Did Greg Schiano try to kick Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson out of practice?
Greg Schiano has been with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for less than two seasons, which is apparently not enough time to gain an appreciation for the team’s history. According to Super Bowl XXXVII MVP Dexter Jackson, Schiano once tried to kick him out of practice.
Jackson, a former NFL safety who spent six seasons with the Bucs and recorded two interceptions in their Super Bowl win over the Oakland Raiders, said he has tried to remain close with the organization since retiring. That includes attending practices — something Schiano has an issue with.
“Schiano sent his guy over to run me out of practice one day,” Jackson told 98.7 The Fan on Sunday. “This guy said, ‘Who are you? What are you doing here? You can’t be here.’ I said, ‘go get the Glazers (ownership) if you want me to leave.’ He (Schiano) tried to run me out.”
Not only that, but Jackson also claims he was trying to keep children involved with the team by rewarding them for doing well in school and bringing them to watch the team practice. He said Schiano wanted none of that, either.
“I usually bring kids to One Buc Place, 4th and 5th graders in Hillsborough County and Pinellas County doing my case management work with a lot of youth in this area,” Jackson said. “They told me to stop bringing kids on Friday because I’m distracting professional players.
“I’m distracting professional players by bringing kids who have succeeded in school, did well, stayed out of trouble, and they’re a distraction? If they’re a distraction, I’m worried about fans during away games. How can that be a distraction?”
Jackson added that Schiano has done nothing for the community since he was hired by the Bucs. As we learned from the former Rutgers coach’s dealings with Josh Freeman, Schiano can be difficult to deal with. If you ask Jackson, that extends beyond the team’s current players.
H/T Deadspin