Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith has revealed that he does believe in second chances but wants a chance to talk to Richie Incognito before he signs the offensive lineman.
The 31-year-old was part of the bullying scandal last season at the Miami Dolphins where it emerged that he harassed teammate Jonathan Martin, and as a result was suspended by the club.
However, Smith is prepared to give Incognito a chance at the Buccaneers after his contract wasn't renewed by the Dolphins at the end of the 2013 season.
"I would like to talk to him myself. And you if you know my history, I do believe in second chances," Smith told reporters.
"To me, nobody should have a death sentence. If you should, you're probably in jail. And then from there, what does it hurt to talk to someone?
"For me, as we go forward, I'm going to give everyone the benefit of the doubt until we have information that tells us otherwise."
The Buccaneers open the 2014 season against the Carolina Panthers on September 7.
