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Given the bombshell news that Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib went all Sonny Corleone (what, Luca Brasi was tied up?) in recent days, (allegedly) pistol whipping and shooting at a fleeing subject and being slapped with a felony charge, this may have changed how the Bucs tackle the upcoming draft. Pat Kirwan of CBSSports discusses how the latest chapter in the Talib book of distractions will effect the Bucs draft.
If Joe has heard it once, Joe has heard it two dozen times: The lockout will be the ruin of the Bucs; their young players won’t be able to handle so much free time.
Well, in the case of troubled Aqib Talib, that would be correct. But Dan Parr of ProFootballWeekly.com believes this notion is pure nonsense. He thinks those that say this about the Bucs are once again underestimating the Bucs.
While we can try to project who is affected most by the lockout, the reality is that the work stoppage isn’t good for the development of any NFL team, and I’m getting the feeling that some people just don’t understand the Bucs.
They didn’t allow age and inexperience to be obtrusive barriers for them last season, and the respect they have for each other and Morris will be powerful as they try to withstand the challenges that this offseason will provide.
We have to acknowledge that the Buccaneers are in a far better position than other clubs when it comes to managing this situation. They don’t have to worry about implementing new offensive or defensive schemes or trying to establish chemistry with a new group of players because of major roster turnover.
Parr makes a good point. The teams that are screwed have new coordinators or are trying to install new offenses or new defenses. With the exception of Talib, the Bucs have consistency on both sides of the ball.
Pressure is not on the Bucs to say anything or do anything in the wake of Aqib Talib being accused of acting like a modern day Paul Kersey.
For now, Mark Dominik and Raheem Morris can breathe the relaxing fumes of the NFL lockout and calmly assess the Talib situation on and off the field before making critical decisions, so says NFL.com analyst Steve Wyche.
Wyche reminds fans that the Bucs still have all their options on the table when it comes to addressing their secondary. And that even includes the two words seemingly abhorred by rock star general manger Mark Dominik: free agency.
Since there is no free agency until the courts or a settlement on a collective bargaining agreement dictate as much, the Bucs have time to assess everything before deciding what to do — at least in free agency. Had free agency gone off as planned, Asomugha, Joseph and other top-shelf corners probably would have been gone with Tampa Bay paying little attention because it felt so secure with Talib.
Considering the way things currently stand, that whole dynamic has changed — and so could the look of the Bucs’ secondary.
As Joe has written countless times before, Joe’s not seeing the value in paying Nnamdi Asomugha $20 million a season when that money could go fill more important holes.
Wyche brings up Johnathan Joseph. He’s younger and could make more sense all around. But Joe’s not going to pretend to be an expert on Joseph during his time with the Bengals.
Sadly, it seems the only guy who can replace Talib is, well, Talib. He’s that good. No doubt his on-field value will affect how the Bucs react to his legal funny business.
It seems Aqib Talib’s legal team might go for the homerun defense, which in Talib’s case would be to claim he didn’t fire a gun at the dude who allegedly was harrassing his sister.
Not self defense. Not temporary insanity. Just unabashed innocence on the felony assault with a deadly weapon charge that has rocked the Bucs.
Rick Stroud, of the St. Pete Times, dished out some details on newly-formed Team Talib preparing to bring its artillery into Texas court.
Talib has retained noted Pittsburgh sports attorney Jay Reisinger, a member of the legal teams that represented Alex Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa and Andy Pettitte. He also has hired Dallas criminal attorney Frank Perez and H. David Lozano, a private investigator of Drake Security Patrol.
Although Talib’s attorneys declined comment Wednesday, privately he’s been adamant that he did not fire a weapon during the domestic disturbance. Talib told Clint Bowen, a co-defensive coordinator during his career at the University of Kansas, that only his mom pulled the trigger.
“I talked to Aqib two days ago,” Bowen said. “I told him, ‘I just read something about you firing a gun.’ He said, ‘Man, I didn’t do a thing. It’ll all come out soon.’ He just kept saying that…He said, ‘I didn’t do that. That was my mom. It’s all going to come out.”’
Isn’t this interesting. As Joe wrote previously, Talib could very well become a sympathetic figure from this case as his legal team paints a picture of a man protecting his family from a dangerous sleazebag.
Now if there’s not enough evidence to prove Talib used the gun — that doesn’t mean he didn’t — surely Talib will be a playmaker on the field for the Bucs next season unles Mark Dominik and Raheem Morris have crafted a radically new discipline policy.
