80sucks.com – Michael Clayton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver, SUCKS!
14Oct/090

Is There A New Rett In Town?

Do you think we could get these for less than $25 million?

Do you think we could get these for less than $25 million?

There might be a new Rett in town, but this one isn't former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Errict Rhett.

A new thread posted on PewterReport.com was asking what people thought was the real reason for Michael Clayton's lack of production.  The Gang @ 80Sucks.com did some digging, and we think we might have uncovered the truth.

Does Michael Clayton suffer from Rett Syndrome?

Rett Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is marked by "loss of purposeful use of the hands".  Sound like anyone you know???

While Clayton doesn't fit the exact profile of this very serious medical condition, the fact the he displays several symptoms (general lack of interest, balance and coordination problems, spasmodic movements of hands, etc.) suggests it is a potential medical issue that he and/or the Buccaneers should consider diagnosis/treatment for.

The Gang @ 80Sucks.com

10Oct/092

Are The Bucs Blatantly Breaking NFL Rules?

"Wow, how did we not see this sooner?"

"Wow, how did we not see this sooner?"

Rules Clarification, Please?
 
Admittedly, we are not experts on NFL rules, but our understanding is that an offensive lineman cannot catch a pass unless (i) he reports to the referee as eligible; or (ii) the pass is first tipped by an otherwise eligible receiver or a defensive player.

When an offensive lineman reports as eligible, the referee generally announces it before the play. 
 
Our question? We have never heard Michael Clayton--who the Bucs signed to an insanely large contract apparently for his blocking skills--report as an eligible receiver.  So why haven't the Bucs been called for an illegal touching on those rare instances (7 times so far in the first 4 games of 2009) when Clayton actually hangs onto the ball?

Can anyone help?

We're not trying to get the Bucs in any trouble here, but certainly the NFL is going to catch this sooner or later.

Use the comments link below or use the Contact Us page to send us your response via email.

The Gang @ 80Sucks.com

9Oct/091

Is There A Conspiracy At One Buc Place?

"Yo, QB, I'm open. I won't drop it, I promise"

Clayton practicing for his next job as a waiter, don't sit in his section if you don't want your food "dropped" in your lap

We initially were inclined to chalk up Michael Clayton's complete lack of production over the past four years to the fact that......well 80sucks.

It turns out it may be a conspiracy to freeze Clayton out.  Just ask Mike. 

This past week, Clayton--doing his best Keyshawn Johnson impersonation--complained:

"I've got to get more opportunities. . . .I'm a guy that can help this team win. We've got to get our players the ball. Everybody needs more opportunities.  (Tight end) Jerramy Stevens needs more opportunities. (Antonio Bryant) needs more. You're gonna drop some balls, but you also need an opportunity to make up and redeem yourself. We haven't quite been able to get to that step."

This, of course, comes on the heels of Raheem Morris criticizing Josh Johnson for not getting the ball downfield more often.  The same Josh Johnson that was....that's right, drafted by Jon Gruden, and who Gruden recently praised as one of the hardest working and intelligent young quarterbacks he has been around.  And if you been listening to Clayton for the past four years, you know that Clayton blames Jon Gruden for his failures.  In particular, Clayton blamed Gruden for not having confidence in him:

When asked what he wished Gruden would've done differently, Clayton said, 'It's about showing more confidence in your players. He was kind of a turncoat. He'd tell you one thing and then do something else.'"

Why would Johnson not throw the ball to Clayton?  It can't be because Clayton has a history of dropping passes.  It can't be the fact that Clayton has already dropped 4 of the 18 (nearly 25%) passes thrown his way.  It can't be because Clayton never accepts responsibility for his own poor play.  It can't because Clayton runs poor routes, can't get separation, or has a notoriously poor work ethic. 

The only explanation....Josh Johnson has conspired with Gruden to keep Clayton from getting the ball. 

Either that or Johnson knows what everyone (except Clayton and Morris) has known for years....80sucks.

What do you thinks readers?  Please use the comments section to let us know.

We'll continue to follow this story for further developments.

The Gang @ 80Sucks.com

8Oct/091

Antonio Bryant Says Michael Clayton Is Not A Receiver

Clayton asking AB if drops get counted the same as catches. Sorry Mike, if that were true you'd be a Pro Bowler.

During the Buccaneers Total Access Show today on AM 620 WDAE, Bucs wide receiver Antonio Bryant said that Michael Clayton is NOT a wide receiver.

During the response to a question about his relationship and trust level with Bucs quarterback Josh Johnson, Bryant explained that the quarterback has a responsibility to put the ball in his general area, it is up to him, the receiver, to make the catch.  He then issued the following quote:

"That's what receivers do, we catch the ball"

Well based on the fact that Michael Clayton had zero catches against the Washington Redskins and zero catches against the New York Giants, it is clear that AB is calling out Michael Clayton.  If Clayton were a receiver, postulates Antonio Bryant, then he would catch the ball.  Since he does not catch them, he clearly is not a receiver.

We have contended for some time that Michael Clayton is not a wide receiver but rather a blocking tight end or offensive lineman.  While we're not exactly clear on what #80 is, Antonio Bryant is clear on what he is NOT: a receiver.

Kudo's AB for having the moxie to stand up and challenge Michael Clayton to either start catching some passes or stop calling himself a wide receiver.

We applaud you!

What do you thinks readers?  Please use the comments section to let us know.

The Gang @ 80Sucks.com