Bucs OT Donovan Smith: Shephard’s Beach Resort enforced dress code on me, not others

Bucs offensive tackle Donovan Smith said he was denied entry into Shephard's Beach Resort in Clearwater Beach on Sunday because he was wearing a jersey, even though other patrons were in similar attire.

Smith, who is black, tweeted about the incident Sunday:

"To think it's 2018 and I got denied entry at @ShephardsResort in Clearwater ABSOLUTE first and last time trying to go … you can't pick and choose you enforce dress codes with. #Disgusted"

Shephard's has a dress code for their tiki bar posted online. It includes: No baggy clothes, pants must stay up unassisted, no undergarments showing including no men's undershirts or plain white Ts, no basketball/gym shorts/ jerseys (during Beach Party Sundays or
certain special events), no denim on men (during Beach Party Sundays or
certain special events), no thongs, no medallion necklaces (during
Beach Party Sundays or certain special events), no offensive, drug, or gang related tattoos or clothing.

Smith noted via Twitter that other patrons were allowed into the resort wearing basketball jerseys.

"Tried to enforce my jersey … meanwhile walking in there was a John Wall jersey Vince Carter Jersey"

A woman named Cody who identified herself as a manager at Shephard's but declined to give her last name said that Smith was mistaken if he said he saw people wearing jerseys inside their establishment Sunday.

"That's just not possible," said Cody, arguing that they employ off-duty police officers to strictly enforce the dress code. "We enforce the dress code evenly to everyone."

Cody said Shephard's encourages customers who want to come in but aren't following the dress code to purchase a T-shirt at nearby stores so they can comply.

Smith also not like the way a member of Shephard's security staff spoke to his sister.

"Also need to look into how your head of security talk to people," Smith tweeted. "ESPECIALLY women !!! The way he talked to my sister was not cool nor professional."