Bucs Would Welcome Investigation into Freeman Issues
By Peter Smith
In response to the talk of an investigation, the Bucs brass including general manager Mark Domenik and head coach Greg Schiano have said they would welcome an investigation into finding out how the information about quarterback Josh Freeman was leaked; particularly his involvement in the NFL drug program. There has been substantial speculation that Schiano had been involved in the leak in an effort to make Freeman look bad in the eyes of the public on the heels of an investigation done by the NFL Players Association had found that Schiano had discussed Freeman’s situation with other players on the team.
The NFLPA wants the league to conduct a joint investigation as it would allow them to question the key figures involved, which would include Schiano. The NFL released the following statement:
“We take the confidentiality provision of the policy as seriously as the union and will vigorously pursue any leads the union provides,” the NFL said. “However, such information should be shared confidentially with our office rather than inappropriately leaked to the media before the investigation has been concluded into the matter.”
In response to a pointed question about whether or not he released any information regarding Freeman, Schiano said flatly, “Absolutely not.”
After the game yesterday, he said the following: “We as an organization look forward to cooperating with the NFL and the NFLPA. I’ve already commented on it and we’ll leave it at that.”
Mark Domenik said this to The Tampa Tribune, “We’re not afraid of an investigation. We would welcome it.”
Freeman was ultimately released on October 3rd and he then went onto sign with the Minnesota Vikings. While Freeman will go on and have a chance to continue his career there and beyond, the situation is anything but resolved at this point and this is a situation that could drag on for a while with the potential of being what ultimately costs Schiano his job with the Bucs.
The team is saying the right things right now, but between the team’s performance on the field, the questions brought up by this situation, and the MRSA outbreak, the Bucs may decide to do a deep down cleaning at the facility that might start with the building, but might finish with the coaching staff.