Ronde Barber Doesn't Want The Bucs To Quit On Aqib Talib

Aqib Talib was in court yesterday, but we don't yet know the exact details of what he was doing there. But his impending legal issues, whatever they might become, is something that the Bucs team will have to address. There has been some speculation about the Bucs releasing Talib as soon as the lockout ends. But you can count Ronde Barber as one player in the locker room who wants the Bucs to retain Talib, according to Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report.

“Much like [my brother] Tiki – and I know Tiki well and I’ve known Aqib for three years – he is complex,” Barber said of Talib. “It is too easy to simplify somebody and say they are a thug, he had a bad upbringing and [all that]. Some of that upbringing is part of what he is, but that is not who he is. I know him to be a great teammate. I know him to be a fun-loving, kind of gregarious guy. He likes to be the center of attention and he likes to have fun.”

Talib might be a popular guy in the locker room, and that might come into play when the front office decides what to do, but they will ultimately have to decide if they are willing to put up with these kind of antics in the future.

Aqib Talib Case In Court Today

On Wednesday, news came out that Aqib Talib would be appearing in court on Thursday as a result of his ongoing case, although the reason behind the court appearance was still unclear. Well, thanks to the St. Petersburg Times for clearing things up:

The attorney for Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib will be back in a Dallas County courtroom Thursday for an initial discussion with the state about the case.

Talib, who has attended some workouts organized in Tampa by Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman, does not have to attend the hearing.

Attorney Frank Perez called it an ‘initial discussion between me and the state on his case.’’

It could take some time before Talib’s case gets totally finished and figured out, so this looks like just one preliminary meeting out of many, many more to follow. We’ll be updating this Stream with more news as it becomes available, but there’s no knowing how long this could drag on.

Aqib Talib Will Appear In Court On Thursday

Aqib Talib was indicted on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon a few weeks ago, and now it appears that he will appear in court on Thursday. but according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the reason for his appearance isn't totally clear.

The specific reason for the appearance isn’t clear.  At some point, Talib will be required to enter a plea, a basic process (except for Joe Pesci) of uttering either “guilty” or “not guilty” or, as the case may be, “absolutely, 100 percent not guilty.”

This will be the first of many appearances that Talib will likely have to make in court over the next few months. And it is unlikely that we will find out any more information in this meeting than we already know about the situation. Talib had been with the Bucs doing off season workouts recently, but this is probably going to cut into some of his preparation time.

Aqib Talib Still Focusing On Football, Despite Indictment

Aqib Talib was indicted on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Frdiay morning by a Texas Grand Jury. But before that news broke, Talib was taking every opportunity to work on his game, and prepare for the upcoming NFL season, even though it appears that he won't be with the Bucs when it begins. According to Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com, despite Talib's pending legal issues, the cornerback has been with his team at organized workouts this offseason.

Teammates said Talib has been coming out to players-only workouts run by quarterback Josh Freeman on a fairly regular basis this offseason. The workouts have been mostly for offensive players, but the teammates said Talib has gone through workouts in the weight room and worked as a wide receiver on the field. The teammates said Talib sometimes will line up at cornerback and shadow receivers on their routes, but no contact is allowed and he's been one of the few defensive players to show up.

That certainly isn't the type of dedication you might expect from someone who has been described as being as much of an issue as Talib. But this type of performance might indicate that Talib can perform like a good citizen given the right circumstances. Or maybe that's just wishful thinking.

Aqib Talib's Lawyer Issues Statement On Friday's Indictment

Aqib Talib was indicted by a Texas Grand Jury on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Friday. His lawyer Jay Reisinger released the following statement, via Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com.

“On May 27, 2011, a grand jury in Dallas, Texas returned a true bill, resulting in the indictment of Aqib Talib. It is important to note that the indictment is merely a formal accusation, and that Mr. Talib has not been convicted of any crime with respect to this matter. The grand jury was not privy to a number of important facts. We are very confident that once we have the opportunity to present all of the facts, this matter will be resolved in Mr. Talib’s favor. Aqib looks forward to putting this matter behind him and returning to the game of football.’’

That is important to remember, this doesn't mean that Talib is formally guilty of any of these charges. An indictment only means that the Grand Jury will be proceeding with their investigation, and will formally levy these charges against Talib. No matter how his lawyer tries to shade it, this isn't great news.

Aqib Talib Rportedly Indicted By Grand Jury On Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon

Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib and his mother have been indicted on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Rick Stroud is reporting this morning. This was the exact outcome we expected this morning, as reports surfaced yesterday that said that these were the charges Talib would likely face.

