Tweet
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released quarterback Josh Freeman on Thursday, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
The team tried to trade the quarterback but wasn't able to find a taker. By releasing Freeman, the Buccaneers are obligated to pay the quarterback all $6.2 million he was owed in remaining salary this season.
Freeman, who was taken 17th overall by the Buccaneers in the 2009 draft, was benched in favor of rookie Mike Glennon prior to the Bucs' 13-10 loss to Arizona this past Sunday. In 60 career games, Freeman has thrown for 13,534 yards, 80 touchdowns and 66 interceptions.
The NFL Players Association is investigating how Freeman's presence in Stage 1 of the league's substance-abuse program became public earlier this week. On Tuesday, Bucs coach Greg Schiano was asked by reporters if he was the source of the information and said, "absolutely not."
In a statement released after the initial reports of his presence in the NFL's substance abuse program Monday night, Freeman said he has a prescription for Adderall to treat ADHD; however, last year he inadvertently took Ritalin, which triggered a positive test. As a result of the positive test, he submitted to frequent drug screenings and placement in Stage 1 of the league's drug program.
He also said he has passed 46 league-administered drug tests, but Monday's disclosure could undermine the Buccaneers' attempts to trade him.
Freeman was fined twice in the past month for conduct detrimental to the team, according to an SI.com report. The website reported he will appeal the fines.
The team tried to trade the quarterback but wasn't able to find a taker. By releasing Freeman, the Buccaneers are obligated to pay the quarterback all $6.2 million he was owed in remaining salary this season.
Freeman, who was taken 17th overall by the Buccaneers in the 2009 draft, was benched in favor of rookie Mike Glennon prior to the Bucs' 13-10 loss to Arizona this past Sunday. In 60 career games, Freeman has thrown for 13,534 yards, 80 touchdowns and 66 interceptions.
The NFL Players Association is investigating how Freeman's presence in Stage 1 of the league's substance-abuse program became public earlier this week. On Tuesday, Bucs coach Greg Schiano was asked by reporters if he was the source of the information and said, "absolutely not."
In a statement released after the initial reports of his presence in the NFL's substance abuse program Monday night, Freeman said he has a prescription for Adderall to treat ADHD; however, last year he inadvertently took Ritalin, which triggered a positive test. As a result of the positive test, he submitted to frequent drug screenings and placement in Stage 1 of the league's drug program.
He also said he has passed 46 league-administered drug tests, but Monday's disclosure could undermine the Buccaneers' attempts to trade him.
Freeman was fined twice in the past month for conduct detrimental to the team, according to an SI.com report. The website reported he will appeal the fines.
Comment