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.

A chapter sans Talib.

[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.

Joe has made no secret that he believes Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik should give Tanard Jackson a parting gift for participating with the Bucs.

There may not be a better safety in the NFL than Jackson. But the guy cannot — allegedly — stay away from the smoke and that hippie lettuce — allegedly — is more important to him than his teammates or his career (he is due to be a free agent shortly but he’ll be lucky to make the NFL minimum as opposed to the megamillions his talent would normally bring).

In short, you cannot count on Jackson. At all. If he plays a game when his suspension is lifted, that would be  more surprise than expectation. And he’s on his last chance. Next time he is popped, he will have to hope the UFL or CFL will want his services; his NFL days will be over.

Bucs troubled cornerback Aqib Talib is dangerously close to Jackson’s territory for far more troubling reasons.

It has come to the point that Bucs fans expect Talib to be in some sort of hassle with the law… or with his teammates… or with his coaches… or with NFL warden commissioner Roger Goodell.

As Joe wrote yesterday, Talib’s incidents are growing increasingly more violent. Whatever the Bucs are doing or the state of Florida did to curb his anger issues clearly are not working. If this pattern of Talib’s violent behavior takes the next step, well, Joe will let you come to the very frightening conclusion.

In short, is all of this nonsense worth it for the Bucs? Veteran sports columnist Gary Shelton isn’t too sure. The longtime respected sports voice of the St. Petersburg Times wonders if the Bucs should just turn Talib loose when the new CBA is agreed upon.

For a long time now, Talib has been a talented troublemaker, a walking bad decision followed by controversy and headed toward scandal. He does not hear the scolding, he is impervious to lapel-shaking, and he is beyond the benefit of doubt. The drugs in college. The fights with teammates. The assault. The suspension. And now this.

Here’s a question: Can Talib’s career withstand another scandal?

Here’s another: Should it?

Shelton even goes so far as to wonder if Bucs coaches or management are simply enabling Talib instead of bringing the hammer down upon him. It’s a fair question.

Let’s be frank: If charges are brought against Talib, is shooting at a person any worse or better than being popped for intent to sell pot?

Mark Dominik is a youngster among his peers. He’s a rock star general manager. But will he blaze a brave new trail?

Sports Illustrated columnist and NFL Radio and NBC Sports talking head Peter King warns fans that the young general managers around the NFL might very well toss the established logic in place on draft day.

And how many GMs are younger than Dominik?

Whether you call it RaysIndex.com or JoeRaysFan.com, those sites are where it’s at for all things Rays.

The unnerving details surrounding Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib doing his best Sonny Corleone impression has to make any Bucs fan wonder about Talib’s future employment with the Bucs, both short-term and long-term, not to mention his chances of continuing to walk the streets as a free citizen.

This subject has also got the attention of Tampa Tribune humorist Martin Fennelly. The nationally-respected columnist believes Talib’s track record of violence-related antics have run it’s course.

Fennelly writes it’s time for Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik to cut ties with the Bucs problem child.

Everyone knows this guy is Bad News. It’s going to end badly. It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when.

The Bucs’ sliding sense of justice is in full view.

I mean, would Talib still be part of this team if he wasn’t very good at football?

Joe’s not sure how many of his readers heard him live on the Ron and Ian Show on WDAE-AM 620 yesterday morning to discuss the Talib issue. In short, Joe mentioned how fortunate both Talib and the Bucs are that Talib clearly can’t handle a gun.

First, in an attempt to pistol whip a man, Talib dropped the gun and the victim was able to pick it up and run with it.

Second, Talib — if witness testimonies are to be believed — shot at and missed the victim… twice!

Whew!

Where do the Bucs really stand on Myron Lewis?

Thirty days from the NFL draft, and now the Bucs are searching for a cornerback that prefers to keep his violence on the field.

The debate will rage for days how the Bucs should proceed in the secondary. NFL Draft guru Justin “The Commish” Pawlowski, of WDAE-AM 620, touched on the subject via his draft page at 620wdae.com. Joe suggests you click through and take a look.

Remember, as part of the stellar draft coverage on JoeBucsFan.com, The Commish already has broken down potential cornerbacks and their possible impact on the Bucs. Might be time to give it a second look.

Joe’s of the mind that a big part of the Bucs’ decision making comes down to their evaluations and expectations of Myron Lewis, who looked like a rookie last year, unlike many of his fellow Bucs rookies.

If the Bucs’ braintrust truly believes Lewis is the proverbial “next man up,” then don’t expect anything bold from the Bucs in the secondary in the aftermath of Aqib Talib’s Wild West shenanigans.

In some ways, it’s noble for a guy to go all Sonny Corleone on a skunk who has roughed up his sister.

But it’s not smart in any sense of the word for a guy on thin ice with a highly-paid, promising NFL career on the line to perhaps urinate it away by pistol whipping said skunk and then trying to gun him down as he ran from the scene… allegedly.

Whether Texas police turn the other cheek or authorities decided to bring Talib up on charges will be known shortly, so reports Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times.

“I will confirm he is a person of interest,” Garland police spokesman Joe Harn told the St. Petersburg Times Monday. “This is still an open case. Once the detectives have decided, probably later this week, if there are charges that need to be brought against him or not, because of the high-profile interest in this case, we’ll have an announcement.”

Talib, who was suspended one game last season for assaulting a St. Petersburg cab driver in 2009, could face further sanctions from the NFL from his involvement in the incident.

