Tampa Bay head coach Greg Schiano says CB Aqib Talib focussed in training, concerned about court case
The court hearing of cornerback, Aqib Talib, on June 25th is edging closer and the player faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of the charges against him.
Talib faces a charge of assault with a deadly weapon in Dallas, Texas and the Buccaneers are concerned that the cornerback could be found guilty of the charge.
Speaking to the Tampa Bay Times on Thursday, head coach, Greg Schiano said that the franchise remains concerned about Talib’s availability for the next season but they have backup on hand should the decision go against him.
"Well, any time you have a guy where there's an off-the-field situation that could affect his on-the-field situation, you're concerned,''
Adding further he said that Talib’s attitude since he arrived has been exceptional and the player has trained hard and has always been at practice.
"The thing that I can tell you is since I arrived here January 26, he's been awesome. The way he's worked, he's been here every day. I hope that it's left behind him and there isn't anything and that we can move forward because, again, I can only judge people
since I've been involved.”
He also said that he knows the cornerback’s off-field problems from the past but he can only judge people from what he has seen off them since his arrival and he is very pleased with Talib’s attitude and focus on the field.
Tampa Bay has backup for the position with Eric Wright who signed for the franchise on a five-year deal this offseason as well as Ronde Barber who can move in to cornerback.
For now though Talib is looking good and focussed in training and if the court case ends in his favour the player will likely try to rebuild his career which has been hampered by his off-the-field problems for many years.
Even if the cornerback is let go by the court, Talib may find himself dealing with a suspension as he is on the National Football League (NFL) repeat offender list of their personal conduct rules.
All eyes will now turn to June 25th where Talib will stand trial.
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