These charges stem from a March 21st incident where Talib and some of the members of his family were accused of pistol whipping and shooting at one of his sister's boyfriend.

This will probably be the end of Talib's tenure in Tampa Bay. He is likely going to face some sort of punishment from the NFL whenever the lockout ends, and I can't imagine the team will want to continue to deal with Talib. He is one of their better young players, but at this point, it doesn't appear like he is worth the headache.

I'm sure more information about this indictment and what it will mean for Talib in the future will be coming out shortly, and we'll have them for you here.

Aqib Talib To Find Out His Fate Stemming From Gun Charges On Friday

Aqib Talib is probably going to be released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers whenever the NFL Lockout is finished due to his off the field problems. Unfortunately for the NFL's 69th best cornerback, though off-field problems continue to pile up.

A Dallas County grand jury is expected to return an indictment of Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, the St. Petersburg Times reports, with the announcement probably being released to the public on Friday morning according to his lawyer.

These charges come from March 21 when police say Talib attempted to pistol whip and later fired gunshots at his sister's boyfriend, Shannon Billings. According to the Times, Talib is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second degree felony which carries a punishment of 2-20 years in prison.

If the indictment results don't come back in Talib's favor -- and let's face it, the odds seem to be against him -- there's a good chance he'll be facing some sort of suspension from Roger Goodell and the NFL whenever things return to normal.

NFL Rumors: For Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Decision To Release Aqib Talib Is A Matter of 'When' Not 'If'

According to a recent article by Rick Stroud in the St. Petersburg Times, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have all but made up their mind to release Aqib Talib, the judgement-impaired cornerback whose off-field troubles have overshadowed his undeniable talent.

Talib was recently charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon stemming from a March 21st incident in Texas during which police believe he fired a gun at a relative’s girlfriend police. Serious stuff, punishable for two to 20 years if convicted.

Not that you need any reminder, but as Stroud notes, this is hardly the first misstep by Talib since he was drafted by the Bucs in ’09:

He fought a teammate at the NFL rookie symposium. In 2009 he swung a helmet at tackle Donald Penn during an argument and inadvertently struck cornerback Torrie Cox, splitting his head open. Last year Talib agreed to a deal with prosecutors to resolve a battery charge after he was accused of hitting a St. Petersburg cab driver, and he was suspended for the first game last season by commissioner Roger Goodell.

I suppose it shouldn’t come as any surprise that the Bucs are reportedly intent on parting ways with Talib. Talib might be looking at a 6-8 game suspension from the league. That’s if he’s not locked up for the second degree felony charges he’s facing. And even if the Bucs could stomach losing Talib for a prolonged period of time in the short term, they thankfully don’t plan on naively hoping that this will be the wake up call that the embattled 25-year old needs to finally get his life on track.

The Bucs have reached a point where they believe Talib’s talent no longer justifies the trouble he generates. They believe it’s only a matter of time before he runs afoul of the rules again.

It’s all sad, but hey, the Bucs would be making the smart decision. They rolled the dice a bit on the kid, got some solid production out of him the two years he was in town, didn’t commit too many financial or human resources to the project, then cut their losses at the right moment, realizing a new culture had already planted roots throughout the rest of the Tampa Bay organization. No shame in that sequence of events for the organization if you ask me.

With historic developments on the lockout front in store as early as this week, not to mention the upcoming Draft beginning on Thursday, it already promises to be an interesting week for NFL fans. For Tampa Bay partisans,Talib’s unfortunate circumstance only multiplies the stakes. Suddenly cornerback looks like a position the team might need to invest a high draft pick on once more, just two short years after using a first round chip on Talib. No real choice in that division — no talent at corner = no chance at slowing down the likes of Drew Brees and Matt Ryan on a consistent basis.

Chris Hovan Points To Aqib Talib's Past, Criticizes The Bucs Leadership

Chris Hovan helps shed some light on the tricky double-standard in the NFL, where talented players always get more chances.

St. Pete Times: Aqib Talib May Have Played Last Game In Tampa Bay

With Aqib Talib's most recent off the field issue, there have been many questioning whether or not the Buccaneers will release him from the team as soon as the lockout ends and they have the ability to do so. On Wednesday, the three authors of TampaBay.com's Buc Beat held a live chat and offered some interesting questions on the Talib front.

