Tampa Bay Vipers sign suspended NFL WR Antonio Callaway
- LeoNY
- Head Coach
- Posts: 1006
- Joined: Sat May 25, 2019 8:20 pm
Tampa Bay Vipers sign suspended NFL WR Antonio Callaway
Callaway was suspended by the NFL twice during the 2019 season. Most recently 10 games for a substance abuse violation.
- MikeMitchell
- UFLBoard Correspondent
- Posts: 2133
- Joined: Thu Nov 22, 2018 5:28 pm
Re: Tampa Bay Vipers sign suspended NFL WR Antonio Callaway
It’s a smart move on Callaway’s part. He’s already under NFL suspension. Even if he would have signed with an NFL team. He wouldn’t be able to play. If Callaway has his head on straight. He can really prove himself.
The XFL gives Antonio Callaway the opportunity to rehab his reputation. Setting aside the marijuana stuff. Callaway has had other issues since he was in college. On the field, while extremely talented. He’s an inconsistent player. Callaway will drop easy passes and run poor routes.
From the XFL and Tampa’s perspective. They just added a 4th round draft pick from the 2018 class. Someone who was projected by some to be a first round talent. The Vipers have some good receivers but they don’t have a lot of speed and playmakers at the position.
The XFL’s character policy is being tested with Callaway. Tampa probably needed to get approval from the league office before making this move.
The XFL gives Antonio Callaway the opportunity to rehab his reputation. Setting aside the marijuana stuff. Callaway has had other issues since he was in college. On the field, while extremely talented. He’s an inconsistent player. Callaway will drop easy passes and run poor routes.
From the XFL and Tampa’s perspective. They just added a 4th round draft pick from the 2018 class. Someone who was projected by some to be a first round talent. The Vipers have some good receivers but they don’t have a lot of speed and playmakers at the position.
The XFL’s character policy is being tested with Callaway. Tampa probably needed to get approval from the league office before making this move.
-
- Running Back
- Posts: 170
- Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2019 9:16 pm
Re: Tampa Bay Vipers sign suspended NFL WR Antonio Callaway
Agree - very low risk move by the Vipers for a guy that had problems but a lot of talent.
Regarding the character stuff, the substance of it isn't all that different than Will Hill (drafted by STL), except obviously the recent timing.
Regarding the character stuff, the substance of it isn't all that different than Will Hill (drafted by STL), except obviously the recent timing.
-
- MVP
- Posts: 6474
- Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2019 2:27 pm
Re: Tampa Bay Vipers sign suspended NFL WR Antonio Callaway
The NFL is reviewing its policy on marijuana use especially in states where it is legal. That may be internal justification/loophole used. Being a Gator and only 2 -3 yrs removed from school makes him extra attractive in Florida .MikeMitchell wrote: ↑Fri Jan 17, 2020 11:11 am It’s a smart move on Callaway’s part. He’s already under NFL suspension. Even if he would have signed with an NFL team. He wouldn’t be able to play. If Callaway has his head on straight. He can really prove himself.
The XFL gives Antonio Callaway the opportunity to rehab his reputation. Setting aside the marijuana stuff. Callaway has had other issues since he was in college. On the field, while extremely talented. He’s an inconsistent player. Callaway will drop easy passes and run poor routes.
From the XFL and Tampa’s perspective. They just added a 4th round draft pick from the 2018 class. Someone who was projected by some to be a first round talent. The Vipers have some good receivers but they don’t have a lot of speed and playmakers at the position.
The XFL’s character policy is being tested with Callaway. Tampa probably needed to get approval from the league office before making this move.
Its getting press too:
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2 ... -callaway/
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/form ... ay-vipers/
https://www.si.com/college/florida/foot ... vipers-xfl
Local:
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/gators/ ... -callaway/
Its definitely worth the signing, NFL player, plenty of press, Florida school playing on FL XFL team. Win, Win, Win.
-
- MVP
- Posts: 3313
- Joined: Wed Aug 14, 2019 8:42 pm
Re: Tampa Bay Vipers sign suspended NFL WR Antonio Callaway
Add to that recent UF star, as opposed to Tebow, whose last game as a Gator was the last BCS game on FOX (and Brian Kelly had been the coach at Cincinnati before that game too). If you're going that route it's best not to make people dig through the yearbooks too much
-
- MVP
- Posts: 6474
- Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2019 2:27 pm
Re: Tampa Bay Vipers sign suspended NFL WR Antonio Callaway
On a side note the Vipers are advertising on The Pewter Report one of the local TB Bucs news sites.
(likely a rotating ad)
https://www.pewterreport.com/
(likely a rotating ad)
https://www.pewterreport.com/