operations without interference, and for having the patience to allow John McKay to follow through with his building plan despite the franchise's 0–26 start. This changed after events surrounding the 1982 players' strike. A report issued by the National Football League Players Association prior to the start of negotiations revealed that the Buccaneers had the fifth-highest gross income of all NFL teams, while their average salary was only the 21st-highest. This directly contradicted statements made by Culverhouse in 1980, in which he told players that they were on one of the three highest-paid teams. The NFLPA figures showed that the Buccaneers were actually the third lowest-paying team, based on total salaries as a percentage of gross income. Culverhouse was then accused of trying to divide the players during the strike, when some of the team's assistant coaches contacted players to ask whether they would be willing to return to the team. Culverhouse was considered to have drawn a closer friendship than an owner should to his coach, having guaranteed John McKay employment for life. When the team began to lose, area fans blamed McKay, and felt that there was no hope for any change. He was, however, credited with recognizing the need for a change in leadership, as he went outside of the organization in seeking a replacement when McKay retired. He then upset fans by broadcasting advertisements thanking fans for their support, while simultaneously raising ticket prices. However, while Culverhouse's relationship with Tampa had been problematic for years, the Bo Jackson 1986 draft debacle permanently ruined the owner's reputation in his home city. Jackson, the Heisman Trophy-winning running back from Auburn, was the consensus #1 player headed into the draft. Jackson had never forgiven Culverhouse or the Bucs when they flew him to Tampa for a physical and a visit at the team's expense during his senior year, leading him to believe that the NCAA and Southeastern Conference had approved the trip. In truth, they had not done so. Since the Bucs paid for the trip, it violated an SEC rule that barred athletes from being professional in one sport and amateur in another. As a result, the trip cost Jackson his eligibility during his senior baseball season. Jackson believed the Bucs had deliberately tried to sabotage his baseball career, and told Culverhouse that "you're going to be wasting a draft pick" if they selected him. Jackson announced he