The Buccaneers sent a fourth-round selection (No.139 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft in exchange for Gronkowski and a 2020 seventh-round pick (No. 241 overall).
Rosenhaus said on ESPN "The discussions began shortly after Brady went to Tampa. It was just time for him to continue his career with Tom Brady in Florida with Tampa..."
Per Matthew Schmidt of clutch point "During an appearance on Bud Light Seltzer’s “Drafterparty,” Gronkowski said that he had the Buccaneers’ playbook while he was still technically under contract with the Patriots."
“I was in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers playbook four weeks ago, and I wasn’t even on the team,” said Gronkowski.
This apparently is not a violation. However Tampa Bay could be in trouble for tampering, if there is communication evidence The league could launch an investigation. As seen with Brady's 2016 punishment, the league has no issues with issuing punishment based off probabilities without evidence.
Gronkowski broke the "Patriots Way" and spoke without thinking. Fortunately for Robert Kraft, That's no longer a problem for Belichick and the Patriots.
After news broke about Gronkowski acquiring the playbook early, Gronk released a statement via twitter.
"This is serious a story? Lol! I was joking around with sage as I was pretty much the whole night when I was co-hosting the show. Wowsers, my co-hosting skills on point!! Lol! I actually just received my team-issued surface today from the bucs and it's still in the package, and hoping it's all full of pictures and drawings 😂😂. I am pumped to open it one day hopefully soon And follow the arrows to learn where to run to. Gronk run Gronk catch Ball. No playbook needed. Hehe"
"As cited in our previous report, having the Buccaneers’ playbook is not a violation itself. However, they way he acquired it and when he did would be critical, as it could be considered tampering ..." said Virgil Villanueva of clutch point.
NFL policy states “Any interference by a member club with the employer-employee relationship of another club or any attempt by a club to impermissibly induce a person to seek employment with that club or with the NFL.”
The Patriots owned Gronkowski's rights up until April 21st. The NFL has been mum on this matter.
Brian McCarthy released a statement when it was reported that Tom Brady had met with Buccaneers offensive coordinator during the NFL dead period. "It was a brief personal visit and Tom Picked up a playbook."
The news of Gronk having Tampa's Playbook broke about a week after Brady's story leading to many rumors.
Mike Florio of PFT speculated "Maybe the explanation this time around will be that Brady was picking up a copy of the playbook that, unbeknownst to the Buccaneers, he planned to give to Gronk."
The Patriots have yet to speak on the matter and appear focused on the 2020 NFL season.
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