The NFLPA released it’s second annual team “Report Cards” this past week, shedding light on some of the more detailed aspects surrounding each team. The Player’s Association polled 1,706 active players on 11 categories concerning their employers, ranging from quality of different team facilities to treatment of players’ families. There were several surprises when these grades came out, especially as it pertained to owners. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were not spared the potential embarrassment.
The Bucs finished ranked 24th overall with 11 categories averaged. The strength coaching staff was the only category that received completely positive reviews, scoring an A-. The team received a B grade in the dietician & nutritionist department, weight room, and training staff areas, and a B- in the training room and Head Coach categories. C- grades were given on Food/Cafeteria as well as the locker room, with multiple reports of unsanitary conditions in places like the team shower.
The worst grades hit the hardest. Ownership was rated a D- with owner Joel Glazer being ranked as such on his willingness to provide and/or improve facilities. Worst yet, both “Team Travel” and “Treatment of Families” categories earned F grades, reports noting that the team charges players $90 per child for childcare (something most teams provide). Team travel was also criticized for forcing younger players to have a roommate during road trips unless they paid the team $1,750 for solo accommodations each season.
In modern professional sports, NFL franchises are the ultimate money printer. The television revenue alone distributed to each team every year for broadcasting rights is almost incalculable to the average Joe. Team owners obviously have the most control over these situations and the perceived shame of being ranked near the bottom of the league in how you treat your players and their families should bring change if nothing else to garner the desire from free agents to want to come to Tampa Bay. Hopefully, someone in the front office in Tampa is paying attention to the details that clearly need addressing in their organization’s approach to these issues.
The NFLPA saw a significant 17% increase in player participation from the previous year, with an estimated 77% of active players taking part in the data collection. Bucs faithful will hope Owner/CEO Joel Glazer opts for a more assertive approach during the offseason to address some of these concerns.
