Michael Lombardi: Bruce Arians Unlikely To Cut Antonio Brown Because Of Tom Brady

December 4th, 2021

Drama.

A guy who once worked with Tom Brady and sometimes suggests he’s an intimate of Brady’s thinks Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Bucco Bruce Arians is in a pinch.

On one hand, the theory goes, Arians wants to unload furniture-tossing, bicycle-throwing, fake-V-card-using receiver Antonio Brown for conning the Bucs and the NFL with a phony vaccination document.

The NFL earlier popped Brown this week after his former chef blew the whistle on him. Bucs defensive back Mike Edwards was also caught in the net and he and Brown were suspended three games.

When the Bucs signed Brown last year, it came after Arians forcefully denied any interest in Brown. It was since learned Brady, who apparently has a deep love for Brown, hounded the Bucs non-stop until Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht and Arians succumbed.

At the time, Arians boasted that Brown, who trouble always seems to find, was on a one-strike-and-your-out policy. What is not clear is if that one-strike edict was just for last season or also carried over into this season.

Arians said yesterday that he hasn’t decided he will launch Brown or Edwards. Michael Lombardi seems to think he knows what that decision will be.

Lombardi, a former coffee-fetcher for Bill Walsh, Al Davis and Bill Belicheat, explained his insider theory on what is going on in Arians’ head.

Brown had a cup of coffee with the Belicheats in 2019 before creepy Bob Kraft threw Brown off the team for a hassle with a woman. Brown, it seems, was with the Belicheats long enough to develop a lasting bromance with Brady.

Appearing in his weekly spot Friday with the one and only Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on “Mad Dog Radio,” heard exclusively on SiriusXM Radio, Lombardi said he’s convinced Arians won’t toss Brown off the team, not because Arians wants to keep Brown, but because Arians doesn’t want to p!ss off Brady.

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo: Listen, Bruce Arians can’t come across as the sheriff, you know, one misstep and [Brown’s] gone, and then basically take a pass on Antonio Brown. That’s a felony with what he did with the fake vaccination card. I know Brady loves him. So you have to be careful. Brown should be off that team immediately. And the Bucs are not going to do so. They are going to let it sit for three weeks and hope the temperature falls and then they can bring him back quietly. What’s your take on Brown with Tampa right now, let me hear it.

Michael Lombardi: Now I reported a year ago, that the Bucs would sign Brown. I reported that, that the Bucs were going to sign Brown. The World Wide Leader immediately came out and said the Bucs have zero interest in signing Antonio Brown. Destroyed my report. Said it was unqualified, absolutely not true. They did. The Worldwide Leader did that. Killed it. Then two months later they signed Antonio Brown. OK? My point here is Arians never really wanted to sign Brown. Brady wants Brown. He’s comfortable with Brown. He trusts Brown. He knows where he is — [the Bucs] just brought Breshad Perriman up. Breshad Perriman, and put him to the active roster. Brady is not going to throw the ball to Perriman. Brady wants to throw the ball to players he trusts in the routes he trusts them to run. Now Bruce is really hoping the league suspends [Brown for the season] so he can get away with not having Brown on the team. But this has never been something he has really ever wanted. He’s tolerated it but he has never really wanted it. And because Brady is so comfortable [with Brown] and wants those players around, it’s probably good for the offense.

Russo: Still though, this is an organization with a decision, not a Brady decision. Brown shouldn’t be playing football right now for the Bucs. Do you agree with that?

Lombardi: I’m just giving you the background. I’m not judging it. I’m not saying you are wrong. I’m just telling you how this whole thing — this is part of it too: Three-game suspension — I think the league said they were going to come down hard on people that lied about COVID and they should.

Russo: So you are telling me [Arians] is a little hesitant to do anything because of Brady? That’s the point?

Lombardi: I think that’s the point.

Were Brown and Edwards selfish and was this stupid? Yeah, beyond selfish and stupid. Downright drunk-driving-like reckless given that Arians is a two-time cancer survivor and offensive assistant Tom Moore is 82. But you know what? The NFL confirmed both Brown and Edwards are vaccinated and isn’t that the goal in the first place?

Just be thankful only Brown tested positive for The Sickness this season. Edwards had it in 2020.

Joe thought former Bucs guard Ian Beckles said it best on WDAE Radio: Given Browns’ past stunts, throwing him off the team in the thick of a Super Bowl run for flashing a fake V-card would be like prosecuting a murderer for lifting a Snickers in Walgreens.

Overstated? Yes, but the point is correct.

