Buccaneers Unsure When Devin White Will Return As He Deals With 'Champagne Problems'

While his request to be traded went unfulfilled during NFL Draft weekend Bucs linebacker Devin White's position coach commented on the player's current situation.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White has a problem. 

The Bucs are only paying him $11.7 million to play football for this year alone, and beyond that, White has no security.

Like many players before him, White has been tagged with the 'selfish' label in the media and the fan base which has turned on him as quickly as they fell in love with him as a young playmaker and Super Bowl Champion.

"Well, he’s not going to be the first and he’s not going to be the last, we know that," passing game coordinator and inside linebackers coach Larry Foote said when asked about White's unhappiness with his contract situation. "Like I told him, he’s getting paid 11 million this year [and] those are champagne problems. I get it on both sides."

As part of his efforts to force a trade or improved contract situation from Tampa Bay White has declined to show up for voluntary portions of the team's offseason program. 

Again, not something new to this world, but significant because the absence only further cement public opinion that White is in it for himself before the team. 

"He’s played a lot of ball. Does he need to be here in the spring? We’d love him to be here, but it’s not going to hurt him from the standpoint of playing," Foote continued. "But I want him here and I’m sure that’s going to get worked out. But I understand both sides. It's part of the business that nobody likes, but it is what it is.”

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It's unfortunate when dealings like these enter the public space, but fielding questions about the situation coach Foote was able to provide some context as well. 

"It's money," says Foote. "You're looking out at the guaranteed money, and he wants his money now. He has to understand the organization is preparing for next year, so we have to meet somewhere in the middle, however it's going to play out. (We) picked up his fifth-year option, (Saw) yesterday a lot of players don't get that option. But it's money and I understand that. Like I said, he's not the first, and he's not going to be the last. That's part of the game."

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If it's truly just about further guarantees beyond the $11.7 million White is scheduled to make this season, then the Bucs appear ready to let their young linebacker wait it out - report when he chooses - and expect him to show up ready to play when he does.

Coach Foote also said he stands ready to help White in any way he can from providing advice on preparation to sending clips so his linebacker is aware of what's happening inside the building and coaching staff. 

But White has to be open to receiving such communication, and these days it doesn't appear he is, and that's part of the problem. 

Even if it is just "champagne problems".

Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82

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