Bucs ILB Devin White – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

One day after Devin White declined to speak to the media following a lot criticism about his play, White did face the music on Thursday.

Of the many calling out White for his lackluster performance against the Ravens on Thursday Night Football, Bucs Ring of Honor member and NFL Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp was one of the loudest. He went as far to say that he’d ask for White to take the captain’s “C” off of his jersey.

The play in particular that drew the ire of Sapp was a moment in the third quarter where it looked like the Pro Bowl linebacker may have been loafing during it. In another, he just completely missed his assignment.

Bucs LB White Responds To Sapp

This is how White responded:

“I got no response to that,” White said. “People that know football know what’s going on. I was on the far side of the field on our sideline in my coverage and a play happened on the their sideline. I took off running, I wasn’t the fastest over there. My teammates know what’s going on, what comes on with me with on the field and effort. Really ain’t know response on that. Salute to him – he did a great job, he won a Super Bowl here. It’s freedom of speech, he can say what he wants to say. Respect to him.”

Here’s the full video for context:

White Didn’t Play Well vs. Ravens

White had a 44.2 grade on Pro Football Focus. He couldn’t get off blocks, showed a lack of hustle and missed many assignments. On one play he made, he chased down Lamar Jackson for a minimum game, but it gave the Ravens a first down. White immediately shot up and started celebrating because he made the tackle, but Jackson pointed in celebration pointing in the direction of a first down.

Bucs ILB Devin White – Photo by: USA Today

While the Bucs’ star linebacker was fine with celebrating an individual accomplishment on that particular that play which helped the Ravens, when asked about his personal performance on Thursday, he took the team route.

“Where do you have to improve?” Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds asked.

“It’s a team game,” White said. “I just play a team sport.”

In fairness, White isn’t the only player that has to pick it up on Tampa Bay’s defense. That’s why Sapp also called out players including Lavonte David, Vita Vea and more. A good start to getting back to the type of defense they’re capable of is by bringing the energy.

“Every time we step on the field is fun,” White said. “Making plays is fun. For some people, when they’re not making plays obviously the energy can be lacking. Sometimes it can be hard to cheer for something that’s not happening.

“But I think that’s when you got to pick your brother up and be happy for other people’s success. I think that’s where you find the energy at, so if you’re lacking it with ourself because you’re not making plays, be happy for somebody else that’s making a big play.”