The Bucs loudly made repeating as champs their goal hours after winning the Super Bowl. They spent millions and countless work hours towards that goal. Tossing Brown (and Edwards?) in order to play red@ss accomplishes nothing but sabotage that goal. Arians might lose the locker room as a result (how many guys came back to the Bucs this season, turning down more money elsewhere in a quest to repeat?).

Yes, the Bucs have been hellbent on repeating. And part of that hell is tolerating Brown’s 12-year old sensibilities to reach the ultimate prize. Again.

92 Responses to “Michael Lombardi: Bruce Arians Unlikely To Cut Antonio Brown Because Of Tom Brady”

  1. Medicated Pete Says:

    He was just being a lil rascal. Lol the lil stinker. Leave the lil mischievous squirt alone

  2. Rob In Land O Lakes Says:

    The goal is winning football games and ultimately another Super Bowl. If I want to see righteousness on Sunday, I’ll go to church.

  3. Defense Rules Says:

    I’m still bothered by the timing of ‘what happened when’ in this whole dumb affair. Little questions like ‘When did each of them get vaccinated?’ and ‘Did they really put others at risk as a result of having a fake vax card?’

    I can see why BA would be pissed IF both of them intentionally circumvented team policy AND as a result jeopardized others. That’s not exactly being a team player. But without knowing ‘what happened when’ we don’t know that was the case. Not yet at least.

    What we do know (to some degree) is that COVID vaccination protects YOU the receiver (to some degree), and especially if you’re in a vulnerable group, like those over 65 or immuno-compromised. Science seems to indicate that being vaccinated reduces YOUR risk of being hospitalized & death IF you get infected with COVID virus. Even if vaccinated though, you can still carry the virus & transmit it to others.

    I CHOSE to be fully vaccinated way back in Jan 2021 when the vaccine first came out and am thankful that I had that choice. But I personally don’t have an issue with others CHOOSING to not be vaccinated. I also happen to believe though that it’s the right of employers to mandate vaccinations within their businesses as a condition of employment IF that’s what they believe will help keep their business safe. If any employee CHOOSES to not be vaccinated, no problem; find another job.

    Since both AB & Edwards are now vaccinated, it sounds like they’re currently meeting the team’s policy. Don’t see any reason to throw them off the team at this point (cat’s out of the bag?). The 3-game suspension without pay seems like punishment enough for whatever they did (not knowing when they did it). Let’s all move on and focus on winning another championship this year.

  4. Bob in valrico Says:

    Any decision on AB should wait till next year. Brady depends on him and since he often gets single coverage he can get open faster.

  5. Im not tired anymore we Super Bowl Champs!! Says:

    Amen Rob! Go Bucs!

  6. Listnfrmafar Says:

    Freaking talking heads trying to shame BA into a decision. This could be the last chance Bucs have to go to the SB for a while and AB in that line up would help secure that. The only way BA loses the locker room is if he cuts AB and not Edward’s, then you’ll have issues because like this site I am sure there are pro-vax and not so pro-vax players. The f-ing media trying to create a power struggle between BA & Brady, going right at BA’s over inflated ego. Lombardi and Mad Dogass most likely have a long shot Vegas bet on the Pat’s winning the SB and eliminating the Bucs help their chances.

  7. Robert Says:

    AB for president!

  8. Tampaabaybucfan Says:

    Bruce’s ego is in a battle……on the one hand, Brown embarrassed him….probably lied to him. On the other hand…..BA wants to win a SB…..
    I think we know which side wins.

  9. Kalind Says:

    Launching them just tells everyone they don’t care about winning. They care a lot about seeming to be on the right side of a particular issue in the public sphere that makes a LOT of noise.

    Winning is the best perfume. Just shut up, win games and no one will care.

  10. Beeej Says:

    One thing about this–Brown’s contract was largely incentive based, and the Bucs aren’t gonna have to pay off on any/many of those

  11. Joshua porter Says:

    If it were just brown I think k the bucs would cut him but it’s not and they love Edward’s so there both safe. Can’t cut one and not the other .

  12. Sumosam Says:

    Some people just always need to buck the system. Antonio is one of those dudes. His antics have cost him many millions. That’s enough for me and it should be enough for everyone else. The only person he hurts is himself. The man will play football either here or somewhere else. I’d rather it be here.

