TAMPA, Fla. _ The Bucs are looking into allegations by an animal rescue group that defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches abandoned a dog that was found near a busy road where it had been for about 36 hours.
The dog, named Jitterbug, is a Cane Corso, which is a form of pit bull. It was taken to a shelter after being found Dec. 8.
According to a report on TMZ, the rescue group contacted Nunez-Roches around Dec. 7 and the Bucs player indicated he planned to pick up his dog. But the Bucs were playing at Detroit that weekend. The dog has remained in the shelter but has been pre-adopted.
The Bucs were made aware of reports and said they are trying to learn more about the incident.
"We are aware of the issue regarding Rakeem Nunez-Roches and are in the process of gathering additional information," the Bucs said in a statement. "We will refrain from further comment until we have a better understanding of the situation."
Nunez-Roches played in 16 games for the Bucs and finished with 10 tackles and one fumble recovery.