Nubile, athletic women are working hard at One Buc Palace to prepare for official cheerleading tryouts.
They’re stretching and running and wearing tight clothing as they sweat for us fans.
Joe applauds their efforts, and Joe applauds the Bucs official Facebook page for covering the action from all angles. While many will fight for the precious spots on the squad, Joe wants all the aspiring ladies to know there’s always a place for them to workout on JoeBucsFan TV.
A cheerleading squad hopeful getting fit at One Buc Palace, courtesy of the Buccaneers Facebook page.
There are few NFL insiders who do the research and work behind the scenes with contacts on a daily basis from scouts to general managers more than Pat Kirwan.
The former NFL pro player personnel director and former linebackers coach, who now works as an analyst for NFL.com, CBSSports.com and Sirius NFL Radio, spoke about what the Bucs need to do with troubled cornerback Aqib Talib.
Kirwan on Wednesday summed up his feelings in two words: “Dump him,” while co-hosting “Movin’ the Chains” with Tim Ryan heard exclusively on Sirius NFL Radio.
Tim Ryan: If you are Mark Dominik and the Bucs, what do you do with Aqib Talib? It seem some of the Bucs are already trying to save his job. Jeff Faine has already started.
Pat Kirwan: I learned the hard way about guys like this. You dump him. You dump him but not before you replace him.
Kirwan went on to say Talib’s decision to (allegedly) fire shots at a fleeing man last week may have forced Dominik and the Bucs to spend on a cornerback in free agency. Many Bucs fans will embrace themselves in the knowledge that Kirwan suggested the Bucs sign the free agent flavor of the season, Nnamdi Asomugha.
But Kirwan also touted that the Bucs draft a guy that intrigued Joe, Miami’s Brandon Harris. Kirwan lauded Harris for his smarts and his attitude and how he has natural instincts for the game, likely coming from his father who is a football coach.
Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik often talks about last year’s “second draft.” That was when he and his scouts scoured the waiver wire for players they deemed helpful.
One of those was guard Ted Larsen. The former Palm Harbor University High School standout was cut by Bill Belicheat after Belicheat tried to sneak Larsen past the rest of the NFL so Belicheat could put Larsen on the Pats practice squad.
As Belicheat found out the hard way, Dominik has an eagle eye.
It seems eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune has been hearing Bucs coaches rave about the local product.
The Bucs ended up averaging a franchise-record 4.6 yards per rushing attempt last season and Larsen’s steady work in the trenches next to Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn was a key factor. Tampa Bay heads into the 2011 season feeling very good about the left side of a young offensive line that protected quarterback Josh Freeman effectively for most of a 10-6 season.
One member of the Bucs staff said Larsen graded out even better than anticipated when the coaches broke down film of the 2010 season.
When Larsen sees a media horde forming around his locker, his first inclination is to walk away. The Bucs could care less because based on last year, Larsen’s play is speaking rather loudly.
Now just reading this piece, it leads one to believe Larsen was the key to the Bucs rushing game success. While Joe is certain Larsen played an important part, Joe will point the finger directly at LeGarrette Blount as to the success.
Let’s not forget that the Bucs rush offense was impotent before Blount was inserted. Opposing defenses all but mocked the Bucs rushing attack, basically focusing their efforts into shutting down the Bucs passing attack and daring the Bucs to run.
Once Blount got rolling, defenses had to adjust and all of a sudden the Bucs passing game blew up. It was no coincidence that Arrelious Benn broke out at the same time as Blount began gashing defenses.
Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib, a wanted man with a felony arrest warrant hanging over his head for allegedly shooting at a fleeing man last week, turned himself in to Garland (Tex.) police today, posted a $25,000 bond and walked.
In this St. Petersburg Times video, good guy Stephen Holder discusses what options the Bucs have should he not be available for any reason this season.
Entertaining, engaging, thoughtful and sometimes difficult to decipher, Simeon Rice is a man of many hats.
Not only does he bankroll his sister who is an aspiring pop singer — in Rice’s own words, she sings “panty-dropping music” — Rice is a budding movie director as well.
But the dude who famously roasted his former Bucs coach Chucky just days after he was fired by Team Glazer as “a scumbag” and hammered Stylez White for a lack of production still has the fire to play football.
