am
Boy that Jarrett Stidham kid from Auburn sure looks good … hope the Bucs organization starts looking at the 2019 QB draft class soon, and a good way to start would be to fire #LichtsOut during the early part of the season like the Lions did to Matt Millen a decade ago.
September 4th, 2018 at 12:47 am
It’s pretty simple, if the Bucs are winning and the offense is clicking and playing a large part in those wins you don’t change a thing. Don’t fix what’s not broken. Now with that said I seriously doubt that will be the case but it is a possibility so I can easily see why they’re noncommittal on the topic anything is possible.
September 4th, 2018 at 1:52 am
Excellent job keeping the stories going – we do realize it’s a full time job scouring through tons of news to find material. We sincerely thank you.
September 4th, 2018 at 2:14 am
They are idiots if they don’t start him unless it’s coming from the ownership. Cause they damn sure will Be kicking rocks all the way down Dale Mabry if they don’t start him atleast by the week following the bye.
September 4th, 2018 at 3:08 am
The way the team and coaches have talked about and dealt with this suspension makes it seem obvious that they feel this was all a hatchet job done by the NFL.
I think they’re legitimately disappointed that Winston didn’t tell them the full truth, but I also think they realize this is all a massive face saving operation by the NFL.
September 4th, 2018 at 3:16 am
Rapoport must piss himself when he actually gets a real scoop–as opposed to the scoops he imagines in his head.
September 4th, 2018 at 4:19 am
@Joe … “Jameis is beloved by his teammates. Joe has even heard players are wanting to dedicate the first three games in honor of Jameis.” The Jameis suspension will obviously not be put to bed until after Game 4, at least not on JBF. Dedicating the start of the season to the player who put that start in jeopardy through his own fault is a nice touch Joe. Somehow I have trouble envisioning the entire Bucs team running out on the field at the Superdome yelling “Let’s win this for Jameis”. But hey, if it works for ya, then go for it.
@Keith … “Move on people. Nothing to see here.” Nailed it.
September 4th, 2018 at 4:27 am
I’m as big of a Jameis fan as any but I hope this team is playing for something more than Jameis.
I heard Kwon say they are playing for him and I was just like dude,what about the fans?
What about the people who invest time and hard earned dollars into a team that has largely and undoubtedly disappointed an entire fan base.for over a decade!!!
Enough is enough!!!
No more excuses!!!
Idgaf about swag just freaking win. Just go out there and put it all on the line.
Jameis is due to breakout and this staff knows it. There will be no indecision when it comes time to start America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.
Go BUCS!!
September 4th, 2018 at 5:34 am
It’s amazing that some people get paid to spout their idiotic opinions at a national level. There is no factual basis for this story since we all know neither Licht nor Koetter would leak such drivel. Jameis has plenty of time to prepare for the Bears. He will be more than ready, and the team will rally around him. This suspension is a bonding experience for this team. Adversity can become an advantage when it unites players in a cause. They will work just a little harder for each other and for Jameis. GO BUCS
September 4th, 2018 at 5:43 am
There are a lot of things the Bucs front office and coaching staff can do to stop this story. While I understand that JL was using GM speak and focusing on the players that are currently allowed to suit up for the team, there were no favors done to Winston with the comment. The fact the Bucs have done nothing to stop the story or change the course of it is intriguing.
September 4th, 2018 at 5:48 am
Joe, i know ya like the guy…cause he was once worthwhile as a sports reporter, but the last year or so, Rapoport has become a click-bait bridge troll. Just popping up from his dank wet hole to spew silly nonsense (see above) in a vain, fruitless attempt to stay relevant and make himself some money in the process.
September 4th, 2018 at 6:17 am
The Glazer’s numero uno concern is money. And they know there’s a fan revolt brewing out there against America’s Crotchgrabber (among other things).
September 4th, 2018 at 6:55 am
I hate to use the term but this is just FAKE NEWS!
September 4th, 2018 at 7:07 am
Not sure what the other “reasons” not to start JW are, but he is the #1 pick of the draft and the franchise QB. You don’t spend that pick on a perennial backup. You start him, or just move on from him. You don’t have to imagine a scenario in which a top-ranked QB was suspended and started immediately upon his return. Tom Brady served a multi-game suspension, and I don’t recall any hemming and hawing from the GM/Coach (media or fans) about whether he was going to start when he came back. Starting Brady was just as much a given as the sun rising in the east. Then again, I don’t follow the Patriots. Licht opened up a can of worms.