Stephen F. Holder:
Nothing on the record that I can share, but I personally think we've seen the last of Talib here. Guilty or not, I think the Bucs know that if they take him back it'll be seen as not taking a stand. And what happens if there's another incident? They'll have no defense.

Obviously that isn't anything official, and not even anything he can put on the record, but Holder must be using some information from the team to help form an opinion on the matter. Someone else asked Holder if that would change the Bucs' draft plans, this is how he responded.

But I also think that cornerback is a BIG need at this point in light what I said about Talib above. Problem is I don't believe there's a cornerback worthy of taking at No. 20 presuming the top guys are gone.

So maybe that means the Bucs will address the cornerback need later in the Draft? We'll have to wait and see.

History Of Aqib Talib's Problems Provides Context For Latest Legal Issue

Aqib Talib has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. it is the most serious issue he has faced since coming into the NFL, but it is certainly not the first. Rick Stroud at the St. Petersburg Times has put together a little bit of a history of Talib's transgressions in the hopes of providing context to his most recent troubles. It's worth reading the whole thing, but I'll put the scariest part here.

It comes from Jim Ledford, who was Talib's coach at Berkner High School.

"It's sad. I'd give anything if he could separate himself from that kind of atmosphere, if you will," Ledford said. "When he and I talked the last time, we talked about not putting yourself in those situations. But this one was family, and he's very loyal to his mother. I know how close they were, even here. That's one of the things in his demise right now, the closeness to his family."

Reading the entire article shows you why Ledford feels this way about Talib's family situation. It is certainly something that will need to be addressed if Talib is able to get past this most recent trouble.

Aqib Talib Denies Charge In Statement Made Through His Lawyer

Aqib Talib turned himself in two days on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Yesterday, he issued a statement through his lawyer that denied the charges, via Tampa Bay Online.

"On March 30, 2011, Aqib Talib voluntarily reported to law enforcement authorities in Dallas County, Texas, to address certain charges that have been lodged against him," the attorneys said in the statement. "It is important to note that these charges are only allegations, allegations that Aqib vigorously denies."

They also had some negative things to say about how the media has been portraying Talib, considering the charges are just allegations at this point.

"Given that the charges are only allegations, we are deeply troubled that certain members of the media have jumped to unfair conclusions concerning Aqib," the statement said. "Aqib is confident that once all of the facts are known, this matter will be resolved favorably and in an expeditious fashion. Aqib remains very committed to his family and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization."

And according to Rick Stroud at TampaBay.com, Talib has told one of his former coaches that only his mother Okolo, who was also charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, was the only one who pulled the trigger.

One of Talib's coaches at Kansas said Talib told him earlier this week that only his mother pulled the trigger.

As of right now, there are too many moving pieces in this trial to have a good read on what is going on. Hopefully as the investigation unfolds we will learn more.

Aqib Talib Surrenders, Is Booked On Aggravated Assault Charges

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib has surrendered to police in Garland, TX, according to NFL reporter Rick Stroud, ending a bizarre three-day stretch in which police sought him as a “person of interest” in a shooting which took place at his sister’s home on March 21, and beginning what is sure to be a long struggle with the law. More details about the night in question are available here.

Stroud says police booked Talib for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, following his surrender.

Talib, 24, led the Bucs with six interceptions last season; he also ranked ninth on the team by tallying 40 tackles. He’s valuable to the team, but the allegations against him are so serious the Bucs issued a statement expressing their concern, which violates NFL rules due to the current work stoppage. That Tampa Bay risked a penalty to make that statement attests to how seriously it’s taking Talib’s situation.

Buccaneers Issue Statement About Aqib Talib Arrest Warrant Despite Lockout

During the NFL Lockout, those representing the teams and ownership are not allowed to comment on any specifics about a particular player or players. But that hasn't prevented the Buccaneers from issuing a statement about the recent legal troubles that cornerback Aqib Talib has gotten himself into, according to Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.

"We are deeply troubled by the serious charges filed against Aqib Talib,’’ general manager Mark Dominik said. “Due to current labor circumstances, we will withhold any further comment or action."

It isn't the most involved comment in the history of professional athletics, but it is more than he is allowed to say by the League. We'll have to wait and see if he is punished for this comment in any way.

But it does show you just how serious the Talib situation is that the general manager of the team is willing to violate NFL rules just to comment on it.

Warrant Issued For Bucs Cornerback Aqib Talib And His Mother

Multiple sources have reported that a warrant for arrest has been issued for Aqib Talib and his mother, Okolo, in relation to the domestic disturbance in which he allegedly fired a handgun at Shannon Billings, the boyfriend of Talib’s sister.

