The Buccaneers released Randy Gregory in the middle of the team's preseason broadcast

Randy Gregory finally made an appearance during a Tampa Bay Buccaneers preseason game, but not in the way every player wants.

Gregory had been out without permission since signing his free agent contract with the Bucs in April, and on Saturday the team officially ran out of patience. After amassing about as much money as the Bucs were willing to pay him to play, Gregory was released after the two sides agreed to go their separate ways.

It's more bizarre than anything because Gregory has been a rumor in Bucs camp for the past five months after skipping every opportunity to report. Now his time with the team is coming to an end, and the manner in which it happened is perhaps the most striking thing about his tenure.

His release was a long time coming, but the team gave him about as much respect as he gave them. During the team's preseason game on Saturday night, it was announced on the broadcast that the Buccaneers had reached an agreement to release Gregory this week.

Chris Myers delivered the news, which is a rather unorthodox way to make a roster move, but feels oddly fitting given the rollercoaster ride Gregory has taken the team on over the past few months.

“The Bucs have come to an agreement with Randy Gregory and his agent and plan to release him this week,” Chris Meyers reported during the team's game against the Jaguars. “He was signed because they were trying to improve the pass rush and edge rush room, but it just didn't work out, so they came to an agreement to release him.”

The Bucs did not officially announce the news, but Tampa Bay Times insider Rick Stroud confirmed the report when it came out.

Gregory skipped OTAs and didn't show up for training camp in late July. Todd Bowles refused to stand up for Gregory and was so fed up with being asked about him that he curtly dismissed further questions earlier this month.

Losing Gregory has no real impact on the Bucs other than freeing up a spot on the roster where there is a need. That sounds worse than it actually is, as the news of Gregory's release coincided with a great game from Jose Ramirez.

Gregory's reasons for leaving the Bucs remain unclear, as no one has heard from him since signing his contract. He is suing the NFL and the Denver Broncos for fines he says he shouldn't have to pay after informing both parties of his medical marijuana use to relieve his anxiety and mental health issues.

Whatever the reason, he is no longer the Bucs' problem and the flip side of the coin is hopefully someone like Ramirez will step in and make it worthwhile for Tampa Bay.

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