Perhaps the Bucs best defensive end since Lee Roy Selmon retired, Rice claims he can cure the Bucs ills at defensive end, so he told eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune.
The only problem, says Rice, is that Raheem Morris needs to “smarten up.”
Improving at defensive end is a top priority as Tampa Bay prepares for next month’s draft and Rice was one of the dominant pass rushers of his era with 122 career sacks. He made everyone around him better after the Bucs signed him in 2001 as a free agent from Arizona.
“Whenever they need a guy off the edge, just call,’’ Rice said. “I’m sitting there at the gate (One Buc Place) saying hit me up when you need me.’‘
Now Joe knows Rice’s tank is empty as far as his playing days are over. Joe loves Simeon and you know what, whenever the NFL returns teams are going to have to reach out and maybe do some things that will salve the wounds fans may have over the lockout.
How cool would it be just to bring in Rice for a workout for a few days, if nothing else for a public relations stunt? Heck, he might even help tutor whoever Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik drafts at defensive end?
Rice’s movie venture is called “When I Was King,” and it’s about a guy who is trying — in eye-RAH’s words — “juggle” four mistresses simultaneously.
No jail time for Talib? Then bring him back to Tampa to be his stud cornerback self for the Buccaneers, said former Bucs quarterback Shaun King, co-host of The King David Show on 1010 AM today.
King said he’s in strong disagreement with the local columnists and talking heads who are calling for Talib’s head.
“Has Talib performed in his job as cornerback of the Tampa Bay Bucccaneers?” King asked rhetorically. “If I’m Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik, it’s not my job to be the moral cops of America. I would have a problem if they cut him. … If they don’t put him in jail in Texas, then let him come back and play football.
“The Bucs have an obligation not to cut him because he makes the Bucs a better team on Sunday.”
As Joe has written, Joe would get rid of Talib, but not on moral grounds — but because the team can’t count on him for the short term or the long term.
But as Joe has written, and said during numerous radio interviews over the past two days, Talib can quickly become a sympathetic figure given “the victim” in this case and the fact that Talib set out to protect his sister.
If Talib cuts a deal for a lesser charge and probation — what Joe and others expect — the Bucs could be facing a tougher decision on Talib than it may seem to be now, especially if the lockout is still in place and the story dies out.
Outraged at the actions of Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib who tried to pistol whip and then shoot a fleeing man last week and appalled that Talib is a member of the Bucs, a local store known for its Bucs gear sales is stopping any further shipments of Talib’s jersey.
Sensing the public backlash at Talib and knowing he would have to eat the jerseys, Eric Fox of Buccaneer Heaven made sure not another Talib jersey was delivered to his store, so writes Samara Sodos of WFLA-TV, writing for TBO.com.
Rumors swirling that Talib was involved in gunplay in Texas was enough for Fox, who on Monday canceled any further shipments of Talib’s jersey to the Florida Avenue store which sells Buccaneers merchandise.
“Gun charges and NFL players don’t seem to mix well,” Fox said.
If this isn’t evidence that Talib is done in Tampa Bay, nothing is. The man is now simply toxic to Bucs fans.
Are the Bucs sniffing Will Rackley in the third round?
Let’s hear it for a welcome break, albeit a short one, from Aqib Talib chatter. Soon he’ll be arrested, and then the arrest affidavit will come out and there’ll be a fresh round of speculation and hype.
NFL Draft guru Justin “The Commish” Pawlowski serves up his latest position breakdown below: offensive linemen.
Enjoy the most comprehensive Bucs-focused and entertaining draft coverage around.
Offensive Tackles
1. Tyron Smith – USC
6’5’’ – 307 lbs – DNP
1st Round
Why The Commish would draft him: A huge part of being an elite offensive tackle is having excellent technique. Smith has the best technique of any offensive tackle in this draft. Smith also possesses some of the longest arms in the draft, which prevents defensive linemen from getting into his chest. Smith has the most potential and upside of any offensive lineman in this draft.
Why The Commish would stay away: Although Smith has bulked up this off-season, he has never played at a weight higher than 280 lbs. First, I’d be concerned that he’ll be able to keep the weight on. I’d also be worried that he might lose some of his quickness and good technique with the added weight.
