NFL News & Rumors: Are Tampa Bay Buccaneers Interested in Signing Richie Incognito?
Former Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito can return to action next season after getting clearance from the National Football League, multiple reports confirmed on Tuesday.
Incognito was suspended indefinitely for his involvement in a bullying scandal with former Miami teammate Jonathan Martin, but ESPN reported, citing league sources, that the troubled guard is now free to sign and play for any team in the upcoming 2014 NFL season.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said earlier this year that Incognito and the other players involved in the bullying investigation would be allowed to return to play after undergoing medical treatment.
Earlier this month, Goodell confirmed that the players involved in the scandal have completed the requirements, while also adding that Incognito has been very cooperative during the process.
"I would say the one person that has been very responsive and has gone through the program is Richie Incognito," Goodell said earlier this month via ESPN. "We're working with his people and monitoring his progress."
After reports about Incognito's reinstatement came out, several teams have reportedly expressed their interest in acquiring the 31-year-old veteran, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Incognito reportedly visited the Buccaneers' team facility on Monday. While no contract offers were made, Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith had kind words for the Englewood, New Jersey native.
"To me, nobody should have a death sentence. If you should, you're probably in jail," Smith said on Monday. "From there, what does it hurt to talk to someone? For me, as we go forward, I'm not holier-than-thou. I'm going to give everybody the benefit of the doubt until I have information that tells me otherwise."
Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy also said that they would welcome Incognito to the team with open arms, playing down speculation about the possible trouble the former Nebraska standout might bring to the team.
"I don't care. As long as he can help us win, that's all I'm concerned about. If there's a problem, then we'll deal with it accordingly," McCoy said. "But as long as he's doing what he's supposed to be doing in the building, then I'm not concerned about anything else."
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