Bucs' Lovie Smith on Richie Incognito: 'I do believe in second chances'

Speaking about Richie Incognito, Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith said he believes in second chances and that nobody deserves a death sentence, according to a report Monday night from Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times.

Speaking about Richie Incognito, Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith said he believes in second chances and that nobody deserves a death sentence, according to a report Monday night from Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times.

The 31-year-old free agent guard was suspended the final eight games of the 2013 season because of his involvement in a bullying and hazing scandal involving other Miami Dolphins linemen.

Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather suspended two games for illegal hit 

According to the report, Incognito arrived in Tampa on Monday afternoon and the team was still deciding whether to offer him a workout. At this time, no contract negotiations have taken place either, Stroud reported. He added that the team appears to be in "desperate need of offensive guards."

Smith talked in the report about his interest in giving Incognito a second chance:

"I would like to talk to him myself. And you if you know my history, I do believe in second chances. To me, nobody should have a death sentence. If you should, you’re probably in jail. And then from there, what does it hurt to talk to someone? For me, as we go forward, I’m going to give everyone the benefit of the doubt until we have information that tells us otherwise."

- Marc Weinreich