Impact on the Bucs: I don’t think the Bucs are sold on James Lee at right tackle. Smith played right tackle at USC, so if the Bucs want to continue building the protection for Freeman, Smith would be a nice fit. However, I would not trade up for him, and would have to think a long time before taking Smith over a defensive player. The Bucs are bringing Smith in for a visit
Comparison: D’Brickashaw Ferguson – New York Jets
2. Gabe Carimi – Wisconsin
6’7’’ – 314 lbs – 5.27
1st Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Big, nasty, and physical are three reasons I’d take Carimi.
Why The Commish would stay away: Any time you have a big and physical tackle from the Big 10 conference, you wonder if he can handle the speed rusher off the edge. If Carimi is going to play left tackle and protect the blindside of a franchise quarterback, he better be an elite pass protector, and I don’t think he is.
Impact on the Bucs: I think Carimi could be destined for a 10-12 year career as a right tackle in the NFL. With the Bucs having a possible need at right tackle, I would not mind one bit if they draft Carimi. Carimi would probably be a better fit than any offensive tackle the Bucs could consider in the first round. I doubt it would happen because of the Bucs need for defense, but if it did, the Bucs would have two offensive tackles to anchor their offensive line for years.
Comparison: Jon Runyan – Philadelphia Eagles
3. Anthony Castonzo – Boston College
6’7’’ – 311 lbs – 5.23
1st Round
Why The Commish would draft him: I have to love the 52 starts Castonzo has against top competition in college football. Castonzo is another player with real good technique and measurables. While Tyron Smith might have the most potential as an overall tackle, Castonzo has just as much potential as a left tackle to protect the blindside of a franchise quarterback.
Why The Commish would stay away: Castonzo’s lack of strength worries me. He might be a developmental project because he might not be strong enough to handle some defensive ends in the NFL yet. Lower body strength is lacking the most.
Impact on the Bucs: I think Castonzo’s future lies at left tackle. I always want my right tackles to be bigger and more physical. Castonzo’s strength is his athleticism and technique. I’m a believer that Donald Penn is one of the best left tackles in the NFL, so there is no need to even think of replacing him.
Comparison: Jake Long – Miami Dolphins
4. Derek Sherrod – Mississippi St.
6’5’’ – 321 lbs – 5.28
1st Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Sherrod’s intangibles stand out to me the most. He’s a very smart player with outstanding instincts and awareness. Sherrod was 2nd team all academic as well. He has an outstanding work ethic and great leadership skills. Sherrod’s also had a ton of experience in the SEC. As for his talents, Sherrod is extremely balanced and nimble for a man his size.
Why The Commish would stay away: Sherrod doesn’t dominate as much as I’d like to see from him. Sherrod can also struggle with leverage at times, which takes away from his power.
Impact on the Bucs: Sherrod is a candidate to play either right or left tackle in the NFL. I think Sherrod is one of the more underrated prospects in this year’s draft. Again, I don’t think tackle is a huge target area for the Bucs, but if he was selected, Sherrod would compete for the starting right tackle position immediately.
Comparison: Michael Oher – Baltimore Ravens
5. Benjamin Ijalana – Villanova
6’4’’ – 317 lbs – DNP
1st/2nd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: I like an offensive lineman with a wrestling background like Ijalana. He is a big boy who’s very nimble and plays with great leverage. His violent punch can stifle an opposing player and stop him in his tracks.
Why The Commish would stay away: The competition for Villanova wasn’t the best and I have concerns with how Ijalana will handle speed rushers off the edge in the NFL. Ijalana also lacks the ideal height (6’5’’ – 6’7’’) of an NFL tackle. I know it’s just one inch, but these scouts and front offices are very particular. I think it’s pretty dumb.
Impact on the Bucs: I think the 20th pick is too high for Ijalana, so the only way Ijalana is taken by the Bucs is if he falls to them in the 2nd round. He compares favorably to Davin Joseph and could play guard or right tackle.
Comparison: Davin Joseph – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
6. Nate Solder – Colorado
6’8’’ – 319 lbs – 5.05
1st/2nd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: I love the combination of size and athleticism with Solder. He is a converted tight end, so you know he is athletic. Solder is also very good in pass protection as he only gave up 5 sacks in 3 years as a starting offensive tackle.
Why The Commish would stay away: Let’s start with his height. Anytime you’re that tall, leverage is going to come into question. Also, just a few weeks after the combine, Solder weighed in at 307 lbs at his pro day. At 6’8’’, that is very light. I wonder if Solder can keep the weight on.
