Buccaneers LB Lavonte David, an emerging player in the league who seems primed for a breakout season, not only suffered through the aftermath of his late-hit on Jets QB Geno Smith, but also got fined for his actions, according to a league source.
David's unnecessary roughness penalty set up the Jets comeback win, giving them a field goal chance with seven seconds left to beat the Bucs, 18-17. The youngster took the loss hard, accepting blame for his mistake but saying he thought the quarterback was going to stay in bounds.
His misery was compounded when the NFL office fined him $7,800 for the transgression. With the Bucs 0-1 and facing a re-energized Saints team this week, and head coach Greg Schiano under fire in the locker room, Tampa's season could be reaching a crossroads much sooner than most would expect.