  13. Lamarcus Says:

    So basically BA is in a Beta male situation and can’t cut a certain player because Brady? I thought we was loaded on offense. If we were a powerhouse team we would have no issue losing AB but here we are in tight squeeze and somehow the season and title all depends on: Antonio Brown. Think about that for second

  14. Listnfrmafar Says:

    Lamarcus, most teams don’t win SB’s without their #1 wr. I think we’ve seen how effective Evan’s is especially before Gronk came back. Some will blame Brady but not sure how that theory holds water when a 6’7″ TE with fractured rids and deflated lung manages to find a way to be open.

  15. Chuckstutz Says:

    Shamelessly stolen:

    ABBOTT AND COSTELLO’S ‘WHO’S BEEN VACCINATED?’ …
    Bud: ‘You can’t come in here!’
    Lou: ‘Why not?’
    Bud: ‘Well because you’re unvaccinated.’
    Lou: ‘But I’m not sick.’
    Bud: ‘It doesn’t matter.’
    Lou: ‘Well, why does that guy get to go in?’
    Bud: ‘Because he’s vaccinated.’
    Lou: ‘But he’s sick!’
    Bud: ‘It’s alright. Everyone in here is vaccinated.’
    Lou: ‘Wait a minute. Are you saying everyone in there is vaccinated?’
    Bud: ‘Yes.’
    Lou: ‘So then why can’t I go in there if everyone is vaccinated?’
    Bud: ‘Because you’ll make them sick.’
    Lou: ‘How will I make them sick if I’m NOT sick and they’re vaccinated.’
    Bud: ‘Because you’re unvaccinated.’
    Lou: ‘But they’re vaccinated.’
    Bud: ‘But they can still get sick.’
    Lou: ‘So what the heck does the vaccine do?’
    Bud: ‘It vaccinates.’
    Lou: ‘So vaccinated people can’t spread covid?’
    Bud: ‘Oh no. They can spread covid just as easily as an unvaccinated person.’
    Lou: ‘I don’t even know what I’m saying anymore. Look. I’m not sick.
    Bud: ‘Ok.’
    Lou: ‘And the guy you let in IS sick.’
    Bud: ‘That’s right.’
    Lou: ‘And everybody in there can still get sick even though they’re vaccinated.’
    Bud: ‘Certainly.’
    Lou: ‘So why can’t I go in again?’
    Bud: ‘Because you’re unvaccinated.’
    Lou: ‘I’m not asking who’s vaccinated or not!’
    Bud: ‘I’m just telling you how it is.’
    Lou: ‘Nevermind. I’ll just put on my mask.’
    Bud: ‘That’s fine.’
    Lou: ‘Now I can go in?’
    Bud: ‘Absolutely not?’
    Lou: ‘But I have a mask!’
    Bud: ‘Doesn’t matter.’
    Lou: ‘I was able to come in here yesterday with a mask.’
    Bud: ‘I know.’
    Lou: So why can’t I come in here today with a mask? ….If you say ‘because I’m unvaccinated’ again, I’ll break your arm.’
    Bud: ‘Take it easy buddy.’
    Lou: ‘So the mask is no good anymore.’
    Bud: ‘No, it’s still good.’
    Lou: ‘But I can’t come in?’
    Bud: ‘Correct.’
    Lou: ‘Why not?’
    Bud: ‘Because you’re unvaccinated.’
    Lou: ‘But the mask prevents the germs from getting out.’
    Bud: ‘Yes, but people can still catch your germs.’
    Lou: ‘But they’re all vaccinated.’
    Bud: ‘Yes, but they can still get sick.’
    Lou: ‘But I’m not sick!!’
    Bud: ‘You can still get them sick.’
    Lou: ‘So then masks don’t work!’
    Bud: ‘Masks work quite well.’
    Lou: ‘So how in the heck can I get vaccinated people sick if I’m not sick and masks work?’
    Bud: ‘Third base.’
    And…scene…

  16. Winny Testaverde Says:

    Isn’t Irv a quasi-regular on Russo’s ( goat ) show?! Think of the faux outrage and tough talk that would/could take place. Of course non Buc fans ( Irv included ) want Brown gone. It would torpedo their chances at a repeat and let’s them say “I told you so!”.

  17. chaingang Says:

    Keep crying

  18. Jmarkbuc Says:

    In other news…

    Water is wet.