Impact on the Bucs: I’m not the biggest fan of Solder. I do not think he would be a great fit for the Bucs. I think Solder is a solid tackle with potential to start on the left side.
Comparison: Winston Justice – Philadelphia Eagles
7. Marcus Cannon – TCU
6’5’’ – 358 lbs – 5.28
2nd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Cannon fits the description for my ideal offensive lineman. He is massive, physical, and mean. Cannon could be great in run blocking and opening holes for a smash mouth offense.
Why The Commish would stay away: Obviously, with a man this size, maintaining weight will always be an issue. Also with a man this size, he’s not as nimble or quick in pass protection. Cannon will be limited to right tackle, but might be forced to move down to guard.
Impact on the Bucs: I think Cannon could end up as a star at the guard position. With that said, Cannon really isn’t the type of lineman the Bucs typically go for. If we were to slip to their pick in the 2nd round, I wouldn’t mind if he was under consideration. A left side of Donald Penn and Marcus Cannon could be nice. I’m not getting my hopes up.
Comparison: Leonard Davis – Dallas Cowboys
8. Marcus Gilbert – Florida
6’6’’ – 330 lbs – 5.46
2nd/3rd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: I think I like Gilbert’s versatility the most. He can play left or right tackle, and also move down to guard. He has a lot of experience against top competition as well. Gilbert has good leadership skills and a nasty demeanor.
Why The Commish would stay away: It seems like Gilbert lives for the stalemate. Gilbert just doesn’t do a great job at finishing off blocks or dominating in the run game. Gilbert also seems to lose leverage at times.
Impact on the Bucs: The Bucs have always had a thing for linemen with versatility. Gilbert might be a nice mid round selection who could compete at right tackle or guard for the Bucs.
Comparison: Jonathon Scott – Pittsburh Steelers
9. James Carpenter – Alabama
6’4’’ – 321 lbs – 5.28
3rd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Carpenter was a 2-year starter at left tackle for Alabama, but is versatile enough to play right tackle or guard as well. Another positive from playing at Alabama is that Carpenter played well against top competition. He has very good body control for a man his size.
Why The Commish would stay away: Carpenter isn’t quick enough or have long enough arms to play left tackle in the NFL. Carpenter also is not as nasty as I want in my offensive linemen. It seems like he might be lacking a killer instinct.
Impact on the Bucs: Again, the Bucs like versatility in their linemen. If selected, Carpenter could compete at right tackle or at guard.
Comparison: Vernon Carey – Miami Dolphins
10. James Brewer – Indiana
6’6’’ – 323 lbs – 5.27
3rd/ 4th Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Brewer is a tremendous athlete with a lot of raw ability. He is very nimble and does a good job at pulling and getting to the 2nd level. Brewer’s big frame and long arms allow him to potentially play left tackle in the NFL.
Why The Commish would stay away: Brewer is very raw. He just started playing football as a senior in high school. By being inexperienced, Brewer lacks ideal technique and is not very powerful.
Impact on the Bucs: Brewer could be a big time boom or bust prospect in the middle rounds. He is inexperienced and very raw, but also very talented. For the Bucs, Brewer would add decent depth and an eventual contender for right tackle, but not immediately.
Comparison: Chris Williams – Chicago Bears
Interior Linemen
1. Mike Pouncey – OG/OC – Florida
6’5’’ – 303 lbs – 5.28
1st Round
Why The Commish would draft him: I know he’s not his brother, but after what his brother did with the Steelers, it’s hard to ignore that. Pouncey is tough, physical, and plays with great technique. He is a very smart player who plays with excellent technique and has a ton of experience against the best competition in the country.
Why The Commish would stay away: As much as people want to believe it, Mike Pouncey is not his brother. He is not dominant in the run game and can get caught lunging at times. Dare I even bring up shotgun snaps?
Impact on the Bucs: I do think the Bucs have a legit interest in Pouncey. He can play guard and be an eventual replacement for Jeff Faine. Also, remember that Mike Tomlin has the other Pouncey and has probably been bragging to Raheem a lot.
Comparison: Maurkice Pouncey – Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Danny Watkins – OG – Baylor
6’3’’ – 310 lbs – 5.40
1st/2nd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: In a very short time, Watkins developed into a very good offensive lineman at Baylor. Once Jason Smith was drafted in the top 5 a couple years back, Watkins stepped in at left tackle and never lost his job. He is a late bloomer, 27 years old, but is very mature and can step in and start right away. He decided to play football when preparing to become a firefighter. Watkins is very tough and has a fantastic work ethic.