Talib was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony that could land him behind bars for anywhere from five to 20 years, according to The St. Petersburg Times. His mother received the same charge, plus an additional felony count of possession of a firearm.

After Latest Incident, Will The Buccaneers Cut Aqib Talib?

Yesterday, Aqib Talib was named a "person of interest" in and investigation of a shooting incident that involved some of his family members on March 21. There have been no charges filed or arrests made, but depending on the results of the investigation, this could be the most serious in a long line of transgressions by the young cornerback.

So where do the Bucs turn from here? Talib is troubled, but he is a very talented player and a potential part of their future core. But can they afford to keep him in the fold? A few different Bucs have gotten in trouble over the past few years and it's starting to feel like the inmates are running Raheem Morris' asylum. So is it possible that the Bucs could just cut Talib loose? Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com certainly thinks so.

The Bucs could send a very loud and clear message to their fans that they’re not going to put up with guys who consistently get into trouble. More importantly, they could cut Talib and send a message to the rest of their players that they’re not going to put up with problems no matter how talented a player might be.

The other point that Yasinskas bring up is that cutting Talib would not be a financial burden for the Bucs. Depending of course on the terms of the new CBA, cutting Talib could free up some cap space that the team could use elsewhere. It won't be an easy decision to cut a young player with as much talent as Talib, but if the Bucs decide to end their relationship with him, it won't be difficult to cut ties.

Aqib Talib Could Face Discipline From NFL And Alter Bucs' Draft Plans

Aqib Talib has been named as a person of interest in a shooting that occurred on March 21 in Garland, Texas. Even though the NFL has locked out it's players and there is no collective bargaining agreement in place, Talib could still be subject to discipline by the NFL, according to Roy Cummings and Anwar Richardson of Tampa Bay Online.

"The conduct and drug policies are currently suspended," (NFL Spokesman Greg) Aiello said in an email to The Tampa Tribune on Monday. "However, any violations of law that occur during the work stoppage will be reviewed for potential discipline."

I can't imagine that the League would be able to punish Talib while they are locked out, so I'm assuming that any punishment would be handed down after a new CBA is agreed upon and the lockout ends. It is important to remember that no charges have been filed and no arrests have been made. And Talib has simply been named a person of interest, not a suspect.

The only definite thing on the NFL schedule during a lockout is the draft, and Talib's actions may change the Bucs plan of attack for that, according to Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com.

Safety Tanard Jackson already is serving a one-year suspension and isn’t eligible to apply for reinstatement until late September. The Bucs have some promising young players in cornerbacks E.J. Biggers, Elbert Mack and Myron Lewis and safeties Cody Grimm and Corey Lynch, but the possibility of being without their two best players in the secondary could change their thinking.

Our Buccaneers blog Bucs Nation made a list of draft needs yesterday and cornerback is listed only as a luxury need.  But now that Talib's immediate playing future has been put in question, the need for a another cornerback might become a little bit more dire.

Aqib Talib Named A 'Person Of Interest' In March 21st Shooting

What has been a very difficult offseason for Bucs' cornerback Aqib Talib is only getting worse. Talib was just named as a person of interest in a police investigation of a shooting incident that happened in Garland, Texas, on March 21, according to Richie Whitt at the Dallas Observer.

The shooting incident allegedly involved Talib's mother, sister and her boyfriend. The charges Talib is facing could range from discharging a firearm in a municipality, which is a Class A misdemeanor, or aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a far more serious offense and a second-degree felony.

According to the report and the sources, at 7:30 p.m. on March 21 Aqib Muttaqi Talib went to his sister's home in the 900 block of Green Pond Drive in Garland (south of Bush Turnpike not far from Spring Creek Elementary and Hawaiian Falls Water Park). Saran, who was arguing with Billings, also called her mother for help. Police were directed to Saran's home via a 911 call by neighbors, who reported a domestic dispute and three shots fired at a black male by a black female.

Talib is a native of Richardson, Texas and attended Berkner High School. Richardson and Garland are both suburbs north of Dallas. He was drafted 20th overall by the Bucs in the 2008 NFL Draft after a standout career at Kansas. In three NFL seasons he has 112 total tackles and 15 interceptions. He had a career high six interceptions last season despite playing in only 11 games.

According to the Garland Police Department, "the investigation is ongoing." We'll have more on this investigation, and what it means for Talib and Bucs, in this thread.