The Tampa Bay Buccaneers completed voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) last Thursday and will have mandatory minicamp from Tuesday, June 11, to Thursday, June 13. Once minicamp finishes, they will have a month and a half off before training camp begins.
Unlike OTAs, minicamp is mandatory, and a massive fine ensues if a player doesn’t show up without an excused absence.
“Players who miss minicamp without an excused absence can be fined $16,953 for the first day, $33,908 for the second day and $50,855 for the third day, or a total of $101,716, according to the terms of the NFL’s current collective bargaining agreement.”
The Buccaneers’ free-agent acquisition skipped the start of minicamp.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ free-agent acquisition skipped the start of mandatory minicamp
Randy Gregory skipped the first day of mandatory minicamp and will be fined $16,953 for his unexcused absence. If he continues to skip minicamp, he will be fined $33,908 for skipping Day 2 and $50,855 for skipping Day 3. He will receive a fine of $101,716 if he skips all three days.
The reason for skipping minicamp hasn’t been announced, but his recent lawsuit against the NFL could be the reason.
Randy Gregory is suing the NFL for discrimination
Gregory is suing the NFL for discrimination because the NFL fined him more than $500,000 for using THC, which helps treat his disabilities, social anxiety disorder, and PTSD. Pro Football Talk has the details regarding the civil complaint.
“Mr. Gregory requested an accommodation from the NFL and Broncos to consume Dronabinol to treat his disabilities,” the civil complaint alleges. “Specifically, Mr. Gregory sought to consume Dronabinol, which is synthetic cannabis, at the direction of his treating physician during non-work hours. The NFL and the Broncos denied his request noting that THC is a federally controlled substance. Since requesting an accommodation, Mr. Gregory has paid $532,500 in penalties to the NFL for consuming THC to treat his disabilities. Regardless of a positive test, Mr. Gregory is expected to play in every game, attend practice, attend media sessions, and fulfil his job responsibilities. In other words, he cannot be suspended for a positive test alone. Significantly, the NFL and the Broncos profited from Mr. Gregory’s continued employment.”
Their head coach reacted to him skipping minicamp.
Todd Bowles’ reaction to Randy Gregory skipping mandatory minicamp
“It’s unexcused and we’ll deal with it,” Bowles said. “It’s disappointing when anybody’s not here, but it’s minicamp and we’ll deal with it, and go accordingly.”
UPDATE:
Randy Gregory skipped Day 2 of minicamp and will incur a fine of 33,908 for his unexcused absence.
Randy Gregory skipped Day 3 of minicamp and will incur a fine of $50,855 and a total of $101,716.