Why The Commish would stay away: I’m a little weary because Watkins is already 27 years old and still has a lot to learn in terms of technique. With not much experience, Watkins will most likely also deal with a position change to right tackle or guard in the NFL.
Impact on the Bucs: I do not think Watkins is a great fit for the Bucs unless they trade back. At 27 years old, Watkins is already older than half the Bucs team. If drafted, he’d compete at right tackle and guard.
Comparison: Logan Mankins – New England Patriots
3. Stefan Wisniewski – OC – Penn St.
6’3’’ – 313 lbs – 5.35
2nd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Intangibles are high with Wisniewski. He is very smart with excellent instincts and great awareness. Wisniewski was also fantastic in the classroom. He is very tough and physical in the trenches. Wisniewski could end up as a starter, leader, and captain for a long time.
Why The Commish would stay away: Wisniewski is not as dominant in the run game as I’d like. He’s also not the best athlete and lacks agility.
Impact on the Bucs: The 20th pick might be a bit high, but Wisniewski has 10-year NFL starter written all over him. Jeff Faine’s injuries and money should be concerns. Much like Pouncey, Wisnieski could step in at guard before eventually sliding over to center.
Comparison: Alex Mack – Cleveland Browns
4. Jason Pinkston – OG – Pitt
6’3’’ – 317 lbs – 5.45
2nd/3rd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: As a 4-year starter at Pitt, Pinkston has a lot of experience vs. very good competition. Let’s not forget, he went against Jabaal Sheard and Greg Romeus everyday at practice as well. Pinkston is a compact lineman with good bulk and strength. Pinkston should also have some versatility along the line.
Why The Commish would stay away: Pinkston is not as physical as you’d like him to be. Because of this, Pinkston does not get a good push and is not dominant in the run game. Pinkston has also struggled with conditioning, and his work ethic has been questioned.
Impact on the Bucs: I’m not sure Pinkston fits what the Bucs look for in a lineman. His questionable work ethic stands out the most. If he is selected by the Bucs, Pinkston would challenge for right tackle and guard.
Comparison: Shawn Andrews – New York Giants
5. Will Rackley – OG – Lehigh
6’3’’ – 309 lbs – DNP
3rd Round
Why The Commish would draft him: Versatility is a huge word with Rackley. He played left tackle at Lehigh, but should be able to play any position on the line in the NFL. Rackley has very good technique and plays with very good leverage.
Why The Commish would stay away: Obviously, the competition wasn’t the greatest for Lehigh, so that is a concern. I’d also like to see Rackley play with and get more strength.
Impact on the Bucs: Rackley seems like a guy the Bucs would go after. He is very versatile and could fit anywhere they need him. Rackley could be a very solid mid-round pick with potential to eventually start.
Comparison: Jeremy Zuttah – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Let’s be honest. When we all read here on JoeBucsFan.com Monday morning that Aqib Talib was, yet again, involved in a hassle with the cops and other folks in Texas, was anyone really surprised, did it shock anyone?
Sadly, Bucs fans have become conditioned to such nonsense since he was selected in the first round of the 2008 draft.
But a man who has known Talib longer than most Bucs fans, and likely knows Talib better than most people in Florida, not only wasn’t surprised, he put fingers to keyboard and blasted Talib on Twitter in the wee hours of this morning.
Jason King of Yahoo! Sports once was a sportswriter for the Kansas City Star and his beat was covering the nearby Kansas Jayhawks, both football and basketball.
King — as best he could given the 140-word limit of Twitter — painted a jarring picture of Talib as a college athlete.
Not surprised at all by this Aqib Talib story. The single biggest dumbass I ever covered at Kansas – or anywhere, for that matter.
Wow. Since Talib was arguably the Jayhawks best player when he left the school, King likely got to know him quite well with all the stories he had to write about Talib.
Granted, not all college athletes are in to study why federal authorities seized Robert E. Lee’s home, Arlington, which quickly was turned into a national cemetery (hint: because it made it hard to mow the lawn) or to debate the merits of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Cantrell v. ABC.
But, given the fact King is now a national columnist and touches base with far more athletes than he ever had in Kansas City, to suggest Talib was not the brightest light bulb of all athletes he has worked with is a damning comment.
