Bucs QB Josh Freeman in stage one of league’s drug program

Things just keep getting worse for Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman.

In the offseason, heading into the last year of his contract, Freeman did not receive a contract extension. Then, he had the “C” removed from his jersey, meaning he was no longer a captain. After that, his head coach, Greg Schiano, informed reporters that Freeman was late to a team picture. Then, Freeman struggled through the first three games, all losses. In those games, Freeman was 43-of-94 for 571 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Heading into Saturday’s 13-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Freeman was benched in favor of North Carolina State rookie Mike Glennon. Freeman then expressed his desire for a trade and the Bucs asked him to sit in a suite rather than watch from the sideline.

Now, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting Freemn “is a stage one participant in the NFL’s drug program but he is not one strike away from a suspension despite being subject to random testing.”

Mortensen also says that Freeman hasn’t necessarily failed any test and “a player can be placed in stage one for a variety of reasons, including behavioral causes. The medical director determines the length of stage one status.”