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Bucs' Morris downplays report of confrontation with Talib

Staff file photo by CLIFF MCBRIDE

Raheem Morris shares a laugh with cornerback Aqib Talib during training camp in August.

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 3, 2009

TAMPA - Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris is downplaying a radio report that second-year cornerback Aqib Talib cursed him out after breaking curfew following the 35-7 loss to New England in London Oct. 25.

Local sports talk host Steve Duemig recently reported that Talib used profanity toward Morris when Tampa Bay's rookie coach admonished him and several teammates for arriving late at the team hotel, hours after the Bucs fell to 0-7.

"A couple of guys went out for dinner, some with their wives, some with their teammates,'' Morris said Tuesday. "They came back late to the after-game curfew. They've been dealt with by myself and by the organization.

"As for the rumors of the confrontations, they are what they are. Myself and Talib, we have a great relationship. I don't think we've ever had an argument. I've yelled at him before, but I've never, ever been disrespected by Aqib Talib in life. Never.''

Morris didn't say profanities weren't uttered during the Oct. 25 incident with Talib, who was not made available for comment Tuesday.

"We've used swear words to each other every day,'' Morris said. "I wouldn't necessarily call it disrespect. That's talk on the football field. It's a form of communication. He (Talib) has always been as respectful as can be to a coach. Has he had some issues? Yes, there's no doubt about it. We've got to control that. We have to help him get better.''

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