(SportsNetwork.com) - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reportedly fined quarterback Josh Freeman twice in the past month for conduct detrimental to the team.
Reports of the fines came Wednesday amid escalating tensions between Freeman and the team since he was benched for rookie Mike Glennon.
The latest fine was levied in the past week, Sports Illustrated reported. The fines totaled $31,500, according to the Tampa Bay Times, and included $10,500 for an unauthorized interview with ESPN. The other fine was for missing at least one team meeting, Sports Illustrated reported.
Freeman plans to appeal the fines, according to both reports.
According to Sports Illustrated, the Bucs could potentially suspend Freeman without pay, setting up a scenario that would allow the team to trade him without paying part of his salary.
On Tuesday, players union head DeMaurice Smith said the NFLPA was looking into whether the Bucs leaked information about Freeman's inclusion in the NFL's drug program.
Freeman said he has never tested positive for an illegal drug but does take medication for ADHD and said he accidentally took Ritalin instead of Adderall last year, which triggered a positive test.
As a result of the test, Freeman was placed in Stage 1 of the league's drug program and submitted to frequent drug tests.
Bucs coach Greg Schiano said he was "absolutely not" the source of the leak after being asked by reporters.
Freeman says he would like to be traded or released. He has started 59 games for the Bucs since being drafted in the first round in 2009.
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