Bucs turn down 'Hard Knocks'

[Allstar]

Bucs turn down 'Hard Knocks'

By Pat Yasinskas

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have declined the opportunity to be the team featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" this summer, the team announced Monday on its Facebook page.


Yasinskas The Bucs made a smart choice to focus their attention on the field instead of becoming the focus of "Hard Knocks," Pat Yasinskas writes. Blog

As far back as March, the Bucs were considered to be a strong candidate to be profiled in the annual reality show that provides an in-depth look at a team during training camp.

The Bucs, who failed to sell out a home game this season, pondered how the exposure on "Hard Knocks" might help them.

The team also weighed the possible negatives and distractions that could come with being featured so prominently. Last year, New York Jets coach Rex Ryan stirred controversy by using profanity while his team was featured on the show.

A Buccaneers team official said the team ultimately decided it wants to keep the focus on the field this season, but said "Hard Knocks" could be a possibility in 2012.

Pat Yasinskas covers the NFC South for ESPN.com.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6556143

Wonder where the Texans are on the list. I know McNair wants it.

[CloakNNNdagger]

Who would watch the Texans? Controversy drives the program. Who is our Ochocinco? Who is our Rex Ryan? Possible "feel good" stories are all the Texans have to offer. McNair wants the "exposure" to show how his team is "on the right track." He feels that this will increase revenues and the value of the franchise. How bout doing the same by putting together a "winner" rather than using smoke and mirrors to create perennial "wanna be's." Watching grass grow on Hard Knocks would be a monumental "Hard Sell" to anyone other than Texans fans.

[Marcus]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

Who would watch the Texans?

True.

But then again, who would watch the Bucs?

[IDEXAN]

Good for them. They've got more important things to do, like get ready to play football.
I thought Ryan showed off what a fat-azz jerk he was last year, and the whole world would have agreed, except that he coached for a team in the NYC market which of course approved of him because he is in NYC which is the nations media capital. It's beyond me why a guy is so popular because he repeadedly used the F-word & MF-words. He sounded like some puzz who always needed and then pretended to be a tough guy.
Then there was the foot fetish thing, which frankly was a little more interesing, but what's that got to do with football ? If getting kinky is your thing, they've got a cable-network which has a production called "Taboo".
Check it out if your so inclined ?

[houstonspartan]

Originally Posted by Marcus

True.

But then again, who would watch the Bucs?

Everyone would watch the Bucs. I have heard rumors about Raheem Morris. I hear he's an amazingly charming, driven guy with a real leadership personality. From what I hear, he has that "it" factor that wins people over immediately, which somewhat explains how they're re-building so quickly. I know someone who didn't get it either, but then ended up in the same room with him at an event and met him briefly and saw clearly what was driving the Bucs: Their coach.

Meanwhile, down on Kirby Drive, we have Gary Kubiak...

[houstonspartan]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

Who would watch the Texans? Controversy drives the program. Who is our Ochocinco? Who is our Rex Ryan? Possible "feel good" stories are all the Texans have to offer. McNair wants the "exposure" to show how his team is "on the right track." He feels that this will increase revenues and the value of the franchise. How bout doing the same by putting together a "winner" rather than using smoke and mirrors to create perennial "wanna be's." Watching grass grow on Hard Knocks would be a monumental "Hard Sell" to anyone other than Texans fans.

Exactly. Put all that energy into doing a real evalutation of your coach and general manager instead of worrying about being on a tv show. Take a hard look around the league and investigate why many NFL teams can rebuild and make the playoffs in a few short years.

Don't those things, more than anything, will raise the value of this franchise.

[BigBull17]

Originally Posted by Allstar

Wonder where the Texans are on the list.

Somewhere between USC and Katy High School.

They would easily be behind UT and TAMU as well. No desire from anyone to see the Texans on Hard Knocks.

[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

Who would watch the Texans? Controversy drives the program. Who is our Ochocinco? Who is our Rex Ryan? Possible "feel good" stories are all the Texans have to offer. McNair wants the "exposure" to show how his team is "on the right track." He feels that this will increase revenues and the value of the franchise. How bout doing the same by putting together a "winner" rather than using smoke and mirrors to create perennial "wanna be's." Watching grass grow on Hard Knocks would be a monumental "Hard Sell" to anyone other than Texans fans.

HBO thought someone would, because we turned it down in '09.

[stingray]

Originally Posted by houstonspartan

Everyone would watch the Bucs. I have heard rumors about Raheem Morris. I hear he's an amazingly charming, driven guy with a real leadership personality. From what I hear, he has that "it" factor that wins people over immediately, which somewhat explains how they're re-building so quickly. I know someone who didn't get it either, but then ended up in the same room with him at an event and met him briefly and saw clearly what was driving the Bucs: Their coach.

Meanwhile, down on Kirby Drive, we have Gary Kubiak...

Problem is it that doesn't work everytime. He has had one winning season. Let's see what he does the next four to five years. I remember my buddy telling how he thought that Herm Edwards was gonna take the Chiefs to the Super Bowl after he watched hard knocks a couple years ago.

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by nero THE zero

HBO thought someone would, because we turned it down in '09.

That's the way I remember it.

[Mr. White]

I'll watch that show no matter which team is on.

If they can make the Bengals interesting, then they can make anybody compelling.

As a fan, I'd love to see the Texans get a season. None of us have any idea of how McNair really runs the team.

[Tailgate]

Originally Posted by Mr. White

I'll watch that show no matter which team is on.

If they can make the Bengals interesting, then they can make anybody compelling.

