Yardbarker: Simeon Rice

The Saga Continues

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:44:50 -0500

I can't seem to shake this Anquan Boldin thing. You know about it. You might have heard on newsradio, or tv, or the newspaper, or the internet, or maybe your mother who doesn't even pay attention to the NFL and says to you "Hey, what about Anquan Boldin?", that he wants out of Arizona. He's done.

NFC West Update

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:19:34 -0500

So a funny thing happened during my reading on yardbarker.com yesterday. Turns out my companion bloggers in the NFC West don't really think much of the Cardinals. That's ok. That's what being a fan is all about. It was all in good fun (I think?) Now that we are three weeks into camp and about to hit week 2 in games, I thought I would provide an update as to what is going on around the division. Seattle: Major news here. Wide receiver Bobby Engram is out at least 6-8 weeks after suffering a cracked shoulder. A cracked shoulder? That's a new one. Aren't these guys supposed to wear pads? I mean, I know the receivers shoulder pads are smaller. Well, maybe that opens a spot to bring back Jerry Rice! He's old, but not as old as the Walrus on the sideline. Well, seriously I hope he gets better. Like in 18-20 weeks. San Francisco: They released Brandon Moore (see my post today on the Rodgers-Cromartie injury update about that bit of news) because they signed Takeo Spikes. Other than getting older, where's the upgrade? Whew. I wasn't even aware Spikes still played. Maybe Ken Harvey is still available? Hey wait - I think Simeon Rice and Warren Sapp are still available too come to think of it! St. Louis: Camp Over? Wow. According to receiver Torry Holt, going to Wisconsin for camp this year "gained a little bit of toughness" for the Rams. How tough cane they be if they had to go to Wisconsin for camp this year. I mean, let's be realistic. They didn't want to be seen at Rams park. They will be back training at Rams Park after this weekend's game though. You can't hide in Wisconsin forever I guess. Running back Steven Jackson is still a holdout. I'd hold out too if I were a Ram. At least he missed having to go to Wisconsin. Instead, he's probably on a beach somewhere in Tahiti. So it seems every team within the divison has some sort of plight they are dealing with. At least so far, Arizona's have been minimal. Boldin decided to come and play even though he wants a new contract. His injury also is healing. We dodged a bullet on Rodgers-Cromartie, and Al Johnson should be back by the beginning of the season. Go Cards! Scott Allen AZScott

Is Derrick Harvey Losing Value?

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:04:02 -0500

As the Jaguars approach their pre-season opener, there is still no immediate signing of Derrick Harvey expected. When camp began, Jack Del Rio admitted that there is a point that an unsigned draft pick starts to lose value to the team. Has Derrick Harvey gotten to that point yet? Probably not, but you have to wonder where that line in the mind of the Jaguars coaches. Can Harvey come to camp and make an immediate impact? "A little bit of it is natural ability," admitted veteran defensive end Paul Spicer. "Guys can come in, and off God given talent can get to the quarterback." But it takes more than just talent to make plays consistently, Spicer warns. "There is no successful pass rusher who just came and said 'That's all me, I didn't have to do nothin.' No, you have to work on it." Spicer said. That being said, rookies have, in the past, made big impacts as pass rusher. Jevon Kearse, Dwight Freeny and Simeon Rice are among those who have recorded double digit sacks as rookies. Second round pick Quentin Groves has looked good rushing the passer and has received positive reviews from offensive linemen like Maurice Williams and Khalif Barnes. Groves was also singled out by Del Rio after Friday night's scrimmage. Was that a message for Harvey? Maybe. But Groves' performance in pre-season games might just give the Jaguars more leverage…then again, it could go just the other way. Notes: Linebacker Clint Ingram said that he might be back on the practice field this evening after leaving practice Monday with an ankle injury. He also thinks that he might play on Saturday in the pre-season opener. When asked what he thought of the current state of rookie contracts, Spicer replied "I wish I was 25 again." Here's an interesting scenario to consider: Brad Meester will likely be out until October recovering from his biceps surgery. The Jaguars will have to keep Meester around in the meantime, eating up a roster spot. Might that spot cost Matt Jones? As far as the wide receiver are concerned, Jerry Porter, Reggie Williams, Mike Walker, Dennis Northcutt and Troy Williamson seem to be in. Would the Jaguars keep more than five receivers on the roster? They may have to use one of the last roster spots on a player who would help on special teams, or maybe an extra offensive linemen to have around in case of another injury up front. That could make it tough for anyone outside of those top five receivers to make the squad.