September 4th, 2018 at 7:10 am
I don’t buy that for 1 minutes. Jameis always thanks the Glazers for their support on this. I do like Ian, but he’s either way off or more like a tell the fan base were pissed type thing and move on.
September 4th, 2018 at 7:14 am
Speculative media nonsense.
September 4th, 2018 at 7:14 am
Abdominal
Fully agree. How bout winning one for the fans . Aka season ticket holders who drive over from Orlando to watch this crap product they have put on field for last 10 years Not even offering free parking
“Let’s do it for Johnny man”
September 4th, 2018 at 7:16 am
“Joe has even heard players are wanting to dedicate the first three games in honor of Jameis.”
My hope is if you heard this you would share some wisdom to these young men. Letting them know it is not an honor to put your team and the players and coaches and their families in a bad position that may cost some of them their livelihood. Honor is not something that should be tossed about like a football.
I hope Mr. Winston keeps his mind and his body sharp, I am looking forward to his first game this season.
Go Bucs!
September 4th, 2018 at 7:17 am
Folks just want to keep sh*t stirred up to keep themselves busy. Normally Rapsheet is pretty credible, but this is a reach even for him.
September 4th, 2018 at 7:41 am
One of the hack writers that cover the Bucs speculated that if the Jameis lied to the owners and management the he would have been cut and so not being cut must’ve meant he was truthful to them. Which makes no sense because you don’t cut your top pick because he lied to you. You cut him if he can’t play.
Now given Jameis’ history of being suspended for the Clemson game, which went from a half to a full game because he lied to FSU, then I’d say it’s very likely he lied to ownership and while they aren’t dumb enough to cut Jameis they are clearly pissed at him and everything so far indicates they don’t trust him. That said if he comes back and plays well then they’ll keep him around because scumbag Pro Bowl QB’s are still Pro Bowl QB’s.
September 4th, 2018 at 7:50 am
Didn’t see Will Grier carve up Tennessee, eh?
Actually missed the end of the Auburn-Washington game. Turned to West Virginia-Tennessee because the Auburn-Washington game turned into a flagfest. Swear once there were four flags in five plays in the fourth quarter. Couldn’t deal with it any longer. Either both teams were terribly sloppy or the refs thought people were watching for them.
September 4th, 2018 at 7:56 am
Oh boy, joe posting another story about bad/good jameis. Its the 1st article of 8 for the day about jameis and an opinion from a “respected journalist.” Wash, rinse, repeat. I mean how stupid can people be? The bucs picked up this mans 5th year option. You dont think they knew the possibility of jameis being suspended was at least 90% when they picked up the option? You think they only became angry after the suspension came down? If thats the case, then tmax is correct, this organization is an embarrassment because a suspension was always coming. It was just a matter of how long. Running story after story on good/bad jameis is just stupid and lazy journalism at this point. But it is your site joe. Im done beating this drum as beating this drum should have been long over due for you joe. How much sugar can you really squeeze out of a lemon?
September 4th, 2018 at 7:58 am
Im cool with you not letting my comments come through.
September 4th, 2018 at 7:59 am
MQC
“Manufactured Quarterback Controversy”
September 4th, 2018 at 8:01 am
Tom s
You are a lying pos. The suspension from the clemson game went from a half to a full game because trolls like you were in an uproar because he said bleep her in the p@$$y. It had nothing to do with the fact he lied. But i know, people like you believe truth isnt truth.
September 4th, 2018 at 8:06 am
Haha Jameis will be ready to roll. Not a doubt in my mind. We already know Dirk likes playing mind games with his opponents. Wake up Ian.
September 4th, 2018 at 8:06 am
Tom s
I mean a quick google search would have given you the truth on why jameis was suspepended. Why make up lies? This is the problem with social media. This is why tampa fans are the DUMBEST fans of them all because people dont research before speaking. Truth isnt truth.
September 4th, 2018 at 8:08 am
Tom s
My initial post against you have not shown up. I must be in time out. Im cool
September 4th, 2018 at 8:18 am
Is your real name “Sybil?”