Throwing millions (tens of millions?) of dollars away last week like Talib did certainly reinforces King’s beliefs.
Look for Talib to cut a deal to a lesser charge and get between two and 10 years probation, a Dallas defense attorney told JoeBucsFan.com.
Joe spent a bunch of time late last night getting up to speed on Texas penal code and chatting off-the-record with a friendly, seasoned Dallas defense attorney. (Truth be told, the guy wasn’t that friendly initially, but Joe warmed him up.)
First, let Joe say he’s written all sorts of law enforcement/cops legal stories in his past life working as a reporter for the Tampa Tribune, so this was hardly Joe’s first foray into the boring ass world of online statutes and legalspeak.
Talib’s assault charge is taken very seriously in Texas. If he goes to court and loses, then it is mandatory jail time. The judge is not allowed to sentence with probation unless instructed by a jury when a “firearm” is part of a second-degree felony assault charge.
Joe was told, per the defense attorney, that type of lenient jury-instruction scenario would be about as likely as Joe enjoying a sponge bath with Rachel Watson tonight. Not going to happen.
Keep in mind that Texas courts view Talib as a pretty good guy. His little misdemeanor battery in Florida was wiped from his record after successfully completing probation and anger management class. Talib’s NFL escapades don’t factor in. He’s essentially 25 years old and a first-time offender.
Joe’s defense attorney contact said Texas courts go easy on guys like Talib, especially when “the victim” in the case is an unsavory character, like the alleged sister-beating thug Talib fired shots at. And, per the defense attorney, prosecuters will take into account that nobody was seriously hurt during the alleged assault.
The defense attorney believes, based on the limited information available — Talib hasn’t been arrested yet on the warrant — that Talib will be offered a deal to accept a lesser felony charge, or a misdemeanor charge, and walk away with between two and 10 years of probation.
If the Bucs decision on Talib isn’t made already, it’ll be interesting to see how the NFL handles Talib assuming the above deal scenario plays out.
If Talib gets a good PR man and successfully paints himself as a guy who lost control protecting his family, don’t be shocked if Roger Goodell only hands out a four-game suspension.
Now Joe is the first one to know that reporters and columnists rarely get to write their own headlines. That’s generally the work of copy editors — people readers never get to see on TV, hear on radio and rarely if ever see their bylines in the 19th century news delivery service called “newspapers.”
But kudos to whoever at The News Center wrote the headline for Joe Henderson’s column about Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib, who was slapped by Garland (Tex.) police with a felony arrest warrant yesterday.
[UPDATE: When Joe first wrote this post at 1:27 a.m. this morning, Joe thought that headline for TBO was rather bold. And Joe was right. The fine folks at The News Center saw fit to change the headline from “It would be a crime if Bucs Didn’t Cut Aqib Talib” to something softer. ]
Henderson is the voice of reason among Tampa Bay scribes. Naturally he is appalled at the latest stunt by Talib and Henderson, almost writing as if he is sighing with relief, believes Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik will turn the page and begin a new chapter in Bucs history.
[Talib] makes plays, some of them spectacular, but the Bucs can’t count on him. He has the talent to be a fixture at the Pro Bowl, but it keeps getting short-circuited by his lack of common sense.
Maybe the legal system of Texas will beat Dominik to the punch, so to speak.
Talib faces the potential for considerable time in the slammer, but the Bucs can’t wait for the final act in this theater of the absurd.
Yes, as Joe alluded to yesterday, Talib has entered Tanard Jackson territory. Time for a spring cleaning.
At least with Talib (and Jackson) off the roster, you know you will never have his services again, which is a much better position than not knowing when, or if, you will have his services again.
Joe has already discussed how the Bucs draft of 2007 may have been one of the worst in franchise history.
Now that Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib’s job security with the team is in grave danger, Joe decided to look at the 2008 class, the year that Aqib Talib was selected 20th overall.
First round: Talib. His job status is, at best, flimsy.
Second round: The bad Dexter Jackson. Pppfffttt!
Third round: Jeremy Zuttah: Not bad. Zuttah very well could be starting for the Bucs next season. In limited spot starts in his three years with the club at right guard and at center, Zuttah has played admirably if not good.