2008 Detroit Lions Preview: Can Anybody Find Me...Somebody to Love?

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:24:28 -0500

It's time for the GoWF annual rite of passage that is the Detroit Lions season preview... set to lyrics. Last year, we got all hot and bothered, because we waited until the Silver and Blue got off to a doppelganger 2-0 start, thus prompting some bonerific Prince lyrics. This year, we wanted to go with a mustachio theme in honor of the immovable pile of steamy crap that is Matt Millen. While Frank Zappa tempted us, in the interests of well, everybody else, we settled on Queen. Much to our merriment, Queen proves a fantastic choice. I swear these things write themselves sometimes.

"I've paid my dues. Time after time, I've done my sentence. But committed no crime. And bad mistakes, I've made a few. I've had my share of sand kicked in my face. But I've come through." (The Proud Tradition)

Yeah, we understand how you feel Barry. We would have bolted too if we were in your shoes. The invite is always open though, you know?

"I want it all, I want it all, I want it all, and I want it now." (Last Season)

Last year the Kool-Aid tasted so good. Martz, Kitna, Johnson, Williams, Furrey, McDonald, Jones, Bell, Duckett. Ok, so maybe the Kool-Aid had a little too much Beefeater's Gin mixed with it, because what seemed like the second coming of the greatest show on turf was a hit or miss train wreck. We wanted it all and we weren't willing to wait. However, 6-2 out of the gates got our appetites wet and expectations soaring. And who could possibly forget one of the most memorable moments in Lions football since Barry Sanders left? Remember Shaun "Big Baby" Rodgers plowing into the end zone after a fumble recovery and scamper to the house?

Of course, much like "Big Baby" gasping for air…soon the Lions would also be gasping for air. They collapsed; almost on cue down the stretch of the season going 2-6 the rest of the way. What seemed so perfect and so real, was just a cruel taste of the high life. We wanted it all, but we wanted it too soon and got little in return. It's like we went house hunting and thought we could afford a little more than our budget and ended up upside down with a mortgage we couldn't pay after the housing crash. Um, yup that was the Lions in 2007…we'd suppose.

"Buddy, you're a boy makin' big noise playing on the street; gonna be a big man some day. You got mud on your face. Big Disgrace. Kickin' your can all over the place." (The Offense)

Again, bless Jon Kitna's heart, but he's been masquerading as a starting QB for a wee bit too long now. The problem is...the Lions have no real threat waiting in the wings, as Drew Stanton remains an enigma. Perhaps, another 5-11 or 6-10 season will allow us to get a glimpse into the future of Stanton. However, the crystal ball will most likely reveal another damn back-up QB. Oh well.

Once again the offensive line is made of patchwork and recycled goods. No, that's not referring to a hippie's closet, rather an NFL team's offensive line. The Lions have gone ahead and attempted to implement a generic version of the Bronco's zone blocking system. Apparently, they hope this will mask the fact that they are rolling out Tatum Bell as a featured RB along with an "unknown" rookie. Gee, we hear Mike Bell and Reuben Droughns might be available to help apply some Neosporin to this pathetic RB stable.

And for the WR's...well they may or may not be the lone bright spot for this offense. Although, let's leave a TBD tag on this group for now. However, please let us keep our dream alive that Calvin Johnson will be the STUD everyone predicted he'd be.

"Fat Bottom girls you make the rocking world go round." (The Defense)

You have to hand it to Rod Marinelli. While a lot of folks out there deride him for basically bringing in every single available defensive player from Tampa Bay; it makes sense. If you are implementing a new system based on a similar system, why not bring in guys who know "said" system? It's a logical move and it is comforting that he considers a lot of these guys - particularly in a secondary that's often reminiscent of flies stuck on fly paper - system guys. The secondary is improved.

The problem with this throwback to the Tampa Cover 2 - and we're not the first to address this - is that Tampa had Simeon Rice and Warren Sapp providing a furious pass rush. The Lions have Chuck Darby, Cory Redding, Jared Devries, and Dewayne White. Marinelli calls them veterans; most would call them "blue light specials." The Cover 2 defense is useless without lightning fast defensive ends and good pressure in the middle. This is a huge question mark. The other laughable element here is Lovie Smith coached the linebackers in Tampa and installed it in Chicago. Minnesota implemented it last season. And they both have FAR better players than the Lions. Who you planning to fool here guys?