  19. Jerry Says:

    You can talk about how loaded we are on paper at receiver and that AB is just gravy on the top, but Brady has certain favorites he’s comfortable with. He’s always been that way. Even in New England there were certain people he just seemed to like and trust better than the rest. That’s just how he is. Think of guys like Edelman, Welker, Branch, and Amendola.
    Evans may be one of the top receivers in the league. And Brady can win games with him. But for some reason he and Brady don’t mesh 500%. They don’t hate each other or anything like that. But the chemistry between the two is a strong friendship level and not a bromance level for whatever reason. When you take Brown and Gronk off the field, Brady is a different QB. The stats prove it. And you can just feel it. There is something to that chemistry aspect. Gronk recently said in an interview, “Brady knows what I’m thinking before I know what I’m thinking.” That type of connection between a QB and a receiver is special and something that evolves and not just something that you can force to happen.

    Arians knows this. It’s why he was trying hard to get Brown healthy for the playoffs. And that’s why he is in a very difficult position. You cut Brown and you run the risk of screwing up Brady’s brain chemistry right before the playoffs….especially if Gronk gets hurt again.

  20. Bucnjim Says:

    Chuck that’s a great post I needed a good laugh this morning! The NFL teams are just puting on a show for the offices in NY do you think any of them actually care while playing in front of 60,000 every weekend? No!

  21. D-ManTX Says:

    Is that correct, both Brown and Edwards have had covid? If true, what a mess the government and the NFL have made. If you had covid you shouldn’t require them to get the vaccine. If worried about it, the NFL should require antibodies tests. It’s all so ridiculous. Brown and Edwards definitely shouldn’t have messed around with fake vaccine cards but they are now vaccinated (against their will) so they shouldn’t lose their jobs. MANY share their thinking. It’s not right to force the vaccine. I’m sure an NFL audit would likely find issues on ever team. The vaccine push is more political than science. So ready for all this nonsense to end. Oh well, Go Bucs!! Hope our D and special teams holds up without Edwards the ball hawk flying around making game saving tackles or game icing INTs.

  22. Alanbucsfan Says:

    Downright drunk-driving-like reckless given that Arians is a two-time cancer survivor and offensive assistant Tom Moore is 82. – Joe
    The gene therapy jabs don’t stop the spread- that’s scientifically documented.
    Therefore, Arians and Moore could conceivably get infected from any source- jabbed or not.
    The jabs protect the jabbed by reducing risk of hospitalization and death, they don’t stop infection.
    What part of this is not understood?

  23. Tackleblockwin Says:

    I am in the middle when it comes to keep/cut AB. For those suggesting you can’t keep Edwards and cut AB, well, yes you can. Why you ask? Because AB has record longer than a mile and Edwards does not. History matters.

  24. Rayjay1122 Says:

    Hey Chuck, when my Wife and I were in Nola for the game on Halloween, the rules had just changed requiring proof of vax or negative test results and I swear that her and the door security had that same dialogue. Funny but sad and true.

  25. Go Bucs! Says:

    No cuts until the off-season. Go Bucs!

  26. BucsFanSince1976 Says:

    When the FBI charges Brown and Edwards, which they will, we will see how that plays with the Bucs and the NFL. Brown will continue to make selfish and stupid decisions , Edwards the jury is still out on.

  27. John Olmstead Says:

    Forging a vaccination card is not domestic violence or drug abuse or even bending the knee to national anthem. Half the population would support defying ones employers vaccination mandate. I can recall Brit Reid being arrested for vehicular homicide last year. Where is the nfl on that!

  28. Listnfrmafar Says:

    @Tackle, AB’s past issues are not related to Bucs in anyway. He has been a model player & teammate. My point was BA could lose the locker room if he cuts AB not Edward’s assuming the players are divided about the issue as most of the country is.

  29. Cobraboy Says:

    The FBI is gonna charge those three?

    Hilarious!

  30. BucsFanSince1976 Says:

    Federal crimes are convicted at a rate of 98.2% by the DOJ and it is no laughing matter.

  31. Since76 Says:

    Chuck that was great. Its the sad state of mind of too many.

  32. Trey Alderson-Cloutier Says:

    You say this is a selfish decision Joe because Arians is a cancer survivor and Tom is 82. My question is, if they are vaxxed, shouldn’t they be protected? And you’re well aware it doesn’t matter if you’re vaxxed or not, you still can spread the virus.

  33. jimm Says:

    has the nfl made any statement regarding the relationship between arron rodgers violation and consequence and brown/edwards violation consequence ?

  34. PassingThru Says:

    Many athletes don’t talk to The Worldwide Leader, except to promote their personal brand. ESPN fauns over superstars and does its best to avoid clashing with powerful team owners (weaker owners are fair game). And above all, they bury criticism of NFL, NBA, and MLB commissioners as ESPN is scared of losing broadcast rights.

