The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a surprising move by releasing edge rusher Randy Gregory after he failed to report to training camp. Coach Todd Bowles announced the decision on Sunday, stating that Gregory had been placed on the reserve/did not report list on July 23 for not showing up to camp. Despite multiple attempts to reach out to Gregory, Bowles never received an explanation for his absence. As a result, the team decided to part ways with the 31-year-old player.
Gregory, who has previously played for the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and San Francisco 49ers, signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Buccaneers in free agency. However, he did not participate in the team’s voluntary offseason program or attend the mandatory minicamp this summer. This lack of commitment raised concerns within the organization, ultimately leading to his release.
The situation took a legal turn when Gregory filed a lawsuit against the NFL and the Broncos in June, alleging discrimination over being fined $532,500 for using medication containing THC for disabilities during his time in Denver. The complaint stated that Gregory was prescribed Dronabinol for social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders but was denied accommodations to treat his disabilities with that medicine. Despite the NFL no longer suspending players for THC use, it remains a banned substance, subjecting players to fines if detected in their system.
The lawsuit specifically targeted the Broncos, although teams do not have a direct role in fining players for drug policy violations. The NFL and NFLPA jointly administer the substances of abuse policy through a third-party medical professional. Gregory’s legal action claimed that the league and club’s refusal to provide accommodations for his disabilities was discriminatory under Colorado law.
Gregory’s career has been marred by suspensions for violating the NFL’s drug policies, dating back to his time with the Cowboys. He signed with the Broncos in 2022 but missed most of the season due to a knee injury. After a brief stint with the 49ers in 2023, he found himself released by the Buccaneers following his failure to report to training camp.
Despite his off-field issues, Gregory has shown promise on the field, appearing in 72 games over seven NFL seasons. With 22 career sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and 69 quarterback hits, he has proven to be a disruptive force on defense when available. However, his inability to prioritize his professional responsibilities has cost him his spot on the Buccaneers roster.
In conclusion, the release of Randy Gregory by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers highlights the importance of accountability and commitment in professional sports. While his talent is undeniable, his off-field distractions have ultimately led to his departure from the team. As the NFL continues to navigate issues related to player conduct and substance use, it serves as a reminder that personal choices can have significant consequences on one’s career.