"Oooh you make me live. Whenever this world is cruel to me, I got you to help me forgive. Oooh you make me live now honey, Oooh you make me live…You're my best friend." (Coaching Staff)

Ah yes, the lightning Rod still carries the mantle of this team, but for how much longer? Well, it seems that he and Millen have formed an inseparable bond of sorts and can be seen carrying each other hand in hand in this debacle we know as the Lions. One would always have to consider Marinelli being on a short leash; after all Millen did fire a lifelong buddy in Steve Mariucci just a few short years ago.

That said; the remainder of Marinelli's staff is a collection of unrecognizable names and/or nice guys. I guess the saying holds par that nice guys finish last. Put in simpler terms, unless some facet of this team (the special teams, defense or offense) makes a huge leap this year…we won't have to worry about teams in need of head coaches raiding our cupboards. It should come as no surprise that our defense is led by Joe Barry, a Buccaneers import. Jim Colletto gets the distinguished honor of following the huge footprints that Mike Martz left behind (that's sarcasm). Of course, his track record consists of the Ravens and Raiders offenses in the past 7 or 8 years…not good.

The feel good story of the Lions coaching staff has to be Joe Cullen who somehow managed to battle his booze demons and retain his job even after driving through a Wendy's butt naked and drunk a few years back. Give that man a hug.

"Bismillah! We will not let you go, let me go. Will not let you go, let me go. Will not let you go let me go. No, no, no, no, no, no, no."

…or…

"Pressure. Pushing down on me, pressing down on you. No man ask for...Under Pressure." (Management)

At this point this has become another Detroit tale of Rasputin. The only way we're getting rid of the "unsinkable" Matt Millen is if Ford Motor files for bankruptcy, sells off either some assets, or pawns the whole shebang. Ever seen "Gung Ho?" The Japanese would turn the Lions around in no time. They are really great at calisthenics.

Honestly, the seat can't possibly be any warmer under Matt Millen's ass. Ford Jr. has voiced displeasure, but as mentioned above...we've been down this road before and nobody is convinced the end is really near should the Millen/Marinelli brain trust fail once again. Yet, we'll be sure to listen to Drew Sharp and Mitch Albom proclaim the end of the Millen era...starting around Week #1.

"Is this the real life, is this just fantasy?" (Fantasy Impact)

The gut reaction says "Don't touch these guys even if you're wearing lubed up rubber gloves, "but there are a couple scenarios where you might pull the trigger. A late round Tatum Bell pickup is a calculated gamble (ADP 125ish). Kevin Smith very well might be the guy, but taking him for your #3 RB - or larger leagues you're #2 RB - is very risky. The guy may never even play. Pay close attention to the Lion's camp if you really insist on going this route. With an ADP around 70, there's a lot to give (i.e., Fred Taylor, Donovan McNabb, Donald Driver) in order to get Smith. In the meantime, nobody is putting much stock in Taco Bell, so he's available for peanuts and he should get a share of carries - at least for a while.

Kitna is a good late round backup with TUP. He should easily fall into the double digit rounds, so at this point your biggest competition for Kitna is likely that pesky auto draft. As for Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams, as much as we all like them in reality, they reek of streaky big games and busts. Kitna looks to spend a lot of time on his back yet again, so expect a handful of turds from both of these guys. These guys have Lee Evans Syndrome written all over them.

"She's a killer queen; gunpowder gelatine. Dynamite with a lazer beam, guaranteed to blow your mind…(anytime)." (Gambling)

There's a golden rule of thumb when it comes to wagering on the Lions. "You NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER…bet for or against the Detroit Lions." That's right; they will blow your mind and slash your heart with a Lazer beam…anytime. You don't believe us? Go ahead; seal your own fate at your own risk. You've been warned to give this team a wide birth.

"It's the terror of knowing what this world is about. Watching some good friends, screaming...let me out." (Intangibles…The Fans)

Honestly, a fan revolt doesn't appear that far from the realm of reality. Wait, we've tried that one before. In the end "WE" the fans remain the victims. Try walking a week in the shoes of a Lions fan. OK, so maybe it's not all that painful, but it's quite brutal. Just imagine knowing your fate before it even happens? At least most tortured franchises have "hope" each year. As goes with Lions fans, we've become numb to hope. It's really, really...sad. And it could turn ugly really fast at Ford Field if the team starts sputtering. How fun is it gonna be to play a football game on Thanksgiving when you are getting booed by a hostile and heavily intoxicated audience?