Fourth round: Dre Moore. Pppfffttt! Joe chuckles when he remembers an editor of a certain Bucs publication claimed live on the air that Monte Kiffin was not missed by those in the front office of One Buc Palace because Kiffin would not play Moore. Can you imagine?
Fifth round: Josh Johnson. In Raheem Morris’ own words, “a career backup,” though valuable when used in specific situations.
Sixth round: Geno Hayes. If Talib’s days with the Bucs are indeed done, Hayes is the next person of concern for Bucs management as he has had run-ins with the law himself.
Seventh round: Cory Boyd. His only impact on the NFL was that he was Talib’s first victim and the first sign that Talib was a very troubled young man, perhaps possessed by inner demons.
Folks, is there any wonder why Bruce Almighty and Chucky were jettisoned? Above is Exhibit-A and Exhibit-B.
Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik issued a quick, two-sentence reaction to the news that Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib was issued an arrest warrant on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a felony in Texas.
“We are deeply troubled by the serious charges filed against Aqib Talib. Due to current labor circumstances, we will withhold any further comment or action.”
As Joe noted earlier, if convicted on this charge, Talib is facing a minimum of five years in the hole.
Rest assured this has also caught the attention of NFL warden commissioner Roger Goodell, who will have the final say if Talib plays another game for the Bucs while awaiting trial.
Garland (Tex.) police have issued an arrest warrant for Aqib Talib on a felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, per both Joe’s good friend, The Big Dog, Steve Duemig, of WDAE-AM 620, and J.P Peterson of WQYK-AM 1010.
If convicted on this charge, Talib is facing a minimum five-year sentence.
Below is the press release in its entirety, issued by Garland (Tex.) police concerning this investigation.
Warrants issued from March 21 disturbance call
Garland investigators have obtained warrants for Aqib Talib and Okolo Talib in connection with a disturbance police responded to on March 21 in the 900 block of Green Pond Drive.
On Monday, March 21, just before 7:30 pm Garland Police responded to the disturbance where it was reported people were outside fighting and gun shots had been heard. When police arrived they found 40 year old Shannon Billings alone and outside his residence. Shannon was listed as a suspect in a disturbance earlier the same day at the same location. He was later taken into custody and charged with Assault and Interference with Emergency Phone Call from the earlier incident.
Police began their investigation into the second disturbance of the day. The information gathered at the scene along with information gathered by detectives on follow up investigations have led police to believe that Aqib Talib attempted to physically assault and did shoot at Shannon Billings. They also believe Okolo Talib, Aqib’s mother, shot at Shannon Billings. Based on that information warrants have been obtained for Aqib Talib for Aggravated Assault Deadly with a Weapon and for Okolo Talib for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The charges are classified as 2nd degree felonies and carry a range of punishment of 5 -20 years in prison.
Okolo Talib turned herself into the Garland Jail this morning. She was booked in for the Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. At the time of book in an additional charge of Felon in Possession of Firearm was also added based on a previous conviction. Bond was set at $25,000 for the Aggravated Assault charge and $5,000 for the Possession of Firearm charge.
Aqib Talib is scheduled to turn himself in sometime later this week on his warrant for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Bond for that warrant is set at $25,000.
In a bold, thoughtful and compelling post, Pat Yasinskas, working for the Disney syndicate better known as BSPN, seems to agree with Martin Fennelly of the Tampa Tribune that the Bucs should rid themselves of the perpetual legal headache that Aqib Talib seems to have become.
Yasinskas spells out how cutting Talib wouldn’t be much of a pinch at all financially for the Bucs, and the saved cash could be used to bolster other positions on the defense, including cornerback.
And there’s one other reason why it would be easy to simply cut Talib — and don’t underestimate the importance of this. It would be financially painless.
Talib presently is scheduled to earn $1,653,750 in base salary in 2011. He’s also got escalator and incentive clauses that could boost his $1,852,5000 base salary in 2012. At the moment, his scheduled salary-cap figure for 2011 is $1,953,750.
If the Bucs cut Talib, they take a $600,000 cap hit for outstanding signing-bonus proration, but they would free up $1,353,750 in salary-cap space.
Joe really didn’t factor in the financial ramifications of turning loose Talib — who is now cooperating with authorities — for his multiple violent transgressions.
Two things we all have to wait on to see what the Bucs do with Talib, if anything. One of course is if Texas authorities charge Talib with anything. Second will be the new CBA. Until the CBA is signed, Talib’s spot with the Bucs is safe.
