Tampa Bay Buccaneers release statement on Mike Evans fight
By Josh Hill
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got some unwelcome news on Friday when a TMZ video showing rookie wide receiver Mike Evans surfaced and started causing problems.
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Evans has since denied that the video is new but the damage may already be done in terms of punishment from the league for off-field behavior. When it comes to how the Bucs feel about the matter though, there really isn’t a sense of panic — or of any concern either.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Buccaneers are not saying that the video that was released isn’t their rookie wide out but they’re also not saying they’re mad at him.
"“During his time here since we drafted him in May, Mike has met all of our expectations both on and off the football field,” coach Lovie Smith said in a statement issued Friday night. “After speaking with Mike, our feelings about him remain unchanged. We expect him to be an important member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for many years to come and we consider this matter closed.”"
Tampa Bay isn’t condoning what is going on in the video nor are they trying to say that it isn’t Evans but what they’re saying is nothing really that bad will come from this. It’s not surprising that the team is supporting their prized rookie and this laid back attitude about the matter makes things seem less serious but only the NFL can determine if Evans will miss games because of his actions.
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