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Just hours after learning he was no longer part of the team’s plans, a Buccaneers star arrested for public disorder while intoxicated — Buccaneers’ actions redefine the meaning of “family” in the NFL

Tampa, Florida – January 7, 2026

Just hours after being informed that he was no longer part of the team’s long-term plans and was likely to depart when his contract expires in March, Tampa Bay Buccaneers long snapper Evan Deckers was arrested in downtown Tampa on charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and resisting law enforcement. The incident unfolded quietly but sent shockwaves internally, as it occurred precisely while the Buccaneers were preparing for a pivotal stage of the offseason.
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According to local sources, the incident took place on the evening of January 6, 2026, just hours after an internal discussion earlier that afternoon. Witnesses said Deckers appeared visibly upset, emotionally shaken, and under the influence of alcohol in a crowded area of Tampa. Following a brief altercation, police were called to the scene. Upon arrival, Deckers was reportedly resistant to being restrained, leading to multiple charges, although no serious injuries were reported.

Deckers first joined the Buccaneers in May 2023 as an undrafted free agent. He was waived at the end of the preseason, later re-signed to the practice squad following an injury to Zach Triner, and gradually worked his way into the primary long snapper role during the 2024 season. While the position does not carry publicly tracked snap statistics like others, Deckers’ role on special teams — punts, field goals, and extra points — was viewed as steady and reliable within the team’s system.

What makes this story particularly notable is the Buccaneers’ response. Through head coach Todd Bowles, the organization issued a message emphasizing care and responsibility, even as this was believed to be leaked internal information that was not aggressively pushed by mainstream media. “This is a very difficult situation. Evan has contributed to this team, and as soon as we became aware of what happened, the organization reached out to offer support — both legal and emotional,” Bowles said.
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Deckers was held overnight and released on bail the following morning. The case remains under investigation, with a court appearance expected later this month. In an unforgiving NFL, where roster decisions can leave players in an emotional void within hours, the Buccaneers’ response sent a clear message. “Once you are a member of the Buccaneers, you will always be part of the family,” Bowles emphasized — a rare definition of “family” in the world of professional football.

Zelensky Accuses Russia of Supplying Suicide Drones to Iran
  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of supplying Iran with Shahed-style suicide drones, which are reportedly being used by Tehran to target U.S. bases and neighboring countries in the Middle East. However, Zelensky has not provided concrete evidence to support these claims. In an interview released by CNN on March 14, Zelensky stated, "I have 100% accurate information that Iran is using this type of UAV to target U.S. bases and neighboring countries in the Middle East." The Shahed drones, originally produced by Russia after receiving a license from Iran, have been implicated in attacks on U.S. and allied military installations in the region. Zelensky further claimed that Russia is also providing intelligence support to Iran's attacks. "Russia's position is that if Washington and Europe are helping Kyiv with intelligence, Moscow can similarly support Tehran," Zelensky added. Despite these bold assertions, the Ukrainian president did not present any direct evidence to substantiate his claims. Neither Russia nor Iran has officially commented on these allegations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on March 14 that Iran is "militarily cooperating" with both Russia and China, though he did not provide further details. Earlier reports from The Washington Post cited sources indicating that Russia had provided Iran with intelligence on the location of U.S. military assets in the Middle East. This alleged support is believed to have helped Tehran successfully target a range of high-value targets in the region, including radar systems valued between $500 million to over a billion dollars. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated on March 10 that Russia has denied sharing intelligence with Iran, affirming that Washington "can trust" Moscow's statements. Shahed drones, developed by Iran, come in various models and have been a key part of Iran's military capabilities. Iran reportedly supplied several Shahed-136 drones to Russia, granting Moscow a license to produce them under the name Geran-2. The Geran-2, which weighs about 200 kg and carries a 50 kg warhead, has a range of 2,500 km and is primarily used by Russian forces in long-range strikes against Ukraine. However, it can also be used for tactical strikes near the frontlines if needed. Images of a Geran-2 UAV in flight over Kyiv in December 2025 have highlighted its growing role in the conflict. In late February 2026, after the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran, Tehran responded by targeting Israel's territory, U.S. bases in the Middle East, and vital energy infrastructure across the Gulf region with both missiles and suicide drones. According to CBS, the early phase of the conflict saw an Iranian drone strike on a U.S. military operations center in Kuwait, resulting in six soldiers' deaths. The specific type of drone used remains unclear. Additionally, a radar system in Qatar, worth approximately $1.1 billion, was damaged in an attack believed to have been carried out by an Iranian suicide drone. The growing use of these drones by Iran, particularly with alleged Russian support, has further escalated tensions in the Middle East, adding to the already volatile situation between the U.S., Iran, and their respective allies.