  35. Kentucky Buc Says:

    I see the COVID misinformation is still running rampant.

  36. BT-Tampa Says:

    Arians has to quasi-play along to make this go away. Perhaps he should read Chuck’s Abbott and Costello post next time Ira gets his panties in a knot. Hey Ira, they are a lot of us that have seen through the allopathic medicine con job for many years, long before the COVID con. Why is it that you are so incredibly stupid you can’t see it? In your next bloviation, tell us why prescription drugs that harm your immune system are still on the market and sold in ads played during football games if COVID is the dreaded monster that requires we destroy our economy and give up our privacy and freedom to stop it. Tell us, Ira.

  37. crazyBucs_CL Says:

    JL, renew AB contract for 2022. Show us you are the man; show TB12 you respect him; show BA the finger; and show the world that they did nothing wrong, and they hate the flu like anybody else, and is legitimate to love yourself.
    Do it JL, the ACDC lover.

  38. stone crab sam Says:

    This ownership put up with much worse embarrassment with Mr. crab leg, and uber groper for years.

    Trying to win for years. and losing does anyone really think a little wink wink white lie is gonna alter their mission? This is a non-story, since the bucs are winning, and are in the hunt.

    Arians might be a little slow, but he aint dumb. Its all good boys. We got a trophy to get! Move along now, nothing to see here…

  39. Winny Testaverde Says:

    Like so many jealous/envious and otherwise scared people these days…the following fine folk won’t quit until Brown gets the boot:

    -Chef BoyAreDee…sue Brown for lost wages…don’t run to the NFL like a little B
    -P. Rick Stroud…a dinosaur in a dying industry making a desperate last call
    -Mikey Florio…noted Buc/Tom Brady hater who’s worn out his welcome @ NBC
    -Irv who may have jumped the shark as one time JBF treasure

    You’ll likely get your wish fellas…and the Bucs will have no choice but to move on from Brown and perhaps Edwards. For what? What’s your motivation exactly?

  40. BucsFanSince1976 Says:

    Just to shut down the BS misinformation chain-the vaccinated are 63% less likely to transmit the Covid virus than the unvaccinated. Joe being a learned man I would presume he knows that and that is why he said what he did about AB. Just google “vaccinated people less likely to spread Covid” and you will see a plethora of different studies illuminating this FACT.

  41. crazyBucs_CL Says:

    @”..For what? What’s your motivation exactly?..”
    —————-
    Motivation??
    Hate for the success;
    Hate for free minded/cheerful people;
    Love for dictatorships;
    Love for elites;
    Love for the Part$ and DNC;
    Protection for Brandon;

  42. Winny Testaverde Says:

    Well put CL…and exactly right.

  43. Alanbucsfan Says:

    Bucsfansince1976-

    It is not so simple-
    CDC reported last month that “vaccinated” were 28 times more likely to get infected with covid than those with natural immunity.

    Out of 201,269 people hospitalized with “COVID-19-like illness” from January to September (2021) in 9 states, just 1,020 (0.5 percent) of the hospitalizations occurred in unvaccinated people previously infected with covid.

  44. BucsFanSince1976 Says:

    Alanbucsfan-provide a url link to your supposed claims and I will be happy to learn from the FACTS. Facebook is neither news or facts.

  45. crazyBucs_CL Says:

    @“vaccinated people less likely to spread Covid”
    @”vaccinated are 63% less likely to transmit the Covid virus than the unvaccinated”
    ————————
    That data may be true, shot may save your life for the moment, but 99% of the people infected, survived the flu C-19 before vaccine/shot as well.
    …BUT people are DIFFRENT, their choices are DIFFRENT, their approach to living is DIFFRENT. You think for the moment ONLY, cause you are easy manipulated.
    DIFFRENT people think for the future as well, questions like:
    ~~
    How these mRNA products are going to effect my body in the future??
    How much risk should I take??
    Is the risk worth it??
    Do I go to normal life after taking vaccine/shot??
    Do I have to trust the government??
    How many medications FDA approved in the pass have come to be cancerous??
    How much time you need to try a new medication for side effects??
    ~~
    Recently a very popular medication which was even turn from prescribed to over the counter, Zantac one of the most popular drugs on the market worldwide, FDA approved in 1983 IS removed from the market.
    Reason: Extensive Experience Litigating Cancer Cases
    That was confirm 2019 so after 36 years.
    So, you will blame people that are DIFFRENT from you on trusting the government’s agencies??
    You take the permission to call they names??
    I don’t know about you, but protecting yourself is mission number one of any human and animal.
    You are blind by your ideology; is nothing that can be done.