First you complain about Joe being critical of Jameis (which shows you need to brush up on your reading comprehension) and then you complain about Joe being too positive about Jameis. Which is it?
As for the number of articles on Jameis, if you don’t think your franchise quarterback being suspended for the first three games in a critical year for Dirk Koetter and the coaching staff isn’t news, then you are of the 1950s wishbone football mentality that a quarterback is no more important than an outside linebacker.
Joe happens to live in the 21st century.
Additionally, there are sites and writers that spend more time worrying about practice squad guys and third string dudes than players that make a difference which is why they are in perpetual fear of their careers. Joe has zero desire to wake up each morning in a cold sweat wondering where his next beer will come from like a homeless person at an exit ramp stoplight.
September 4th, 2018 at 8:26 am
webster …did you see Winston’s vulgar nasty speech at the school cafe to the female classmate? how much $$$ did the school have to payout for not following thru.?? .
September 4th, 2018 at 9:02 am
Ben
You too are an alternative fact guy i see. Winston did not say bleep her in the p@$$y to any particular girl. He said it out loud to everybody just like thousands of kids and adults were saying around the country at that time. Some adults were saying it live on during live interviews on the news across this great nation. So you show me where jameis said it to a particular female classmate. I forgot, truth isnt truth. I see you take your que from your fearless leader where making up lies as fact is ok. Gtfooh
September 4th, 2018 at 9:08 am
Why would the Bucs tip their hand on their starting QB for the Bears game when they don’t have to. Let the Bears prepare for both. The Bucs shouldn’t announce their starter until the Saturday before the game.
September 4th, 2018 at 9:16 am
I do not know who will start against the Bears. But I never expected to know that!!!
In case anybody hasn’t been paying attention Koetter is the king of hiding his cards…sometimes appearing paranoid about hiding the obvious.
Koetter believes in gamesmanship and not tipping your hand to any opposing coach. Even IF Koetter has already penciled JW into the starting lineup for Chicago it’s simply not his style to reveal that. He’s not going to say who is going to start the Chicago game until he’s forced to do so.
He’s simply not going to give Nagy any idea and any prep advantage. Perhaps overly cautious but that’s his style.
September 4th, 2018 at 9:33 am
I heard the same thing on the radio in Atlanta a few weeks ago and disregarded it. Long and short the argument was similar to the RG III play where an injury would result in the Bucs being tied to a huge payout, so they benched him for the season.
If anyone can add color that would be helpful.
September 4th, 2018 at 9:36 am
Just like “Joe,” Ian Rapoport gets paid to produce words whether on a printed page or on the air waves. In my opinion, this is just more of Rapoport making his money. Just take what Dirk Koetter and Jason Licht say at face value for the time being.
September 4th, 2018 at 9:37 am
Walter Seidel Says:
September 4th, 2018 at 6:17 am
The Glazer’s numero uno concern is money. And they know there’s a fan revolt brewing out there against America’s Crotchgrabber (among other things).
You are correct that money is important to the Glazers
As for a fan revolt?
I don’t think a dozen or so misguided fans(?) waiving flags saying “dump him” are going to sway their opinion
September 4th, 2018 at 9:41 am
Have yet to see one person carrying any picketing sign either at One Buc Palace or the Den of Depression in protest.
Did see three people waiting for autographs on the day Father Dungy was at One Buc Palace.
September 4th, 2018 at 9:56 am
I was trying to be generous with the “dozen or so” statement
September 4th, 2018 at 10:02 am
Because coaches don’t fill out their lineup weeks in advance.
And they want Ryan to have every incentive to play his best ball.
September 4th, 2018 at 10:40 am
They say the human brain doesn’t get properly wired until up to age 22. Let’s hope that Winston’s brain finally gets properly wired so that he can control his impulsivity and poor judgement. Otherwise, we need to draft a QB next year for sure. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
September 4th, 2018 at 11:05 am
Uh, did the Glazers put his picture back up on the stadium? Just wondering…
September 4th, 2018 at 11:15 am
Drip, drip, drip: Ian Rappaport is as legit as they get. You clowns need to give up on the one man human clown show JW. He is gonzo. We will never sign him to a big contract with guaranteed money knowing that he will squander it with yet another “transgression”. He has been suspended for three games and I bet the next suspension would be a season or tossed out of the league. I bet know one on this site know the terms that JW agreed with when settling for just 3 games. I am willing to bet that one more transgression would be a huge suspension and don’t ever think that the Bucs brass do not know the agreement like the back of their hand. Hey snowflakes: it’s a business way before a sport. You gotta ask yourself “what would I do if I were writing the checks”? Peace out.
