Gatlin misses the cut

World 100-meter record holder Justin Gatlin tried out during the Bucs' rookie minicamp over the weekend, but it appears he didn't make the cut.

The Bucs had a minor roster shuffle today, signing two players who worked out on tryout contracts over the weekend. The sprinter wasn't among them, and indications coming from inside One Buc Place are that he didn't make enough of an impression to warrant an invitation to come back.

Still, Gatlin's appearance made for an interesting headline Friday when it was discovered he was among the many hopefuls in the three-day camp. But his raw football skills made him an extreme long shot. He hadn't played football since high school, unless you count dabbling in it as a student at Tennessee during spring drills.

No word on whether Gatlin, 25, will continue his pursuit of playing football again, but this isn't the first time he's been turned down. The Cardinals and Texans also have taken a look at him in the past, but neither team seemed to give him serious consideration.

Gatlin's best hope to continue his athletic career would be scoring some success in appealing his eight-year ban in track-and-field. He was penalized for a failed drug test that showed testosterone in his system last year. Gatlin said Friday there has been some progress on the appeal front and he remains hopeful.

Comments

[Wayne]

It would've been a nice story. Tampa Bay's version of "Invincible". Except this is real life. Even the real life Vince Papale had prior Pro Experience playing for the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football Football League prior to his tryout for the Eagles-Something Disney leaves out of that movie.

[Wayne]

It would've been a nice story. Tampa Bay's version of "Invincible". Except this is real life. Even the real life Vince Papale had prior Pro Experience playing for the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football Football League prior to his tryout for the Eagles-Something Disney leaves out of that movie.