"And another one gone, and another one gone, another one bites the dust." (Overall 2008 Prediction)

It's quite sobering to realize that it takes nearly 2000 words of rhetoric and pessimism to capture the splendor that is the Detroit Lions. Yes, we love the Lions…please make no mistakes in that regard. However, when you've had your share of sand kicked in your face…sometimes you just know you're going to lose. It's another season and another season of unfilled promises. There's really no point in getting our hopes up again, just to have them crushed. For we know if the Lions ever right the ship, it'll be like playing with house money. Oh how we long for that day, but it seems so, so far away. Bold Prediction: (6-10…Marinelli and Millen are shown the door).

Boldin Speaks Volumes

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:23:21 -0500

I'll try to keep it professional since these players do reserve some respect. I mean, at least Anquan Boldin came out of hiding and said something so we can get on with life in training camp from day one. However after today's Drew Rosenhaus inspired press conference, I'd like nothing more than to see Anquan swallow his words, pretend he is still keeping to himself, play, and then move on to greener pastures as he thinks he will be doing after his contract expires in 2010. Boldin said he was done with the Cardinals. He will stick to his contract and play it out and after it expires in 2010, he will move on. Good. Good bye. I've got to believe after those comments, the Cardinals can only see this as a distraction and will be actively trying to trade the disgruntled receiver. That may have been the move Anquan was trying to get team officials to make by speaking today. No doubt, Anquan is a great receiver. He has given us many excitement moments in his short career to this point. However, I say trade him now. It will come up time after time for each of the next three seasons. Too much distraction. If he wants to cry that Larry Fitzgerald got his milk money and all he got was a feeling of milk spilled over his head, then go cry us a river somewhere else. Take your sob story to Detroit. Go to Dallas. Live it up large in LA…..oh wait, forgot, they don't have a team. Go surfing in San Diego. Take a bite from the Big Apple in New York. Whatever, just leave now. The Cardinals are much better off without him. He will be a cancer in the locker room, no matter what he says, no matter how well his intentions really are. The last thing this team needs is another black eye. Anquan all but said today that Arizona is the "arm pit" of the NFL. Well, Simeon Rice already took that one, so he took the high road and did the "honorable" thing by saying he will finish his contract out like a good little Cardinal soldier, but after that he wants out. They keep telling me this is a business. Every business has a bottom line. Bottom line is, the Cardinals next order of business is to ensure this doesn't become a distraction and work hard and work fast to kill this situation before it gets out of hand. Unfortunately, that time may have already passed. Time will tell. If Quan is still around in two weeks for the preseason opener against the Saints, he may hear the following from the stands, to quote the great line from The Princess Bride… "Booooo" "Boooooo" "Boooooo". My name is Scott Allen, you killed my dreams of a distraction-less season, prepare to be traded. Go Cards! Scott Allen AZScott

