Buccaneers News

"Last October, NFL star Warrick Dunn walked into Angola Prison in Louisiana, home to the state's death row. To one side of a small table sat his former youth football coach, Maelon Brooks, a fatherlike figure so close Dunn calls him "Pops." Dunn needed him there for support. On the other side sat Don Yaeger, co-author of Dunn's upcoming autobiography, there to chronicle the moment. Cuffed and shackled across the table sat Kevan Brumfield, the man who murdered Dunn's mother during his senior year of high school in 1993. It was time to confront his demons. "I didn't know what to say. Didn't know how I was going to react," Dunn recalled. "All I knew was it was something that had to be done. I ..."

"As the Brett Favre saga hurtles toward conclusion, one notable NFL observer says he already knows how the story ends. "I think the odds are better than 50-50 Favre ends up with the Bucs," former Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Theismann said Wednesday. "If Brett Favre plays football in 2008, I think it's in Tampa." There is increasing speculation that Favre, who turns 39 in October, will be traded from Green Bay to Tampa Bay, perhaps as early as this weekend. The Bucs have done nothing to quell the rumors. In a media conference call Tuesday, General Manager Bruce Allen had every opportunity to declare that Jeff Garcia will remain the starting quarterback this fall after leading Tampa Bay to an ..."

"By the time this newspaper hits your driveway, the Bucs will be about 24 hours away from reporting to training camp. All the offseason work has been done. Everything is ready. The carefully crafted plan to prepare for the regular season is set. Practices have been scripted down to the moment. So here's what the Bucs need to do: Blow that sucker up. They have a real good chance to land Brett Favre. This is an opportunity only the timid would decline. A silly thing like a game plan can't stand in the way."

"As the Green Bay Packers continue to make calls to prospective trading partners in hopes of dealing Brett Favre before training camp opens, new evidence has emerged in the team's tampering case against the Minnesota Vikings regarding the semi-retired quarterback. Two NFL sources said Wednesday that, in addition to cell-phone records of calls between Favre and Minnesota coach Brad Childress and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, the club also claims Favre sent text messages back-and-forth with the two Vikings coaches. In the aftermath of Favre asking for his outright release July 11, the Packers accused the Vikings of tampering with Favre by engaging in "inappropriate dialogue" with ..."

"Jeff Garcia will not report to training camp Friday with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Coach Jon Gruden has excused Garcia from the first two days of camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports so the starting quarterback can attend the 35th anniversary of Gavilan College's 1973 national junior-college football title team. The Gavilan team of Gilroy, Calif., was coached by Bobby Garcia, Jeff's father. "Jon's got an excellent relationship with Jeff's dad," Bucs General Manager Bruce Allen said Tuesday. "It's quite an achievement and they want to share it together.""

"The offseason was one of varied story lines for the Bucs. There was a reunion (the signing of Warrick Dunn). There were new beginnings, such as the drafting of cornerback Aqib Talib. There was even inspiration, as running back Cadillac Williams continues his battle back from a career-threatening knee injury. But the one thing there was no shortage of was off-the-field matters that resulted in hurt feelings and an equal number of harsh words. Most revolved around money, a common summertime theme. Another controversy, in the case of quarterback Chris Simms, centered on his assessment that his career is in limbo as he remains on the roster of a team he thinks doesn't want him. There ..."

"Chris Simms no doubt will be the most-watched quarterback at Bucs camp this weekend. That's because Jeff Garcia won't be there. Garcia has been granted permission by the Bucs to attend a reunion of the Galivan College team his father coached to the 1973 national junior college championship, and he will miss at least the first two days of camp. Garcia, who was granted permission several weeks ago, is expected to report to camp Monday. By then, though, the Bucs' quarterback situation could look dramatically different than it does today. Rumors surfaced Tuesday saying the Bucs were one of the teams the Packers called to gauge trade interest in retired and disgruntled quarterback Brett ..."

"Bucs safety Donte Nicholson got into a scuffle with security guards outside a bar early Sunday and was shot with an electric stun gun twice before he was arrested, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Nicholson, 26, was charged with battery and resisting arrest without violence, both misdemeanors. He was released from the Pinellas County Jail within hours of his arrest after posting $300 bail. The scuffle broke out at The Venue, a nightclub at 2675 Ulmerton Road, where Nicholson and his roommate, Torrey Robinson, 31, had been socializing, Sgt. Jim Bordner said."

