The relationship between Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman and coach Greg Schiano continues to worsen. Freeman was fined three times in two days by the team, costing the demoted signal caller more than $35,000 for the infractions, the Tampa Tribune reports.
Tampa Bay fined Freeman last week for three violations: for conducting an "unauthorized interview" on Thursday and missing two meetings on Friday. Each infraction cost the third-stringer $10,410.
In the unapproved interview, Freeman spoke with ESPN's Josina Anderson and conveyed his openness to being traded.
It's not the first time Freeman has run afoul of team rules. He overslept and missed the team photo shoot before the season began, but wasn't fined. On the morning of the season opener against the Jets, Freeman missed the team meal and was late to the team bus - he received less than the maximum-allowed fines for the two violations.
Choosing to fine Freeman for his latest violations, however, could have another purpose.
"The infractions could open the door to the Buccaneers suspending Freeman without pay and might also relieve the team of the responsibility of having to pay a portion of Freeman's salary should he be traded," Roy Cummings of The Tribune wrote on Wednesday.
The relationship between Freeman and the team has worsened throughout the week.
On Monday, ESPN reported Freeman was in Stage One of the NFL's substance-abuse program. Freeman issued a lengthy statement to explain why he was a participant in the program, citing his prescription to Adderall for attention-deficit hyperactivity.
More drama ensued on Tuesday when FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported the Buccaneers had instructed Freeman not to attend the team meetings, possibly to "raise suspicions among teammates that Freeman was skipping the meeting."
Tampa Bay has said it would be willing to trade Freeman for the right offer, but interest in the quarterback has been "mild."
