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Simeon Rice |
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Written By: Matt Scharver
NFLSpot.com
07/29/07 |
So Long Simeon - Injured Rice Released at Start of Camp.
Simeon Rice was a integral part of the 2002 Super Bowl championship defense Football is a tough business. Bucs GM Bruce Allen and Bucs head coach Jon Gruden may be the most cut-throat figures in the sport today.
Regardless of public scrutiny, Jon Gruden has released franchise icons such as: Warren Sapp, John Lynch and Shelton Quarles. In addition, many players have left the franchise with a sour taste in their mouth. Add one more to the list in Simeon Rice.
Rice, who was injured much of last season before being placed in IR in week nine, was entering the last year of his contract and neither Rice, nor the Bucs, initiated discussion of an extension - which would indicate that both parties planned to part ways after this season. Team officials reported that Rice was released due to a failed physical. Coincidentally, Rice was also asked to take a $2.5 million paycut for this season - and refused.
Rice, who ranks third all-time in franchise history for sacks behind Lee Roy Selmon and Warren Sapp with 69.5, will find work elsewhere and will continue to produce at a high-level. Rice is a workout-warrior who defies his age and continues to outwork any and all challengers to his position.
Rookie defensive end Gaines Adams, selected fourth overall, has some pretty big shoes to fill. Not only will Adams be expected to transition to the NFL game, but, he will be replacing a figure-head along the defensive line. A figure-head that produced 69.5 sacks in just six seasons.
To throw a rookie into that kind of position speaks volumes of his potential, character and the confidence that the coaching staff has in his ability to replicate his predecessor's peformance. Gaines Adams will have all of pre-season to prepare himself for week one against Seattle Seahawks left tackle Walter Jones.
While Simeon takes the free-agent tour to Carolina, Chicago, Detroit, Tennessee and New York - Buc fans and players are left scratching their heads. Derrick Brooks was so caught off guard at the announcement of the Simeon's departure that he was seen shedding tears in the player parking lot - a rumor that Brooks later confirmed to local media outlets. Rumors run rampant of possible mutiny in the Buccaneer lockerroom. Fear not Buc faithful, while players may be miffed and feelings hurt, time does heal all wounds and any talk of sabotaging a season out of spite for a coach will be squashed by the likes of Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber and Joey Galloway. The NFL is a business and all team personnel are expected to act in a professional manner - Brooks, Barber and Galloway will be around to make sure that happens.
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