Devin White’s Emotions Got The Best Of Him

Aside from Bucks head coach Todd Bowles, no other Bucks roster has been more affected than inside linebacker Labonte David in regards to offseason trade demands due to fellow linebacker Devin White’s dissatisfaction with his contract. there will be no one Since White was drafted, David has mentored White as a mentor, friend and team captain.

David and White have formed a special bond over the past four years, forming a dynamic duo as inside linebackers. David became a free agent but returned to his hometown of Tampa, albeit on a pay cut. Not long after, White demanded a trade, frustrated that the team had asked him to play a fifth-year option. White wanted a contract extension worth $18 million to $20 million a year this offseason. Instead, he would have to compromise by making $11.706 million.

I have the white Show up at a mandatory mini-camp to avoid fineshe does not practice.

Labonte David discusses drama deal with Devin White

Labonte David, currently the longest-serving Buccaneer and also the oldest player on the roster, participated in both minicamp practices. On Wednesday, David shared how he feels about Devin White’s contract status and how the young linebacker has handled this offseason.

“His emotions ruled him to the fullest,” said David. “I know Devin wants to be here and he wants to play here. His emotions overwhelmed him. He is ready to work here. I’m not ready to leave in 2018, but I’m gearing up for training camp.Whenever something like that was happening to him, I talked to him through the whole process. I know who he is, and I know he’s ready to come back out and play football and help us win.”

Labonte David gave Devin White advice

Bucks ILB Devin White – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR

Sometimes Devin White lets his feelings out publicly.Was it his trade request or Instagram post Such actions, including sending cryptic messages and commenting on photos of the Philadelphia Eagles, added fuel to the offseason fire. David advised White on how to handle everything better in the future.

“Like I said, don’t let your emotions get in the way,” David said. “Sometimes it backfires. People can take advantage of it against you. , not a very emotional person, show your passion, that you love this game, that you want to be here for the city of Tampa, for the Tampa organization, and for your teammates and football Show that you love what you do.

“He’s a captain, he’s a leader. A lot of guys look up to him. A young footballer, he came into this game as the fifth overall pick and he made an immediate impact on us. You definitely need him, he knows it.Devin, he’s growing as a leader himself.It’s a mistake for me to come here and watch him grow and see him improve year after year. It’s great without it.”

David has had some frustrating contract negotiations before, and he understands where White came from. He just experienced it himself this offseason, and it didn’t quite go his way when he had to re-sign for less than he made a year ago. Territories come and go with agreements and disagreements.

“It’s definitely part of the process,” David said. “That’s what I talked to him about. You may feel disrespected at times, but you can’t care about that. All you can do is control what you can control, It’s about getting out on the field, putting the best tape on the field, and letting everything take care of itself.”

Bucks ILB Labonte David and Devin White – Photo Credit: USA Today

Labonte David still looking for Devin White

I couldn’t get inside Devin White’s head before asking for the trade, but after it was all over, Labonte David spoke to him, part of an argument the two linebackers had with the media. shared the part. David has the best intentions for White, and he has expressed it to him.

“I don’t know what happened, but whatever,” David said. “I just yelled at him after the fact. I just told him how I felt about him, how I felt about him and the business side of him, that they care about what they care about. I’m just trying to control and deal with that part.