"Safety Tanard Jackson is an impact player. As a rookie last season, his collisions lef welts on ball carriers, intimidated receivers and set the tone for the Bucs' defense. Jackson was a fourth-round draft pick who was converted from cornerback. Greg White, the 2007 Arena League Defensive Player of the Year, did not start training camp with the Bucs last season but wound up leading them with eight sacks. Donald Penn, an undrafted free agent who originally signed with the Vikings in '06, started 13 games at left tackle for the Bucs."

"Nothing has changed on the Chris Simms front. The disgruntled quarterback is still a Buc, even though he badly wants out of the organization, and he’s still planning to report to training camp on Friday. “I will be at camp,’’ Simms said in a text message. “I have no clue what is gonna happen [once I get there]; we’ll see.’’ There has been some speculation about Simms status for camp, so I decided to go to the source on the matter. His response isn’t surprising. Simms said weeks ago that he had every intention of reporting to camp, “if the Bucs want that kind of media circus.’’ Maybe they do. They have had a few opportunities to trade Simms and could have certainly released him ..."

"The ex-wife of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ricky Reynolds pleaded guilty this morning to one count of criminal mischief in a deal with prosecutors. Pamela Reynolds had been charged with felony criminal mischief for burning the belongings of Ricky Reynolds and Lori Smith. She was sentenced to a year of probation, ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to Smith and told to do 24 hours of community service. Pasco-Pinellas Assistant State Attorney Mike Mervine agreed to reduce the charge from a felony in exchange for Reynolds' guilty plea and agreement to pay restitution and to perform the community service."

"So, maybe the Bucs didn't exactly overhaul their roster after a thrifty offseason. No, they didn't inject their lineup with a large dose of star power. They didn't land Randy Moss or Jared Allen or any other headliner to whom they were linked. And despite it all, don't think for a moment training camp won't have the typical battles for starting jobs and precious roster spots. Eighty players will take the field on Saturday during the first practice at Disney's Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista. Twenty-seven won't be around by opening day. There are no promises and few second chances. Training camp can make or break a player's season. Here are some areas in which the ..."

"Days before Jeff Garcia was to lead the Bucs into a home playoff game against the New York Giants, he seemed completely at peace. His wife, Carmella, was expecting the couple's first child. He would later be named to replace Brett Favre in the Pro Bowl. Carmella was asked how it felt, after Garcia had played for five teams in five years, to know they would be staying in Tampa Bay for at least another season. No more trips to Bed Bath & Beyond. No more moving companies to call. "I don't know if Jeff will be here next year," she said matter-of-factly in January. "In this business, you never know what can happen." It sounded preposterous, but she was right. Despite taking three teams ..."

"If it's true there's strength in numbers, quarterback will not be the Bucs' weakest link. Far from it. There are five signal-callers on the roster, a list that still includes Chris Simms but hasn't made room for the leader of the Pack. The Bucs report to training camp Friday, so some roster tweaking is in order since NFL teams are limited to 80 players."

"Poor Aaron Rodgers. Under normal circumstances, he should be basking in all the preseason hype and pressure of a newly appointed starting NFL quarterback. Instead, his glorious moment is being held hostage by an aging quarterback who changes his mind like Paris Hilton changes men. Brett Favre's decision to go public about his displeasure with the Green Bay Packers' role in his retirement split the fan base, strained his relationship with his former employers and at its worst, put Rodgers in a tough spot. Professionally speaking, Rodgers doesn't seem to be in danger of losing his starting spot. But it indirectly messes with his image. To some, he will undoubtedly be the young guy ..."

"Everybody has questions. How soon can quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco start in Atlanta and Baltimore? Where does Brett Favre play in 2008, if he plays at all? Is there another team such as the New York Giants that will come out of the shadows at playoff time to seize the Super Bowl? There are no ready answers in July and August. Training camp is a time to grind, but it's also a time for optimism. Let's set the stage for the NFL's 89th season."

"Yes, the Bears have some issues as they head into training camp this week. But they are not alone. Each of the 32 teams in the NFL will be trying to answer deep questions, tie together loose ends and bury ghosts of the past. Here is a look at the other 31:"

"Days before Jeff Garcia was to lead the Bucs into a home playoff game against the New York Giants, he seemed completely at peace. His wife, Carmella, was expecting the couple's first child. He would later be named to replace Brett Favre in the Pro Bowl. Carmella was asked how it felt, after Garcia had played for five teams in five years, to know they would be staying in Tampa Bay for at least another season. No more trips to Bed Bath & Beyond. No more moving companies to call. "I don't know if Jeff will be here next year," she said matter-of-factly in January. "In this business, you never know what can happen." It sounded preposterous, but she was right. Despite taking three teams ..."

