Winslow not at first OTA

Update 6 p.m. GM Mark Dominik said the team was not surprised Kellen Winslow missed the first voluntary workout, saying Winslow was taking care of a "personal matter."

Dominik said Winslow's absence is nothing the team, or it's fans, should be overly concerned about.

Tight end Kellen Winslow, the team's biggest off-season acquisition, did not attend the Bucs' first day or organized team activities.

Former Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who visited the club Tuesday, spared no criticism for Winslow.

"So when your team fires up OTA's and you're not here, I guess you're being misunderstood again, right?'' Sapp said. "Your past don't equal your future, but it will damn sure give me some reflection of what you might do. I'll leave it at that.''

Bucs coach Raheem Morris is not expected to be available until Wednesday.

No word yet as to why Winslow did not attend the voluntary workouts Tuesday, but team officials were aware that he had a conflict and would join them soon.

Quarterback Luke McCown said Winslow's absence Tuesday will not be a setback.

"I don't think so, not this early,'' McCown said. "Kellen is a professional, he's a Pro Bowler, he knows how to get his body ready. I talk with Kellen weekly and make sure we're on the same page.''

Comments

[Robert]

Winslow, unles you just had a death in the family, your A%% should be on the field. Since the day you have come to town we have been giving you the benefit of the doubt and thinking a fresh start might be good for the quote on quote " SOLDIER". This team is going through many new changes and the last thing they need is some premodana who thinks he can do what he wants. It doesn't work that way buddy! Now park the sport bike and get your A%% on the field !

[Rube]

Doesn't look good, maybe he has a great excuse. This guy could be the best tight end in the league, if he just worked hard. Instead, he flies by on talent only. This is the number one reason Derrick Brooks should still be on the team. Number 55 would make it clear that everyone attends OTA's. I say bring him back, he still hasn't signed. Brooks is a humble man, he would come back if the Bucs had an offer sheet down. Let's start a petition! BRING BROOKS BACK! You need his leadership.

[OAR]

Maybe his father-in-law with Alzheimer's drove off to refuel his car and ended up in Mexico again. Still can't believe someone would let someone else(let alone thier own father) with Alzheimer's drive a car?

[Stephen Holder]

Everyone has their right to an opinion here, and I agree it's in his best interest to be around, but I think you guys are being a little hard on K2 here. If this stuff wasn't voluntary their contracts would require attendance. As it is, they don't. Again, if I'm the coach I want him there, without question. But I don't know that I'm getting totally bent out of shape about it, either. They still have more than a dozen more of these workouts, I believe.

[OAR]

Stephen that's fine but everybody's got opinions and aspirations of our Buc's doing well. I not dogging him(he had an excuse the first time see above), but man he just signed the most lucrative contract in the league for TE's. You'd think he'd want to get this thing going. Make me scratch my head. QB/WR timimg is a huge part of this game.

[OAR]

Opps, Makes me scratch my head. And I know he's not a WR(TE), but my point was about timing.

[Bob]

STEPHEN, CHILL OUT WITH THE SMALL TOWN NEWSPAPER REPORTER ATTITUDE. IF WE'RE IN NYC YOU WOULDNT BE SAYING ANY OF THAT GARBAGE. THERE ARE NO EXUSES PAL AND THAT IS HOW YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES SHOULD WORK. NOT LIKE SMALL TOWN CUB REPORTERS.

[hammerlaw14]

Stephen,

I have to agree with OAR. The fans want any reason they can find to believe in the Morris/Domenik tandem. There [only] offseason, non-draft, splash acquisition was Winslow. They stepped out on a limb acquiring him, and then made the debatable decision to extend him for millions despite his past.
You would think that any contract extension would have included language requiring him to be present at OTA's. I guess my gripe is, once-again, with management if such contractual language does not exist, but it certainly does not bode well for someone who is supposed to be a new-team leader to not show up at OTA's.

[Bob Arceneaux]

I'm sure if the Bucs could force Winslow to attend they would, but I think that is the meaning of voluntary.

There is no reason to be bent out of shape over him missing one day. If he misses all of the OTA sessions, then we can worry. Since the draft picks are all still hanging out in college anyways, it is not as if we hadn't traded for Winslow that the 2nd round pick would be here.

Stop rooting against Morris/Dominik and start rooting for the Buccaneers

[mike]

Hey Holder SHUT UP you hack!!!!! This guy is a punk and not a team guy. I know you HATED GRUDEN and am glad he is gone so now you have to cover for you little buddy Raheem!!!!! You know you would have slamed this team for signing this no character guy if Allen had signed him and you would be crying about his lack of character

[hammerlaw14]

Bob,
You are right about the OTA's being voluntary... I guess I was speaking more to a gentlemen's type-agreement along the lines of "hey, if we give you 20 million dollars guaranteed, do you think you might be able to show up to OTA's and be the team leader we are paying you to be?"
Your statement treats OTA's as if they aren't a big deal. I could refer to the way the Packer's essentially got rid of Favre because he stopped coming to OTA's, but instead I will just defer to the words of Warren quoted above. Clearly, Sapp gets the importance.

