TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' outside linebacker Randy Gregory was notably absent on the first day of mandatory minicamp, subsequently raising concerns within the team. Coach Todd Bowles confirmed the unexcused absence and stated that the Buccaneers will "deal with it."

While addressing the media following Tuesday's practice, Coach Bowles expressed disappointment at Gregory's absence but assured that the team would handle the situation accordingly. He emphasized that, at present, his focus is solely on coaching the players who were present.

The Buccaneers had signed Gregory during the offseason to a one-year contract worth $3 million, with the potential to earn up to $5 million through incentives. However, Gregory's absence from mandatory minicamp could result in financial penalties as per the NFL collective bargaining agreement. For the first day of unexcused absence, the linebacker could face a fine of $16,953, followed by $33,908 for the second day, and $50,855 for a third day.

In an unrelated development, Randy Gregory recently filed a lawsuit against both the NFL and the Denver Broncos, claiming discrimination. The lawsuit revolves around the player being fined $532,500 due to positive tests for THC. Gregory argues that the substance he was using, dronabinol, is a synthetic form of THC prescribed to him to alleviate social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Despite Gregory's claim, both the Denver Broncos and the NFL denied his request for a therapeutic use exemption for the prescribed medication.

The absence of Randy Gregory from the mandatory minicamp adds an extra layer of complexity to the situation. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization will now need to address Gregory's absence and make any necessary decisions regarding disciplinary measures or incentives to ensure future compliance from the linebacker.

As the situation unfolds, fans and officials alike will closely monitor the development of this matter, eagerly awaiting the resolution that best serves the interests of both Randy Gregory and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.