"If you have followed Buccaneers football much over the years, the following statement will seem mighty strange. I'm going to say it anyway, though. The Bucs' offensive line should be one of the team's strengths this season. In time, it could even be among the NFL's best units."

"The push is on to get draft picks signed in time for the start of training camp, but the efforts of NFL teams, including the Buccaneers, are being met with some unusual resistance. In addition to the usual squabbles, negotiations are being slowed this year by a dispute between the NFL Players Association and the NFL Management Council over the allocation of guaranteed payouts. Because teams are prohibited from raising the base salary of rookies by more than 25 percent per year, they often meet the player's salary demands by including a guaranteed bonus in the latter years of the rookie contract."

"Tampa's radio airwaves were rife with speculation Tuesday about a dinner meeting between Bucs general manager Bruce Allen and retired Packers quarterback Brett Favre. According to the reports, which were attributed on at least one station to some "well-placed'' unnamed sources, Allen and Favre were seen dining together in Tampa on Monday night at Fleming's Steakhouse. Fleming's does appear to be a favorite spot of Allen's. He has dined there with several future Buccaneers in the past. Allen, however, denied having dinner there this week with Favre."

"According to the Tampa Tribune, the Lions are reportedly interested in Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms. The Lions, Cowboys and Bears have all inquired about the former Tampa Bay starter. Simms suffered a life-threatening spleen injury three games into the 2006 season and didn't play in the 2007 season. Since the injury Simms has had a rocky relationship with head coach Jon Gruden and the Buccaneers organization. Currently, Simms is the fifth quarterback on the Bucs' depth chart, behind Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Luke McCown and rookie Josh Johnson."

"According to the Tampa Tribune, the Lions are reportedly interested in Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms. The Lions, Cowboys and Bears have all inquired about the former Tampa Bay starter."

"Brett Favre can't seem to make up his mind, so let's do it for him. Brett, come on down to Tampa Bay. The weather is much better than Green Bay's. There will be a playoff team waiting in your driveway. And most important, it would be great fun for all of us around here. OK, maybe that's not the most important thing. And if the Bucs got Favre it wouldn't be much fun for Jeff Garcia or the other 17 quarterbacks currently on Tampa Bay's roster. But the sad fact is with each new day the chances of Favre returning to the Packers get bleaker. It's hard to figure out which side is more responsible for the mess, Favre for jerking with Green Bay's plans or the Pack for not letting him."

"Most people can identify with being in a bad relationship that needs to end. When the relationship first started, there was nothing but hope and promise. It originally seemed that person could be a good fit, but as things progressed, somebody, if not both parties, realized they were not compatible. Then it was time to move on. This basically summarizes the dysfunctional relationship between the Bucs and Chris Simms, the unhappy quarterback who wants out, but whose team will not let him go. We learned last week that Dallas, Chicago and Detroit are interested in Simms. There are plenty more rumors to come, and no matter which team Simms plays for this season, he will be a backup - ..."

"Kids at Tampa General Hospital got a visit Wednesday from Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant. The man responsible for kicking field goals and extra points for the Bucs handed out autographed pennants and game schedule cards as he greeted children. "Tampa General does a lot for the March of Dimes," Bryant said. "It was an easy situation to come here and see the kids.""

"Warren Sapp makes a compelling argument that he belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Eight Pro Bowls, including seven straight, a defensive player of the year award and a Super Bowl title. "If Warren Sapp doesn't go into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, you'd better check the IQ of the voters," coach Jon Gruden said at Sapp's retirement party. "No disrespect to anyone, but he's the favorite guy I ever coached.""

"Bucs coach Jon Gruden takes more hits than a pinata at a birthday party, but it might be time to stop swinging at him in one area. One of the biggest criticisms of Gruden during his six seasons in Tampa Bay has been that he does not like young players. Some believe Gruden would rather start an old man in a wheelchair than any young person who has a MySpace or Facebook account. That just does not seem to be true anymore."

"Earnest Graham's patience finally paid off. Big time. The Bucs running back has agreed to a four-year deal worth $11-million, ending any possibility of a training camp holdout. The agreement was reported Sunday night by NFL.com. Graham, 28, did not participate in voluntary workouts or the offseason workout program, presumably because he wanted a contract extension. He did take part in mandatory minicamp. Terms of the deal have not been released, so it's not known how much of that $11-million is guaranteed or if it includes a signing bonus."