[e]

It's not the end of the world... this story is not a story unless he makes it a habit.
e

[Stephen Holder]

Mike, I guess when you miss a day of work we should all consider you a punk, too, then. And don't come on here to get personal with me. I encourage the dialogue around here, but that doesn't mean don't have to take that from you or anyone else.

[Stephen Holder]

Last word on this from me: I'm not advocating the guy skipping OTAs as I said VERY clearly earlier today. But I recall making a big deal about Earnest Graham skipping weeks of OTAs last year perhaps because of his contract, and I was berated by many of you who defended him saying that was his usual procedure. Now, there's this complete about-face on this issue. I, for one, am confused.

[OAR]

Any Cleveland fans out there on here know if this was a habit? It would be different if he was a veteran from the team and knows the plays(hope Jagz playbook is not going to be to simple or to dumbed down) or was recovering from injuries/surgery. I hope the latter isn't the case.

[Scientific]

Browns fan here. Consider yourself warned.

Not only is Winslow a primadonna, but I've heard him described, by people I know who worked for the Browns in the Crennel regime, as a "bad human being". He's not mature, he thinks he's a lot better than than he is, and I'd be shocked if he was a) a Buccaneer and b) even in the league by the end of that contract extension he just signed.

Sapp was dead-on about him. It's not Earnest Graham, a solid guy from what I hear, skipping OTAs. This is a guy with a pattern of reckless and selfish behavior - and frankly, with Jerramy Stevens already in tow, I'm not sure what your front office is trying to do. Josh Freeman better know what he's in for.

[hammerlaw14]

Just for the record, stephen, I really do appreciate the fact that you acknowledge the people (both good and bad) who post these entries by responding. I wish more writers were like you in this regard.

[Sabalo22]

Hey Steven - way to stand up for yourself! As you know, many of the posers don't have anything positive or insiteful to say and just run their mouths. IF Kellen decides to workout on his own and skip all OTA's, I will be concerned due to the timing issues and playbook knowledge factor that was addressed earlier. Graham needs to be at the OTA's as well since everyone will be starting from scratch. If Graham isn't there, Ward will be the starter day one IMO. Hey posers, don't go blasting Steven for writing a report as he may go Tonya Harding on your a##!

[TriplePlay]

Big deal.

Who cares what fat boy Sapp thinks. He needs to get Deion and practice on having a conversation that the audience can understand instead of his usual unintelligible drivel.

[mm]

Ha ha ha!! I love how it began with how awful it is that Winslow missed a day of OTA's to Holder is a Gruden hating small town paper punk.

You big toughies behind your keyboards. Go over to TBO where you get an update every 3 days if you don't like his reporting.

[TBLWNSC04]

Wow, what a great way to start. I believe this is how you demonstrate reliability. By bringing your excess f#$%^^$ baggage !! The new mgmt is already off to a F@#$%$ great start....

[OAR]

Sapp's comment on Keyshawn not coming to OTA's is interesting. Check it out.

[McWest 536]

Hi Guys,

New poster here. Allow me to introduce myself.

I'm an Eagles fan and love football. Since we play each other this year, I decided to join your forum. Although I'm not a trash talker, I do like to argue opposing viewpoints.

We have some Eagle fans who live in Tampa as members on Philly.com. Your welcome to come on over. I go by the name of McWest over there, no 536 after my name. You can read threads over there without joining. But, you have to join if you want to post. I don't remember if there's a waiting a period or not for being able to post after joining. Just enter as "guest" There's a guy by the name of Hate who is a Bucs fan who drops by every now and then.

Looking for the season getting underway. Good luck to the Bucs, except, of course, when they play the Eagles.

[mike]

Holder

First off If someone paid me 20 mil and I blew off my FIRST day of work then yes I would be a punk. Second, I didn't get personal with you I called you a hack which speaks to your quality as a reporter NOT a person Third, YES you do have to take it! you get the bully pulpit of the newspaper to spread your opinon whenever you and your editor want and I also assume you cash a check from the times so deal with it!!! Just as with athletes as long as there is no profanity or threats in a comment you'll just have to deal with being criticized.

[Stephen Holder]

Listen, I'm not gonna cry over it. Truth be told, I've been called much, much worse in my career. Didn't mean to sound soft or anything.

Anyway, yes, I have a platform of sorts, if you want to call it that. But when I criticize people, I do it fairly and I put my name and face on it. Then, I go and interview the subjects of my criticism face to face on a daily basis without cowering to them. That's the difference between what I do and what you're doing: taking a shot at someone for a dumb reason and doing it anonymously in the comments section of a blog. There is a big difference. But, hey, we encourage expression of all kinds, so have at it.

[Stephen Holder]

And this wasn't Winslow's first day of work. He's been around and was present for last month's minicamp. If this becomes a pattern, I'll personally write the story that calls him out on it.

