Former Bucs quarterback Shaun King, now a popular analyst for NBC Sports, has long been a Josh Freeman supporter. King called for Freeman to get a new contract. He pleaded for Freeman to see a sports psychologist. He’s repeatedly told fans that Freeman is firmly in the tier of quarterbacks under the current elite QBs.

Today, King predicted there’s no chance Freeman returns in 2014, and King sounded more concerned about Freeman’s personal welfare than anything else.

King, speaking on the Ron and Ian show today on WDAE-AM 620, was asked whether he’d be surprised to learn there are significant off-the-field issues going on with Freeman. King said he wouldn’t be surprised but would not reveal specifics about what he’s been told about Freeman’s off-the-field life.

King, who lives in the Tampa Bay area, did say of things he’s heard about Freeman, “I hoping that they’re not true. … I don’t get involved in people’s personal lives. There are so many things that I know that happen over at One Buc that I don’t talk about because I don’t feel that’s my place. So I apply that as it pertains to Josh Freeman also.”

Co-host Ian Beckles, a former Bucs guard, also referenced numerous things he’s heard about Freeman in his neighborhood — he and Freeman live in South Tampa — and Beckles said he hopes they’re not true, either.

Also, King dove deep into the Bucs’ non-Freeman troubles on the field against the Jets, as well as how players don’t trust Greg Schiano. (You can hear the full audio below.)