Winslow Skips Out on New Team

by Tony | May 14, 2009 | NFL News

Newly acquired Kellen Winslow Jr. skipped out on the Bucaneers first voluntary wokouts on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

Winslow, acquired from the Browns in February and given a $42 million contract with over $20 million guaranteed, apparently informed the Bucs he would miss the practices, and team officials and players didn’t seem concerned.

Quarterback Luke McCown, likely battling for the starting spot, offered this gem:

“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.”

Really?  A quick chat on the phone to make sure you’re “on the same page” sure is going to help your timing on routes.

Former Buc Warren Sapp, like Winslow a former Miami Hurricane, offered a different view:

“So when your team fires up OTA’s and you’re not here, I guess you’re being misunderstood again, right? 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.”

Apparently Winslow’s excuse for missing the workouts is that he is moving his family to Tampa.  Apparently, despite two months notice and several million dollars in his pocket, and this week just happens to be the only time Winslow could move his family.

New offense, new coach, unsettled quarterback situation, and one of the guys expected to be featured in the offense–a guy who has a checkered past when it comes to being able to stay on the field during the regular season, and who said after the trade that he was ready for a new beginning and that as “I stand here before you now, I think I’m a changed man,” and he’s already skipping practices with a lame excuse.

Yep, good luck in Tampa Bay this season.  You might need it.