Bucs Cut Quarterback Josh Freeman
TAMPA (CBSMiami) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got tired of waiting for a trade to develop and have decided instead to outright release former starting quarterback Josh Freeman, according to ESPN.com.
The release ends what had become a toxic environment between the one time starter and head coach Greg Schiano. The chain of events started when Schiano decided to bench Freeman, who had struggled this year, in favor of rookie quarterback Mike Glennon.
Since then, Schiano informed Freeman he wasn't allowed in team meetings, had him sit in a luxury box during last weekend's game, and multiple reports targeting Freeman have also emerged.
It was reported on Sunday that Freeman was in the NFL's substance abuse program, which Freeman readily admitted was for a positive test for a drug he uses for ADHD and that he entered the program voluntarily.
Then it was reported this week that Freeman had been fined multiple times by the Buccaneers for multiple alleged team violations. The Tampa Tribune said there were three fines in all from last week each with a maximum value of $10,410.
Freeman was due more than $6 million which the Buccaneers will still be on the hook for this year. Freeman is immediately available to any other team and he will keep all of the money he's owed by the Bucs and any new money if he signs with a new team.
