HOFer says Bucs should strip captain of rank

Devin White Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Hall of Famer says Buccaneers should strip captain of rank

By Max Steele | Last updated 11/1/22

Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp wants to demote "Captain White."

In a video breakdown of Tampa Bay linebacker Devin White's play on Instagram, Sapp blasted the linebacker's effort in a 27-22 loss Thursday to the Ravens. He said White should be stripped of his team captaincy.

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A post shared by Warren Carlos Sapp (@warrensapp)

"I want you to watch the effort of the captain right here, No. 45," Sapp said in the video. "How do you show up with your defense on Monday morning with this type of effort? I'd ask for your C off your chest."

Sapp also included a #HopeMayBeGoneInTampa hashtag on the post.

White finished the game with 10 tackles, but the defense allowed 453 yards in what could be a season-defining loss. The defense also had embarrassing showings against the Panthers (2-6) and Steelers (2-6).

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles remains confident in White and said he will remain the starter.

"I have no problems with Devin," Bowles told the Tampa Bay Times. "You can point to anybody on this team where you say they weren't playing well any week of the season, so to pick on Devin is unnecessary."

In Tampa Bay's Super Bowl season, the 24-year-old linebacker was named a Pro Bowler. He has been the Bucs' defensive captain the past three seasons. Teammates vote on captains.

The Bucs are 3-5, second in the lame NFC South. On Sunday, Tampa Bay hosts the Rams, last season's Super Bowl champs.

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