"He came to say goodbye. He had them at hello. Warren Sapp, who made his reputation hunting down NFL quarterbacks, charmed an intimate gathering of friends, former teammates and coaches Saturday night after arriving fashionably late at a retirement party to celebrate his glittering 13-year career. Sapp, 35, announced his retirement in January after nine seasons as a Buccaneer topped by a Super Bowl victory and four frustrating years in Oakland. "If Warren Sapp doesn't go into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, you'd better check the IQ of the voters," said Bucs coach Jon Gruden"

"You can scratch Earnest Graham's name off that list of disgruntled Buccaneers. Graham, the four-year veteran running back who put together a breakout season in 2007, agreed to terms late Sunday on a multiyear contract extension believed to be worth at least $10 million, according to NFL.com. The extension should keep Graham in a Bucs uniform through at least the 2011 season and all but assures the Bucs of having their reigning rushing leader on hand for the start of training camp next month."

"Ah, but what a relief to have a backfield chock-full of talent. Warrick Dunn, Earnest Graham and Michael Bennett make a formidable lineup. (For simplicity's sake, we won't consider the possible return of Cadillac Williams - yet.) Still, even with several attractive options, the Bucs have some decisions to make. Last we checked, they use just one football on Sundays. It's only June, so no one is bellyaching about playing time. But it will be interesting to see how the Bucs handle what could be a delicate situation among three capable backs. So far, coaches aren't letting on how they'll do it."

"Friends and former teammates from the Bucs gathered at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino on Saturday night to honor Warren Sapp. The 35-year-old defensive tackle retired in January after nine years in Tampa and four seasons with the Raiders. Sapp arrived fashionably late, strolling into his retirement party two hours into the festivities. While a DJ kept the music going, guests dined on sushi and an assortment of appetizers. "Warren's the straw that stirred our drink," said Bucs coach Jon Gruden, who attended the party with his wife, Cindy."

"Bucs fans should be highly encouraged this offseason that running back Cadillac Williams is apparently showing a lot of progress during his rehabilitation. However, there has to be a healthy blend of realism, optimism and pessimism. Williams played in four games last season before suffering a year-ending patellar tendon injury against Carolina. His injury was so severe, it was highly questionable if Williams would ever play football again. Coach Jon Gruden said Williams' progress was "one of the most amazing comebacks that I've seen" during minicamp, but playing him this season might be one of the biggest risks he has ever taken. First and foremost, Tampa Bay does not need Williams ..."

"Warren Sapp never really had a sack dance. He would just kind of stomp over the fallen quarterback as if putting out a cigarette butt. But Sapp will enjoy one last tango in Tampa on Saturday night when he hosts a retirement party at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel"

"Preparing for football season in over 100-degree heat has always been a challenge for Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden, but this year he is experimenting with ways not to burn out his players. The Bucs released their training camp schedule Monday, and players who report July 25 will be happy with this year's changes. Most practices are still open to the public, but Tampa Bay has scheduled a portion of four afternoon practices to be held in a new climate-controlled tent at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. From 2:45 to 4 p.m. on those four days, practices will be outside and open to the public, but the indoor portion from 4 to 5 p.m. is closed to the public."

"In 48 days, the Bucs will play their first preseason game. Think about that. Just last week, the team wrapped up its offseason program, which began in March and included 14 voluntary workouts and a mandatory three-day minicamp. Players stay in shape all year. But contact is limited in the offseason, and it takes a week or so of training camp to knock off the cobwebs. Frankly, most players will tell you the preseason is too long. Nowadays, the goal of every coach is to make sure his team gets to the starting line with all its weapons healthy. That might be harder to accomplish this season with an NFL-mandated 80-man roster limit for training camp."

"Don't get me wrong. I still like Chris Simms, although it should be pointed out that there have been a lot of empty chairs lately at the support group. Simms is a good kid, and he has been through a lot, and it is easy to make the argument that the Bucs have been as bad for him as the other way around. But if Simms really wants out of Tampa Bay in the worst way, as he says, then someone ought to point out that he is picking the worst way to do it. As those who still bother to pay attention noticed, Simms didn't show up at the Bucs' minicamp last week. Whether it was out of anger or out of frustration, out of feeling underappreciated or overcriticized, Simms stayed home. The closest ..."