  46. Chipbuc Says:

    Arron Rogers gets a slap on the wrist for basically putting people at risk by saying he was fully immunized. Semantics at its best. Brown is wrong and is getting a fair suspension by the league. Does Rogers lying about his vaccination seem like he got a fair and equal punishment decision by the league? Double standard at its best.

  47. BucsFanSince1976 Says:

    Johnson and Johnson vaccine is NOT mrna vaccine-do your research. George Washington was mandating vaccines in the 1770’s. There have been only 6 verifiable deaths from Covid vaccine. If you attended school , then you were vaccinated multiple times with no choice. The right wing fanatics are using the vaccine issue as a wedge to try and divide us all , at great cost in terms of loss of life.

  48. Scooter Says:

    Arians will keep AB because Arians wants another ring.

  49. Tackleblockwin Says:

    @ Listnfrmafar
    I don’t know. I think it is a pretty bad defense to suggest that AB has had no issues since with the Bucs. Everyone in the world recognized that AB was a risk, and everyone was waiting for him to do something moronic again. He proved the entire world right.

  50. bucschamp Says:

    faking Vax card to play football is a felony??

  51. BucsFanSince1976 Says:

    Federal misdemeanor.

  52. crazyBucs_CL Says:

    I never mention DEATH from vaccine.
    I mention long term consequents questions.
    Yes, J&J is not mRNA but I mention mRNA cause out of 462 Millions shots(including the buster shots) ONLY 4% of americans got J&J.
    58% Pfizer (mRNA)
    38% Moderna (mRNA)
    ..but again facts are NOT what you people are looking for, IDEOLOGY that is what matter.

  53. bucschamp Says:

    I was wondering why AB asked the cook to get him a fake Vax card. does this mean he can? why not ask his trainer or other guys around him? does he have connection? I think he should
    be investigated as well

  54. BucsFanSince1976 Says:

    14 million have received J and J , so about 8% would be a correct and FACTUAL number , but again facts are not what you people are interested in , just to use your words.

  55. crazyBucs_CL Says:

    @”..Federal misdemeanor…”
    ——————
    that depends who is in the WH, after three years AB,ME,Rodgers may be heroes, and get a star…who knows.
    those are lows imposed by POTUS.
    I wish the best for these guys, and James Harden $50000 fine (without mask),Kyrie Irving (suspended until he gets vaccine) and more to be discovered..

  56. crazyBucs_CL Says:

    14 Millions / 462 Millions (shots including busters) = 0.0303 * 100% = 3.03%
    yeah, I was rounding up. ACTUALY ONLY 3.03% of americans had ONE shot of J&J in their arm.
    Understanding numbers is another thing YOU hate.

  57. BucsFanSince1976 Says:

    No the laws against presenting any fraudulent document with governmental agency seals on it have been on the books for over 100 years and have nothing to do with POTUS. FBI investigates criminal activity at the Federal level and DOJ prosecutes the offenders , with a conviction rate of over 98%.

  58. Coburn Says:

    I a. In support of vaccine, but was never a fan of passports themselves. But so be it. They tried to deceive everyone, they’re being punished. Feels like kicking them from the team would be an overreaction and youd have to think someone else would gladly scoop them up.

  59. BucsFanSince1976 Says:

    You can only look at initial dose shots of each vaccine to get a correct and FACTUAL percentage-B_O_O_S_T_E_R_S skew the percentage to an inaccurate number. I love numbers and FACTS. 80 million is a large number.

  60. crazyBucs_CL Says:

    @”..No the laws against presenting any fraudulent document with governmental agency seals..”
    ————————
    there are ZERO security water mark on childish Vax card.
    literally a middle school student can print it from home no mater what printer you have.
    You don’t see this indifference on other federal documents like:
    Money
    ID card
    Passports
    Credit Cards
    and..
    World Disney Card
    Universal Studio Card
    AAA Card
    This is a joke, but again a JOKE in your hands is very dangerous power.
    Hope our guys will be fine, you never know.

  61. BucsFanSince1976 Says:

    However , while the card may be easy to copy , the printed sticker that goes on the card with the lot# PID and provider name-not so much-if you had a card you would know this. CDC has a database logging all info which is only applicable to one person , unless you are a siamese twin, then it would be two?

  62. Jmarkbuc Says:

    Shame that the December stretch run has to be mucked up with this mess.

  63. Buffalo54 Says:

    AB,Just do what you gotta do,your amazing player,but your lucky people have been patient with you, when will you realize what you do affects the people around You! Don’t let us down, !

