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Dominik stands by Schiano amid report of Freeman leak

 
Published Oct. 13, 2013

TAMPA -- Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said Sunday that he stands by head coach Greg Schiano, responding to a national report that the NFLPA believes the coach leaked confidential information about former quarterback Josh Freeman.

"I feel confident in what Greg Schiano said on the podium. I know he stands behind that, and I stand behind him," Dominik said Sunday before the Bucs' home game against Philadelphia.

Schiano, asked two weeks ago if he was the unattributed source of ESPN news that Freeman was in the league's substance abuse program for prescribed drugs to help with ADHD, said "absolutely not," adding that he was "100 percent comfortable with my behavior."

Dominik reiterated that the team has been cooperative with all investigations into the Freeman leak and was unwavering in his support for Schiano, whose team is off to an 0-4 start in his second season.

"We encouraged the investigation. We have nothing to hide as an organization," Dominik said. "Ideally this isn't something that's public knowledge, but it is. We're looking to handle it appropriately. There's nothing here that's going to stop the investigation. We'll be there to answer any questions anybody may have."

A report from USA Today on Saturday night cited NFLPA documents in reporting that the union believes Schiano is the source of the leak, adding that the NFLPA believes Schiano discussed Freeman's confidential information with other Bucs players before his release.