[Leo In Canada]

Stephen.
You are the main reason I read the Times and your blogs. I do not always agree with you and or Rick but I fully respect both of you and the efforts you contribute. If the both of you did not write articles here, we as a mass would not have a forum to freely express our opinions. Unfortunately not all can do it in a respectful manner.Keep up the GREAT work.

[Poindexter]

For the record, Winslow was at the last OTA: Participated the first day, stood around the next two. Seems like a pattern to me. Hope not a preview of what's to come.

[Adam]

I don't give a good Sweet-Jesus what he does in practice. He could set fire to an orphanage for all I care. As long he catches 10 TDs and and racks up about 800 yards. My tickets are too expensive for me to care about "character." I want them to win. Bring in Plaxico.

[BigBucDaddy]

Our genius "Jr. GM" is in WAY OVER HIS HEAD. Our "Puppet" head coach can't speak English. This is just the first in a many embarrassing snafus for this bumbling duo...

[BucFandango]

Stephen you're a good man and we appreciate your work because as die hard fans, and season ticket holders, we have a vested interest. You can go where we can not. You can see what goes on behind the scenes that we can not. We rely on you heavily to flow this information into our veins. I am a junkie, no doubt about it. But as a Buc junkie, which I'm sure you are too, Stephen, I would do anything and everything for the kind of money K2 and the rest of these guys make. They have to spend some time each day running and staying fit, but they have been off for a while now. How much time do you get off each year Stephen. You know what I'm saying. He gets a pass now, but I know you will hold his feet to the fire for us, because you're our guy, our Liaison of sorts. We want to win, win now, and he better not put our team in jeopardy. "One of these days Alice... POWWW, right in the kisser!"

[Go Long]

Ok Stephen now you have my attention with this line "He's been around and was present for last month's minicamp"
Yeah, he was present - HE PRACTICED FOR ONE SESSION, then Drew Rosenhaus came to town the next day and got him a new contract (after the new GM said he wouldn't revisit that until after this season) - and didn't practice the rest of mini-camp. Now, why didn't you guys question the new GM's apparent reversal on the new contract? The media were a joke with Gruden & Allen, always taking shots and are now giving these new guys a pass. It's pathetic and obvious.

[kevinmills]

Honestly I don't know how stephen deals with most of the posts on this board/blog. Some, maybe most, of the comments I read on here are completely irrational, unfounded, and way off base. To be honest I think that is why you get so many extreme views on here. Rational and calm fans do not even bother to post. It is too frustrating- and tiring- trying to rationalize with many of the people who post here. It's the same on TBO. I think it gives a poor representation of the football knowledge of most Bucanners fans. At least I hope that what it is.

[Jack]

Hey guys, I am a Buc fun living on the Dolphin coast of FL. I keep in touch with all the off-season news from St. Pete Times on-line. You guys don't know how good you have it here. Have any of you ever read the trash in the Miami Herald? It would be laughable, if any of the Herald writers ever got into a dialogue with fans. Stephen, you are doing an excellent job. Keep doing it.

[ORLBUCFAN]

Stephen,

There are some real bloviators on this blog. I read them to get a good morning chuckle. :-) You keep up the good work.

As far as Winslow goes, I'll reserve judgment until after the season ends. His father was a real class act w/the San Diego Chargers. We'll see about him.

McWest, welcome aboard our good ship. I like your city and cut my football baby teeth on the Redskins (D.C. native here).

[drew]

To Rube, who said Kellen Winslow Jr doesn't work hard, and "skates by on talent alone", you have absolutely no clue what you are talking about. This goes to anyone else who thinks this guy is lazy and doesn't give everything he has to the game of football: GET SOME FACTS.

You have no idea how much pain that man plays through on a weekly basis. He was literally bed-ridden after the Browns vs Seahawks game. He was always the first one in the weight room and the last one to leave when he played for the Browns. He has a passion for this game the likes of which I have never seen before. I was devastated when I learned my team traded him to south Florida.

You should be thankful of what a hard working player you now have. If you think he's some primmadona who doesn't work hard, you are completely ignorant and should just shut up now.

[Robert]

Holder, you are a solid reporter. Anyway, the reason I blast Winslow is because this is a chance for a make over and to really get your team mates behind you. In his PC when traded here he said he wanted to be a leader on this team.. If he wanted to be a leader he would have showed p at OTA's and started working with the QB's. Especially because we dont know which one is going to be starting. He needs to get as many reps with all of them to get his timing down with all of them. I just look at it by his words. He saaid he came here to be a leader. Now he has to prove it and I think he has fallen behind already.

[Robert]

Something I want to say about Rick and Holder. I know these write our blogs for us eveyday and e never see them, but trhey arre human beings just like us. Therefore, they have opinions and feelings just like us. There is one difference though. They are around these coaches and players 24/7. Therefore, their feelings and opinions probably carry more weight than most of ours usually. They see fist hand what is going on.