As a fan, I'd love to see the Texans get a season. None of us have any idea of how McNair really runs the team.

Exactly. That show is awesome regardless of what team is picked. The Texans were already at the top of the list at one point, so why not now?

Im thinking it wouldnt hurt our FA hunt if we were selected as the team prior to signings being allowed. How about Aso coming in to lead our young secondary as a storyline? Or to see the best WR in the game and his relentless work ethics and how he really ticks behind the scene? Cushing is fun to watch no matter. Mario Williams switching to OLB? The new coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball and that transition overall? David Anderson and his humor. Arian Foster is an interesting character not to mention the returning rushing champ. Demeco, Barwin, and Tates recoverys. Fringe players? Kareem Jackson trying to prove himself after his rookie season,etc,etc,etc....

[houstonspartan]

Originally Posted by stingray

Problem is it that doesn't work everytime. He has had one winning season. Let's see what he does the next four to five years. I remember my buddy telling how he thought that Herm Edwards was gonna take the Chiefs to the Super Bowl after he watched hard knocks a couple years ago.

Hmm. Ok. But tell me this: What has Gary Kubiak done in SIX seasons?

[Texecutioner]

I would not want the Texans on the show especially at this point in time. That would be just what the doctor ordered for typical Mcnair. Them being on the show would pretty much be enough success for him for that entire season and he'd be so proud of his classy organization whether we had a great season or a bad season. I don't think the Texans need any distraction like that any how.

[stingray]

Originally Posted by houstonspartan

Hmm. Ok. But tell me this: What has Gary Kubiak done in SIX seasons?

Lol!!! I never mentioned Gary Kubiak once. I am just saying that just because you are a fiery coach, doesn't mean you are going to be succesfull. And it goes vice versa.

[Norg]

It should be

AFC MIAMI

NFC Lions

[Kulluminatii]

I'd love to either see the Raiders (obviously a bit biased) or the Lions on Hard Knocks. Both teams are fairly young and are a few pieces away from being playoff worthy. I seriously doubt Al Davis would let it happen though, I think he was approached previously by HBO and shot them down then...don't see it being any different this time around.

[Double Barrel]

Originally Posted by nero THE zero

HBO thought someone would, because we turned it down in '09.

Being a team filmed for "Hard Knocks" can be very traumatic experience. I understand why McSmithiak would want nothing to do with it.

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by Double Barrel

Being a team filmed for "Hard Knocks" can be very traumatic experience. I understand why McSmithiak would want nothing to do with it.

Especially for a lower eschelon team, where each episode could act as a basis for some good SNL material, rather than the beginning of the generating of admiration.

[CloakNNNdagger]

Can extrapolate this piece on the Lions to the Texans.

Detroit Lions don't want to attend school of 'Hard Knocks'Published: Thursday, May 19, 2011, 2:08 PM Updated: Thursday, May 19, 2011, 2:33 PM
By Tom Kowalski MLive.com

BIRMINGHAM - In a recent ESPN poll, football fans around the country were asked which team they'd like to see on the HBO's series "Hard Knocks'' and the Detroit Lions scored very high.

"Hard Knocks'' is a thorough behind-the-scenes look at an NFL team during training camp with cameras everywhere - staff meetings, locker room, practice field, etc. With all of their notable young talent and a four-game winning streak to close out the regular season last year, the Lions are starting to get some attention.

While HBO is still searching for a team for this year's show, the Lions won't be it. Last year, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz made it clear that he has no interest in putting his team in a fish bowl. Apparently, the players don't have much interest either. The team wrapped up a player-organized workout today and in an unscientific poll of about a dozen players, they voted thumbs down for a variety of reasons.

"No, absolutely not. I can't imagine that,'' said Lions backup quarterback Shaun Hill. "First of all, I don't want to know what (the coaches) say about me in meetings and I definitely don't want the rest of the world to know what they say about me in meetings.''

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford agreed, saying there are some honest assessments that should remain private.

"I think that cause some rough spots after the fact when people see it,'' he said.

Defensive end Cliff Avril said he loves to see the coaches dish the dirt on the players - as long as he's not one of the targets.

"It's definitely a cool show to watch during camp - everybody tries to get back to the hotel on Sundays to watch it,'' Avril said. "But I don't know if I want to be the guy they're talking bad about upstairs.''

Another reason is because of the obvious disruption all the cameras and crew might bring.

"No, it's a distraction,'' said longsnapper Don Muhlbach. " I know some guys on teams that have done it and, uh, no.''

"I'm going to say no because of the distraction,'' tackle Jason Fox said. "I love watching the show, but I don't think we should be on it.''

That was echoed by veteran center Dominic Raiola, who got right to the point: "I don't think we need that. I have no interest.''

Veteran defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch thinks some people were mugging for the camera during previous shows.

"People get too fake about it,'' he said. "I think it's too much of a distraction.''

Detroit's Martin Mayhew, who is one of the least accessible general managers in the NFL, likes to keep his cards close to this vest and safety Louis Delmas agrees with that philosophy - although being on the show would have its merits.

"I would say yes because we work very hard and we could show everybody else how hard we work and that we're not a pushover,'' Delmas said. "But I'd say no because I don't want anybody to see our weapons. Mayhew's a hard dude, he's not going for that.''

And then there's this from backup quarterback Drew Stanton, who thinks the hard-working Lions might be a tad too boring for the entertainment world.

"There are certain personalities that bode well for that, like the Jets who put on a good show and Ochocinco the year before,'' Stanton said. "It bodes well for those kinds of guys but I don't necessarily think this is the type of team that would want that - or put on a good show for people.''