It will be interesting to see if Talib wiggles off the hook on this one. Joe is of the opinion this may never have happened if there wasn’t a lockout. Talib very well could have been at One Buc Palace working out, far from the trouble in Texas where he is doing a bad imitation of Captain America.

As loyal JoeBucsFan.com readers know, Joe often needs a barf bag when exposed to most things ESPN. But still, Joe is always sniffing out all things Bucs from all sources, including those of the Disney cartel.

In this BSPN video allegedly about the draft, Trent Dilfer, Chris Mortensen and some draft expert with motionless hair team up to make a bunch of love to the Bucs, among other tidbits. …Prepare to laugh out loud when Dilfer says no offensive coordinator in the league is better than Greg Olson.

With the news of Aqib Talib’s failed attempt to play Sonny Corleone, the immediate concerns of the Bucs secondary came to Joe’s mind.

No, Joe still is against going after a mega-free agent cornerback. Too costly when there are other much greater areas of needs for the Bucs (linebacker, defensive end, offensive line spring to mind). Besides, the Bucs secondary is solid, as documented by FootballOutsiders.com.

But with the very real chance Talib may miss games, Joe wonders if this changes Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik’s draft plans? Or more precise, what to do with Talib?

Per Rotoworld.com, Talib signed a five-year, $14 million contract in July 2008 that includes $8.2 million guaranteed. 2011: $1,653,750, 2012: $1,852,500, 2013: Free agent.

With Ronde Barber retiring after the 2011 season, would the Bucs see fit to let Talib loose too, thereby creating at least one hole in the secondary?

Surely the Bucs are tired of dealing with all of Talib’s violent antics and to be frank, they have escalated. First, throwing down at a rookie symposium. Then, wielding a helmet at teammates which could have put someone in a hospital, or worse. That was followed up by slugging a cabbie while flying down the highway at 55 mph (or more). In between he had a cursing tirade at his head coach in a hotel lobby in England and got a little crazy with NFL officials after a close loss at Baltimore. Now, an assault and gunfight.

The next incident, well, Joe doesn’t want to think about it.

Dominik will surely wash his hands of Talib after the 2012 season, letting him walk and be someone else’s headache.

If Talib makes it that far.

THE PESSIMIST is a diehard Bucs fan whose negative writings appear occasionally on JoeBucsFan.com. His views surely do not necessarily reflect those of Joe. However, Joe sure gets a kick out of them.

So Roger Goodell said he wants to punish players for misbehaving during a lockout, when the NFL wants nothing to do with its players, won’t pay their benefits, won’t let them communicate with their team and has suspended their contracts.

What a two-faced phony.

So rather than play Charles Bronson last week, if Aqib Talib had broken his foot running sprints on a high school field and never played football again, the NFL wouldn’t have to pay him a dime left on his contract because of the lockout. But Goodell wants to be able to punish Talib for his lockout shenanigans?

THE PESSIMIST wants to barf. You can’t have it both ways, Goodell. 

For all THE PESSIMIST knows, Talib made the conscious decision to go wild last week because the lockout was in place. Maybe Talib is smarter than we think. Maybe he had the presence of mind to know his paycheck was somewhat safe as he defended his sister, albeit aggressively.

THE PESSIMIST knows Talib would have one hell of a lawsuit if Goodell suspends him for crimes committed during a lockout.

And if Goodell plans to go through with that BS, the Bucs should get a clear statement NOW from Goodell so the team can prepare properly for the NFL Draft.

Per the Tampa Tribune, Goodell said last week “we owe to our fans” enforcement of the personal conduct policy through the lockout.

THE PESSIMIST can’t stop laughing. You care about fans, Goodell? How about getting good, full-time referees and giving teams the freedom to lift a blackout before you worry about punishing guys that aren’t even on the payroll.

With the not-so-shocking news this morning that police in Texas have identified Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib as a “person of interest” in a disturbing domestic dispute where witnesses claim Talib tried to pistol whip and then shoot another man, it’s a good thing for Talib there is currently no CBA.

(Had there been a CBA, perhaps Talib would be at One Buc Palace working out and away from this mess back home?)

Since there is no CBA, the player conduct policy of the NFL is out the window. But NFL warden commissioner Roger Goodell has claimed he can still rule despite the players being locked out and no CBA in place.

Greg Aiello, spokesman for the NFL, e-mailed the Tampa Tribune Monday morning and it seems as if the NFL is trying to have things both ways.

“The conduct and drug policies are currently suspended,” Aiello said in an email to The Tampa Tribune on Monday. “However, any violations of law that occur during the work stoppage will be reviewed for potential discipline.”

That is consistent with statements NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made last week during the NFL owners’ meetings.

“The Personal Conduct Policy continues,” Goodell said. “It applies to everybody in the league. I don’t know how it would apply to the players under this circumstance, but it’s something I feel strongly about, that we owe to our fans.”

So what does this tell Joe? That with a new CBA in place, the owners are likely going to demand that language be included that all player conduct policies would be retroactive for the time during the lockout and that Talib will have to go to the principal’s office in New York to pay a visit to Goodell.

Of course, the word out of Dallas regarding Aqib Talib’s possible role in firing shots at some dude that repeatedly mistreated his sister is very troublesome.

It makes trying to decapitate Donald Penn with a deadly weapon seem tame.

But with the NFL locking out the players, fans and media have been led to believe that the behavior clauses in players’ contracts don’t apply during a lockout, drug tests, off-the-field issues, etc.

So barring Talib serving time for allegedly shooting at a guy, the Bucs’ season wouldn’t miss a beat where Talib is concerned.

Joe never thought he’d write this; but perhaps the lockout was a blessing.