Josh Freeman Injury: Bucs QB Should Be Fined for Stupid Gun Range Incident

Josh Freeman has some serious explaining to do and should be lighter in the wallet because of it.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB has really struggled in his third season, and it might have something to do with a hand injury he suffered back on October 31st. He needed five stitches on his throwing hand to cover up a gash after an unexpected gun recoil incident during his teams’ bye week.

Yeah that’s right, Freeman was at a gun range and hurt his hand because he wasn’t expecting such a strong recoil. You have to be kidding me.

Freeman and the team have tried to cover up the incident and were doing a good job before the Tampa Bay Tribune squeezed the information out of him.

Freeman claims to shoot guns all the time:

"

With a little free time during the bye week, I like to use the gun range. It's a bit of an escape. I grew up shooting guns with my dad and I've always enjoyed shooting guns as a recreational thing. In hindsight, it wasn't the smartest decision but you've got to learn from it. So no more shooting guns in season.

Obviously, it was a poor choice of judgement doing it in season. But at the end of the day, I've got to live with the consequences and I'm moving forward.

"

You have to live with your consequences? How about your teammates and fans?

Since his stupid injury, the Bucs have lost four games in a row and Freeman hasn’t played well. Sure he sprained his thumb against the Bears right before the gun incident, but it’s the sheer idea of Freeman putting himself before the team that really irks me. Why shoot with the hand that makes you millions of dollars and is already sprained? This is definitely a fineable offense, especially with teams fining players for touchdown dances.

He was supposed to have his breakout season after a surprise 2010, instead he’s second in the league with 16 interceptions and his 74.6 passer rating is 26th in the NFL. He has regressed in virtually every major statistical category and he decided to take his anger out at a gun range.

What about throwing 50 passes or studying more film?

I know he wasn’t trying to get hurt and I know he’s familiar with guns, but he should never put himself in that situation in the middle of a season. Just ask Plaxico Burress.

It was an incredibly poor decision on his behalf and I think the Tampa Bay organization should seriously reconsider if they really do have their QB of the future.