Camp Breakdown - Defensive Line

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:23:56 -0500

This is easily the Bucs strongest position on the field. Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin and Head Coach Jon Gruden know that for the Tampa 2 defense to be succesful, pressure on the QB is essential. Last season we had a deeper rotation on the defensive line with us regularly using 6 or 7 guys. With the FA additions from the offseason, and the draft pick used in Round 4 at DT, I think the possibility of us using an 8 man rotation is a reality. Currently on the Roster - Gaines Adams, Chris Bradwell, Kevin Carter, Marques Douglas, Jovan Haye, Chris Hovan, Dre Moore, Greg Peterson, Ryan Sims, Greg White, Jimmy Wilkerson Gauranteed Roster Spots - Gaines Adams I know that it seems insane to only put 1 player out of 11 guys on the list for gauranteed spots, but I truly think the other 9 (Bradwell, no chance) are battling for the other 7 spots on the roster. Adams had a tough first few games last year, but who wouldn't facing the lines of Jamaal Brown, Walter Jones, and some other top tier LT's in the NFL. He finished the season with 6 sacks and 38 tackles, and to me, looked like a rising star down the stretch for us. He brings a lot of Simeon Rice to the table, but in my opinion, has the chance to be a much better player in run support. He apparently stopped eating junk food this past offseason and came to OTA's looking and feeling in the best shape of his life. A 10+ sack season seems like an easy goal. No Chance - Chris Bradwell Battling for Spots - Kevin Carter, Marques Douglas, Jovan Haye, Chris Hovan, Dre Moore, Greg Peterson, Ryan Sims, Greg White, Jimmy Wilkerson I believe we are essentially looking at 4 more ends making the roster, and 3 more DT's making the roster. Kevin Carter appeared to fit perfectly into our defense last season. He finished the season with 54 total tackles, 3 sacks and a fumble recovery. He would seemingly be battling the other two hybrid players on our roster, Jimmy Wilkerson and Marques Douglas. I would say that there is a distinct possibility that both Douglas and Carter end up making the final roster due to their versatility. Douglas finished the season with 74 tackles with the Niners and 3 sacks. He was playing a hybrid end spot in their 3-4 scheme so I would expect those tackle numbers to come down a bit, but he also has the ability to increase the sack numbers. Wilkerson brings the same kind of versatility to the table as Carter and Douglas, but just has not been as productive in his career as the two aforementioned players. Greg White would seem to have a good chance of making the team after his 8 sack season last year. He has been angling hard for a new deal, so I would not rule out some kind of trade by the Bucs, being as though we are stacked at this position. Him and Gaines on passing downs though, should be a formidable duo. That leaves Jovan Haye, Chris Hovan, Ryan Sims, Dre Moore and Greg Peterson battling for 3 or 4 spots on the line. Ryan Sims showed the ability to be a nice cog in the middle in his brief time on the field last season. It would appear as an outside observer that we would be more inclined to take 2nd year player Greg Peterson, who I think has a bright future, or rookie Dre Moore (whom the Bucs were apparently ecstatic to get in the draft) over Sims, due to the fact that we spent draft picks on both of them. To me it seems like our DT tandem of the future would be Peterson and Moore, with Moore playing the run stuffing role, and Peterson being mini-Sapp. Jovan Haye and Chris Hovan should still be provided the opportunity to maintain their starting positions from a year ago. Hovan almost always seems to be in the middle of big plays, and is a fearless player with good leadership qualities. He can't dance for shit, which he does during every timeout at RayJay, but nonetheless is a scary, productive player. Haye finished the season with 88 tackles and 6 sacks, and was a true bright spot on our Dline last season. Another guy wanting a new deal, or he would have been put on the Gauranteed Roster Spot list. Starters - RE/Adams, DT/Hovan, DT/Haye, LE/Kevin Carter Backups - RE/Greg White, DT/Peterson, DT/Moore, LE/Douglas

McNabb, Rice urge peace at Hall of Fame

Sat, 03 May 2008 04:52:37 -0500

add 1 more notch to the Donovan belt, he's just in a class by himself, he gives, he speaks, he's a gentelman and in the face of adversity, never bails on anyone!!! with all the violence goin on lately in the NFL or i should say "outside" the NFL, feel good stories are what we need more of!! Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb went back to his former high school Friday and implored Chicago students to stop killing each other. ''It bothers me to see that on TV, you guys killing yourselves,'' said McNabb, who was at Mount Carmel to be inducted into the South Side school's Hall of Fame. A 1994 Mount Carmel graduate, McNabb was joined by '92 alumnus and longtime NFL defensive lineman Simeon Rice. Speaking to a packed gym of students, faculty and parents, McNabb said no matter where he goes, he is a Chicagoan at heart, but watching national news coverage of the recent shootings of Chicago area schoolchildren is upsetting. McNabb, a Dolton native, asked the Mount Carmel students why teenagers are shooting each other. Twenty-four Chicago Public Schools students have been killed by gunfire this year. ''You guys are killing yourselves, and for what?'' he said. ''To get a better pair of shoes? What are we doing? We're taking [life] away from each other.'' McNabb addressed the perils of living in gang-infested areas. He pointed out that when he and Rice, who lived in the Roseland neighborhood, were at Mount Carmel, they were approached to join gangs but refused. ''You got a guy trying to recruit you, and we had the same thing,'' McNabb said. ''We had no problem saying no. You need to do something with your lives. Get off the streets and stay at home. Do your homework and put the Sony PlayStation 2 joysticks down.'' Senior Steve Filer, who will play football at Notre Dame next fall, said McNabb's message hit home. ''In my AP government class, we talk about the violence and kids dying so early,'' Filer said. McNabb said the speech wasn't planned or written out in advance. ''I thought about a couple of things and just went off the cuff,'' he said. ''I wanted to be real and relate to them and give them something to ponder.'' McNabb also emphasized to the Mount Carmel students how he went to Syracuse on a football scholarship and graduated in four years with a degree in communications and a double minor in African-American studies and business. He will begin preparing for his 10th NFL season today when he reports to the Eagles' minicamp. He was the second pick in the 1999 draft and led the Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX.

