Bucs wrapup: singing a Cali tune; ESPN pays visit Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer Friday, August 7, 2015 10:37pm
SportsCenter anchor Lindsay Czarniak and ESPN football analyst Ron Jaworski visit town. RICK STROUD | TimesWhistling a happy California tuneTAMPA — If you think the Bucs have no chance of reaching Super Bowl 50, well, they're singing another tune.At least, they are during each practice. Coach Lovie Smith decided that to create some energy and force players to concentrate amid the noise blaring from loudspeakers, the team would play music for the duration of each practice.It was not by accident that Smith chose California Dreamin' by The Mamas and the Papas followed by California Love by Tupac Shakur to begin training camp. Super Bowl 50 is at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.On Friday, the team's playlist was a combination of rap and R&B. It began with NWA's Straight Outta Compton."The reason is that most games, they aren't played in silence," Smith said. "We have to be able to concentrate when there's noise around us. Also, sometimes you need something to get you going a little bit. Whether it be Mamas and Papas or Tupac, starting off with California Dreamin' the first song, to California Love, Tupac, to A Change is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke), it kind of gets you going a little bit."And who picks it out? Like we do most things, our captains pick it out. If you didn't like the music today, talk to Vincent Jackson."Front and SportsCenterESPN's SportsCenter was broadcast live from One Buc Place with Lindsay Czarniak and Ron Jaworski.The various hits included interviews with QB Jameis Winston and coach Lovie Smith.The Bucs have received a lot of national attention early in training camp and Smith believes that's a good thing. "We're on the radar," he said. "And as far as the distractions, no. We talked about the music. You want that. You need that noise around you and still be able to focus. Once we start doing what we're supposed to do, there should be more attention placed on us, and we should be able to handle it. Was there someone there today?"Public training camp practicesToday: 2:30–5 p.m.Tuesday: 2:30–5 p.m.Wednesday: 2:30–5 p.m.Aug. 17: 2–4:30 p.m.Aug. 18: 2:30–5 p.m.Aug. 19: 2:30–5 p.m.Note: Free parking and admission at One Buc Place. Children 12 and under may go on the field for autographs after practice. Times subject to change. Check buccaneers.com for updates.Preseason scheduleAug. 15:at Minnesota, 8, Ch. 8Aug. 24:Cincinnati, 8, ESPN, Ch. 32Aug. 29:Cleveland, 7, Ch. 8Sept. 3:at Miami, 7, Ch. 8Radio: 103.5-FM, 620-AMTickets: Toll-free 1-866-582-2827 or buccaneers.com