  64. DoooshLaRue Says:

    I don’t care if we keep AB or not. I think we are a little better team with him and I think it would be wise to keep him this year, but here’s my bigger concern:

    Why aren’t we ok with “only” having 2 of the top receivers in the NFL?
    Shouldn’t that be enough especially with Gronk?
    Seriously, the GOAT and all that talent and we still need more?

    It poses a deeper question about how good our #1 and #2 receivers really are doesn’t it?
    I know one of them is a definite keeper.

  65. crazyBucs_CL Says:

    @”…I know one of them is a definite keeper….”
    ———————-
    and that one is CG.

  66. brooks Says:

    He’ll be cut

  67. gp Says:

    @Chuck
    Well done!
    Maybe you should cut and paste that to every thread that mentions the “vax”
    That is… Until Joe tells you to stop!

  68. JimmyJack Says:

    The only thing that worries me is if this situation can divide the lockerroom. Not just Brady but the whole team. Joe suggested cutting Brown could do just that. If that is true the HC has an obligation to keep Brown and keep the players working together playing for a Super Bowl.

    Is there a chance Brown coming back could divide the team? I would hope not, looking at Green Bay, a similar situation hasent seemed to hurt them.

    At the end of the day this is about winning danged football games. If Bruce is upset, OK. He is going to have to figure out a way to deal with that while keeping the team focused on winning football games.

  69. captivajim Says:

    Neither AB nor Edwards should be cut .. BA is pissed but the job is to win championships. every player on the team is there to win the SB . If BA cuts AB ; it will divide and create angst in the locker room & spill out on the field ..

    AB has let down the team & particularly TB12.. in his last 2 interviews, he has brought the retirement topic up … If he gets the 8th ring – i think TB12 retires. he has said a few times he wanted to play untill he was 45-that’s next august.

    If TB12 retires– AB is gone

  70. crazyBucs_CL Says:

    @”…If TB12 retires– AB is gone…”
    ———————
    ..and the Bucs are gone too. 😥😥🤣

  71. JeffreyLane77 Says:

    Cutting AB is short sighted nonsense.

  72. Bush's Coke Spoon Says:

    BucsFanSince1976 Says:
    “FBI investigates criminal activity at the Federal level and DOJ prosecutes the offenders…”
    .
    .

    LOL. If only this were true.

    Federal law enforcement has become a politicized authoritarian joke. Welcome to the Fascist States of America.

  73. unbelievable Says:

    ^ lol keep moving those goalposts crazy…

    @DR – great post.

    I said this yesterday, but the reality is if they didn’t wanna get it, they didn’t have to. NO ONE has forced them or mandated them too. They made a dumb decision to lie, especially considering they are both now vaxxed.

  74. unbelievable Says:

    Also, neither of them should be cut.

  75. Doctor Stroud Says:

    The debate here seems to focus on whether or not AB and other should be cut, but these guys might have bigger problems. Per Mike Florio: “The relevant federal law imposes a punishment of up to five years in prison for buying, procuring, or using a counterfeit vaccination card, with knowledge that the card is fake. The key to the potential five-year sentence becomes the presence of the CDC label on the card.” As he notes, this might not be top priority for investigators, but it is serious. We’ll see if the NFLPA struck a deal to prevent prosecution.

  76. Listnfrmafar Says:

    If they were vaccinated before any of this came out, is the FBI really going to pursue these 3? Sleepy Joe’s initiative is to have us all pin cushions by 2023 so as far as I can see AB & Edward’s are on their way they have at least 2 holes toward their cushion. Now if Peloci is a Rams fan, then opening up an investigation might happen, I mean we all know spending tax payers monies on useless investigations is second nature to her.

  77. Defense Rules Says:

    Interesting story posted on NBS Sports today by Mike Florio titled ‘The stories of Antonio Brown, Mike Edwards, and John Franklin III “unraveled” under scrutiny’.

    Assuming once again that it’s all true, Brown & Edwards should both win the ‘Here’s Your Sign’ Award. How dumb do you have to be to jeopardize earning millions of dollars by lying about something as ridiculous as this?

  78. Colonel Angus Says:

    @crazyBucs_CL
    Well said. How many commercials do we watch a day about lawsuits for some prescription/medication/medical procedure, etc. that was deemed safe, but is now killing people? Regardless of what people think, these vaccines are still in trial stage. And the vaccinated are the human trials. Perhaps one day we’ll have monuments to honor the 10’s of millions of human trial subjects. You guys are heroes. Me, I don’t trust the government, or any pharmaceutical that doesn’t have an extensive track record. I’ve had Covid, wasn’t much of anything for me at least.