"The Bucs signed Florida State linebacker Geno Hayes, their sixth-round pick in the draft, the team announced Saturday. Hayes, the 175th player taken overall, had 156 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in three seasons at FSU. Terms of his deal were not disclosed. Hayes will have to battle to make the 53-man roster, but if his speed and tenacity enable him to stand out on special teams, he has a good shot to practice alongside his idol, former Seminoles linebacker Derrick Brooks, this fall."

"When the pads go on and the hitting begins next month, look for the young guns to draw the most fire. If quarterback is the most demanding position in any team sport, inexperienced passers face the toughest challenge of all - especially if the franchises they represent are poised to make some noise. Oakland's JaMarcus Russell and Kansas City's Brodie Croyle won't be under that degree of pressure because the Raiders and Chiefs are afterthoughts behind San Diego in the AFC West. But for Trent Edwards, Jason Campbell, Matt Leinart and Tarvaris Jackson, fans and teammates are ready to analyze every training camp snap to judge whether these young quarterbacks are the real deal or merely ..."

"The purge of players continued at One Buc Place on Friday. It is not likely to end any time soon. Every time the Bucs sign one of their draft picks (which they also did Friday, inking fourth-rounder Dre' Moore to a four-year contract) they have to make room for him on the roster. That means cutting someone else. That means the Bucs might have to cut a quarterback before camp begins. Many believe the odd man out will be Chris Simms, who wants out anyway, but Simms has remained a Buccaneer through the first wave of cuts. The same could not be said for defensive ends Patrick Chukwurah and Marquies Gunn. They were let go along with tight end Keith Heinrich, linebacker Leon ..."

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today announced that they have signed LB Geno Hayes. Terms were not disclosed in a media release issued this morning. Hayes was selected by Tampa Bay in the sixth round (175th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. The hard-hitting linebacker collected 156 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in three seasons at Florida State."

"The Bucs signed fourth-round pick Dre Moore, a defensive tackle from Maryland, but former USF receiver Amarri Jackson was among those released, the team announced Friday. Moore, expected to compete for significant playing time, signed a four-year deal with a salary escalator built into the final season. Other terms were not disclosed."

"Tampa Bay left tackle Donald Penn was probably one of the few players disappointed about his team's decision to call off its final minicamp practice Thursday. Penn is currently Tampa Bay's No. 1 left tackle, and he is fighting to stay there. He has attended every organized team activity this offseason with hopes of wrangling a starting spot away from Luke Petitgout."

"Chris Simms may not have to wait much longer for the release he wants from the Bucs. Armed with a league-issued mandate to reduce their roster to 80 players by the start of training camp, the Bucs already have begun the process of purging players."

"There are athletes who make every effort to purge their most forgettable plays from their memories. Others, like Bucs quarterback Luke McCown, obsessively recall each intimate detail in a quest to pinpoint where it all went wrong. "I don't forget any of them," he said this week at minicamp, Tampa Bay's offseason finale."

"The Bucs raised a lot of eyebrows by signing oft-troubled WR Antonio Bryant. Ever since, the one who has been raising eyebrows has been Bryant. Seemingly eager to prove that he still has a lot of good football left in him - and at the age of 27, he should - Bryant is close to establishing himself as a potential starter for the Bucs."

"Cato June proved himself to the Buccaneers well before he made his first tackle in pewter. "They had a ceremony in Indy to hand out their Super Bowl rings and we had OTAs in Tampa the next day," Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said. "Cato got his ring and then showed up here in time. That's how dedicated he is. He's a Buccaneer. He fits right in, plays with a lot of enthusiasm and loves football. He could have had an attitude, but he was very respectful of our veterans.""

"B.J. Askew is paid to block, paving the road for the Bucs' rushing attack. It's a thankless job, but one he is more than willing to do. Just the same, he wouldn't mind moonlighting as a pass catcher. Last season, Askew caught 18 passes for 175 yards and no touchdowns. His only rushing attempt was a 3-yard gain in a loss to the Giants in the NFC wild-card game. As the fullback enters his second season with the Bucs after four seasons with the Jets, coach Jon Gruden might be less hesitant to call Askew's number."

"Yes, Ike Hilliard is certainly biased, but that won't prevent him from sharing his thoughts on the Bucs' oft-criticized group of receivers. Go ahead and ask him: Can the Bucs have a proficient offense despite not overhauling a unit seen as a weakness last season? "I can give you my opinion for whatever it's worth," said the former Gator, entering his 12th NFL season. "All I know is that last year, we won the NFC South with a couple weeks still to go and we got to the playoffs ? with this same group. That's something we didn't do the year before.""