NFL Tragedies and Triumph... Week 13

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 02:55:51 -0500

Welcome back to ATS as a lot of great sports talk was covered on this broadcast. Some highs and lows have been featured in the last couple of weeks, but the show must go on! And I hope you all enjoy the show as much as I enjoy hosting, producing, editing, and eventually posting it! The next couple of weeks will be a major brainstorm on some major ideas to make this show even better and more listener-friendly! Remember, "For the Listeners, By the Listeners!" A Loss at 24 The NFL lost a great young player at the age of 24 this past week. Sean Taylor was shot over the week, and eventually passed away at the hospital. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Taylor family, the NFL, and the Washington Redskins. One and Done As quick as running back Ricky Williams returned to the NFL, he left for the season! The Bears also lost a major contributor to their run game. Two Young Studs Traded The Devil Rays and the Twins swapped two very good young players this week, enhancing both teams, as well as hurting their teams in different areas. Where is Johan Headed? Two teams remain in the Johan Santana sweepstakes. Find out what the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees are willing to give up in order to gain the services of this stud pitcher. Mets Give Up at "Last"! Once thought of as the next great prospect, outfielder Lastings Milledge was traded for average players, even when the Mets needed to fill a rightfield void. More Free Agent Moves Kaz Matsui, Troy Percial, and Randy Wolf all have moved on to different teams via free agency. Find out where! Sits and Starts Fix your fantasy lineups thanks to some last second news and notes in the world of Fantasy Football. Listen live on Sundays at 11am EST. Call-ins are encouraged at (718) 664-6559. Listen live at www.blogtalkradio.com/tmoneysports. And as always, send in your sports question for Money Mailbag by simply filling out the form on the side of the page. In turn, T-Money will answer your questions on an up coming edition of Around the Spectrum: LIVE.

Colts release Simeon Rice, is he done?

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:09:35 -0500

Former pro-bowler Simeon Rice has been released by the Indianapolis Colts, and as a casual fan I would say that his career is likely over. The DE relied upon his lightning quick speed to get around bigger offensive linemen and maybe with the decline of his speed he just couldn't compete anymore. What are your thoughts?

Colts pick up Simeon Rice

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 01:11:18 -0500

The Denver Broncos released former defensive player of the year Simeon Rice this weekend, and the injury plagued Colts gladly scooped him up as a replacement for the injured Dwight Freeney. The Colts, losers of two straight, have been decimated by injuries on both sides of the ball. Will this turn around the losing streak?

Simeon Rice regrets signing with the Broncos as a free agent.

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:55:58 -0500

After 6 weeks on their roster, Simeon Rice is getting some second thoughts on signing with the broncos... "At this point I am," he said. "My energy and purpose is to play and be the best. I'm not suiting up week to week and I don't have any plain, concise answers."

Coach Gruden Not A Goodbye Guy

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 14:26:50 -0500

A handshake. A pat on the back. A thank you. Even a sigh. That's all players are looking for from Jon Gruden when they learn they are no longer a member of the team. But the Bucs coach admits he isn't good at breakups. "It's hard to say goodbye," Gruden said. "It's hard."

Reese moving on, will meet with Simeon Rice

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 02:53:53 -0500

For me, the most interesting note to come out of the first full day of training camp had nothing to do with the action on the field. It had to do, of course, with the Michael Strahan situation. As I mentioned Friday, if Strahan is serious about retiring one option to replace him is free agent Simeon Rice. According to Newsday's Ralph Vacchiano, the Giants are looking into doing just that, and Rice will be visiting the Giants on Monday.

Simeon Rice released by Bucs

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:36:30 -0500

Ironically, the same day they sign first rounder Gaines Adams, The Bucs release all-pro defensive end Simeon Rice. The reason this happened was due to that fact that Rice failed a physical. When healthy Rice is very hard to stop and is a sack machine. Rice has 121 career sacks and would fit well with any team as depth on the defensive line or a leader in the locker room.

Simeon Rice put on IR: End of Bucs career?

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 01:49:21 -0500

Rice was put on the IR after injuring his left shoulder. Could this end his 6 year career with the Bucs?