  79. Steve Burke Says:

    A.B. is basically a one-man crime wave and we should get a betting pool going for how long after Brady retires that A.B. gets incarcerated…

  80. Steve M. Says:

    1. AB got punished a 3 game suspension, he now vaccinated. Welcome back AB.
    2. Winny Testerverde is right here. Non- BUC’s fans would love to see AB off the team.
    3. Joe, Robert Kraft is not creepy. He is a single, adult male, that
    had consentual sexual activity. So it’s not creepy or our business.

  81. Leon Says:

    Chuckstutz, comment of the year!

  82. Listnfrmafar Says:

    Steve M, I am not to sure about that, he was in a massage parlor getting a fun & tug he paid.for and was filmed in the action. Kinda creepy don’t ya think? I’m pretty sure a billionaire could be a little more discrete.

  83. Joe Says:

    Let all three go Antonio Brown/ Edward, cause the government is coming for all three. Going to jail for false fake card vaccination.
    Who gives what Brady things, the team needs to follow the NFL and the team rules. There has to be some discipline and order. These 3 players aren’t not the only ones good for the Bucs, that’s why you have other good players on the team even better then them.

  84. former ne fan Says:

    This has so much BS to it. If the NFL has proof that these players really did present fake ID cards to the team, then the NFL would be REQUIRED to report everything formally to the FBI. And it is a FELONY to have a fake V-card, just as well as it is to not turn over evidence as such to the authorities. Proof therefore cannot exist, based on all that’s been reported. This sounds like the NFL flexing their muscles again, proceeding solely on perception and allegations.

    Similarly, how can the NFL report that these guys are “now vaccinated” when no one tells us when and where they were vaccinated? Are they accepting that AB etc. actually WERE vaccinated according to their alleged “fake” V-cards….or did they just recently get the shot. It’s simple enuf to explain, Goodell. Or did the NFL choose to simply administer punishment without absolute proof of anything because of the “lesson” they want to teach every player?

    It’s all BS. Simply tell us if AB’s attorney is lying about him not submitting a valid V-card, and tell us when he was vaccinated. I can’t be disappointed in AB unless and until we get told the entire story that provides evidence of the accusation.

    Obviously Brady loves AB because he’s one of the best receivers in NFL history. AB needs to step aside and let the players work this nonsense out among themselves.

  85. Anonymous Says:

    AB is staying, everyone with a brain can tell you if the Bucs were going to release him yesterday was the day to do it.

    Waiting 3 weeks is just for the heat to die down and they can just quietly bring them back. I have no doubt he will be watched like a hawk and hell they may bring him back next year if Brady wants him but he’s gonna be making way less money.

  86. Zenmind22 Says:

    It’s called accountability. It’s one thing to not get vaccinated. It’s a whole other thing to go out of your way to fake getting vaccinated and put people, and the whole team at risk. It’s a hit, but bucco Bruce needs to have the courage to stand up and say goodbye to AB. You drew a line in the sand for a reason BA, don’t draw a new one.

  87. Sucatkane Says:

    I don’t think we should cut either of them who cares if they had the fake card they didn’t jeopardize anyone because if everyone else was vaccinated then they can’t get covid right only those 2 or what’s the point of the vaccine if you can still get it stupid

  88. Coburn Says:

    I’d be pretty shocked if any jail time was served, it’s UP TO. I’d assume more likely for the distributor of then. Also just look at all the crap players regularly get a slap on the wrist for

  89. Mustachechuckself Says:

    God Bless Tom Brady and the Bucs it’s so nice to have this little controversy! And be a relevant team still this time of year. Count your blessings say a prayer NFC championship game and we are all singing a fight song together Merry Christmas

  90. Bellingham Bucs Fan Says:

    If BA pursues further suspension for these two important players, he should be summarily dismissed. This is a football season, not a Democratic convention.

  91. Ploribus Says:

    Maybe this is all noise and BA prefers AB stay because they are way better when he’s on the field

  92. Josh the pat Says:

    Your a B!+ch@$$ someone is salty AF for the Patriots winning so many super bowls, and guess what we’re coming this year too, and you’ll be even more salty crying wolf that the greatest coach of all time is a cheater (with NO PHYSICAL EVIDENCE) LMAO Get a REAL job and stop writing these stupid columns that only bandwagon buccs fans read