September 4th, 2018 at 11:16 am
And Joe: your acknowledgment of Will Grier is a good call. I hope we get the kid and out him under Fitz for a year.
September 4th, 2018 at 11:45 am
godeep
When Cleveland comes to town will you be joining your 2 or 3 alter egos to protest in front of the Stadium?
Be careful to stay out of the way of fans on their way in
They might not be as respectful of your free speech rights as Joe
September 4th, 2018 at 12:19 pm
The problem with this is that Rapoport has a huge audience and NFL fans that are not as connected to the daily life of the Buccaneers will believe his garbage hook, line, and sinker. In the future moving forward there will be misinformed fans spewing everything that Rapoport said as gospel, even here in the comment sections. #fakenews
September 4th, 2018 at 12:22 pm
It’s unfair to the starter in week 1 through 3 to make such a statement. Simple. It really is a non-story that IR tried to see if it would gain traction. /end.
September 4th, 2018 at 12:52 pm
Absolutely nothing to see here.
Rappaport and the media just need to make some drama and get some clicks.
What Licht and Koetter have said regarding the situation makes sense 100%.
September 4th, 2018 at 1:06 pm
Godeep66 Says:
September 4th, 2018 at 11:15 am
“Drip, drip, drip: Ian Rappaport is as legit as they get. You clowns need to give up on the one man human clown show JW. He is gonzo. We will never sign him to a big contract with guaranteed money knowing that he will squander it with yet another “transgression”. He has been suspended for three games and I bet the next suspension would be a season or tossed out of the league. I bet know one on this site know the terms that JW agreed with when settling for just 3 games. I am willing to bet that one more transgression would be a huge suspension and don’t ever think that the Bucs brass do not know the agreement like the back of their hand. Hey snowflakes: it’s a business way before a sport. You gotta ask yourself “what would I do if I were writing the checks”? Peace out.”
Thee #1 dumbest thing ever said on JBF…EVER. Did you play with your vag while typing it?
September 4th, 2018 at 1:29 pm
Joe says…
And they know there’s a fan revolt brewing out there against America’s Crotchgrabber (among other things).
Have yet to see one person carrying any picketing sign either at One Buc Palace or the Den of Depression in protest.
Did see three people waiting for autographs on the day Father Dungy was at One Buc Palace.
WELL……let’s begin with the Glazers’ ripping Winston’s mug off Raymond James Stadium. And largely (with a couple of very small photos) ripping Winston out of their website.
September 4th, 2018 at 1:51 pm
Walter you see what you want to see Sherlock….
Meanwhile on Bucs.com ….the one Walter can’t see….there’s a pic of a little boy during a back to school event at Ray Jay wearing a JW throwing a football through a wall of Bucs players.
The player in the middle is Jameis Winston….Walter Magoo Seidel!
There’s a sale on eye glasses at CVS Walter …perhaps pick up some Massenghill too in case you need to freshen up!
September 4th, 2018 at 1:52 pm
Oh the pic…..
https://www.buccaneers.com/photos/bucs-host-2018-back-to-school-bash#62e4f875-b7f4-411b-bc15-e791c64f0c53
September 4th, 2018 at 2:16 pm
If by some miracle Fitz gets us to 3-0 or 2-1, especially with one of those wins being on MNF, then you have to leave Fitz in. gotta roll with the hot hand.
September 4th, 2018 at 2:25 pm
No intrigue about it. Winston is the Bucs starting QB, and will be playing as soon as he’s available to return.
September 4th, 2018 at 5:06 pm
@buc1987: your father should have also pulled out. I forget more about football than you will ever know.
September 4th, 2018 at 5:29 pm
Wow Godeep….you’re so original…
Every day you out do your own self with the dumbest posts ever. Just when I read something last week that you posted and thought dayum that boy ain’t the brightest bulb in the box.
Perhaps at the end of the season I’ll gather them all together and make a greatest hits of Godeep’s dumbest posts.
Joe…you might need a separate server for all of them by then…it’s filling up fast these days.