Last word on Garcia's arm

After this, I promise not to talk about Jeff Garcia's arm any more. I'm sure you've heard enough about his sore throwing arm already.

But before we move on, just wanted to give you some quick behind-the-scenes info that will serve as an example of why this job can be so difficult and the truth so elusive.

First, some background. We reported here and in the paper earlier this week that Garcia had a sore throwing arm, though it isn't a condition that was expected to sideline him. The story, written by Rick Stroud, merely said Garcia needed the rest of the bye week because of the fatigue, especially for a guy who hasn't played a whole season since he was with the 49ers years ago.

The basis for that story was this quote from Jon Gruden, who was asked if Garcia needed rest for a weary arm:

"I think so. Brad Johnson went through it. All the veteran quarterbacks go through it. We're one of the few teams right now that have had a guy go all the way at quarterback this season. We're going to do the best we can. If we have to be creative with the practice schedule, we'll be creative with the practice schedule as we have been in the last couple weeks. That's just something you have to respond to."

Quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett also offered comments that meshed with Gruden's. The next day, as you may know, Garcia vehemently denied there was anything wrong and discredited the story. He added that he was bothered by the suggestion. Surprisingly, Gruden joined in saying, among other things, that Garcia had a right to be upset because there was nothing wrong with him.

So, what 's a reporter to do? Well, generally, you leave well enough alone. You pick your battles in this business. But the problem is that you, the reader, may be left wondering about our credibility after episodes like this.

The fact is, Gruden could easily have denied the suggestion when it was first presented but did not. I say kudos to him for being upfront, which he is more often than we probably give him credit for. Gruden, like all coaches, has been known to tell a fib or two. But he only does so when it fits his agenda, which this quote certainly did not. So, there's little reason not to believe his original statement.

My gut tells me Garcia was upset about his coaches' acknowledgment of the soreness and probably made his displeasure known. That would explain Gruden's change of direction two days later. Hey, he was in a tough spot, I suppose. But that's just a theory based on my many similar experiences over the years.

Another case-in-point: I wrote a story last season after Chris Simms ruptured his spleen that said he turned down a multi-year contract offer the previous offseason in the $10-million range. He preferred to play through 2006 in hopes of landing an even bigger deal after his one-year contract expired. Chris corroborated the story in quotes that were included in the story, and still, GM Bruce Allen repeatedly denied it ever happened and was upset about the leak of the story. All you have left are the words you put on paper. Hey, it's a thankless job. Not complaining about it, because this is what we signed up for. I'm just saying.

It can be tough not only for us but for a reader to decipher what's what. We'll just keep trying to give you as much information as possible. You're all smart enough to make sense of it all for yourselves. Just remember that whatever you read here or in the paper has been well thought out and deliberated over. We don't take the job lightly.

Sorry to ramble. I'll now get off my soapbox.

Later.

Comments

[John P]

Stephen,

After all the "Chris Simms is not injured" statements from Gruden and Allen earlier this year, I'd say that they take protecting a QB's injury status extremely serious.

I think most people find you to be an objective reporter. It's your job to report, and to attempt to interpret occasionally. I'd compare Gruden to Bill Belichick - who never wants players injury status known.

I guess one question I'd have is: Does a sore arm increase the chances that a 15 yard deep out (that has to be thrown with strength) is suddenly a bad play call for the offense? If it does, then I suppose Gruden wouldn't be crazy about providing info that his quarterback won't be able to do certain things.

Whether or not opposing corners and safeties would be able to change their playing style based on a potential Garcia injury is another story entirely.

[Rick]

The problem is there wasn't anything to write about so you fabricated something for everyone to talk about. Reporters are always trying to break the big story even if there isn't one to break.

Stephen,

Have to agree a little with rick. Let's not forget the big ronde Barber dog quote scandal.

[Bill H]

Stephen,

Far too often it seems that accuracy suffers with the push to publish. But I've been impressed with your reporting style; I believe that you try to get it right. This story reeks of different agendas colliding - a tight-lipped proud player and a coaching staff saying what everyone already knows.

I agree with you that most of us are smart enough to figure this stuff out. I think you've got plenty of support. You keep putting it out there!

[DR]

Stephen brought a great example with the Chris Simms situation. How many times did Gruden come out and say there was nothing wrong with Simms? He even added him to the season roster for a couple of weeks before putting him on the IR- Injured Reserve. You guys say they are protecting their players and don't want to give information away, but they are lying at the same time. No excuses for being a liar. Whatever happened to the simple saying "no comment."
Ronde's comment was stupid and he shouldn't have commented on that situation in the first place. It wasn't a football issue pertaining to his team so he had no reason to comment on it.
The only guy I can praise for making a comment is Phil Jackson. He made a comment and surprisingly, unlike everybody else in the past 5 years, didn't retract and apologize. He stood by his comments.

[Tomm]

I have had a couple of jobs that get reported about in the news quite a often, usually after tradgedies. I am always surprised when the information in the press differs with what I know from my experience happens in the real world. But I understand that trying to understand an entire industry by a couple of minutes of interviews and some general research is like trying to describe an elephant while blindfolded and only given access to it's trunk.

I personally take the news with a grain of salt. It is impossible for a news reporter to understand every nuance of his/her topic given the volume of work that is most likely on their plate. Not to mention the sources may not have the entire picture.

I really appreciate this particular blog as it is the first time I can recall a reporter discussing the situation so candidly. And for the record after the first few weeks of Gruden/Allen running the Bucs I pretty much started giving you guys (the press) a pass on everything you had to report that came from them.

[Skylar]

Have you ever thought that sometimes they really don't know exactly what is wrong with someone? Sometimes only time and the person that is actually hurt can diagnose their state of being. It's not always smoke and mirrors; that's just the meta-perspective conjured by those who like to make a big deal out of the ordinary in the NFL.

[Stephen_Holder]

Remember one thing everyone: the intention here wasn't to make anyone look bad. I'm just trying to show you all why there's often a discrepancy between what you read and what is said by the subjects involved. I've got a tough job. And those running the Bucs have a tough job. That's all. Thanks for all the input.

[Vince]

Read your own words:

"The fact is, Gruden could easily have denied the suggestion when it was first presented but did not."

There was no story, you were fishing for one. Why is it Gruden's job to act as your editor by giving flat denials to your "suggestions"? How does an acknowledgment that everyone is tired at this point in the season turn into Garcia has a sore arm?

Amazing that the problem with the reporting is not self-evident. That alone speaks volumes.

[SPT Blows!]

It doesn't surprise me finding out today that the SPT started this BS story about Jeff's arm....not surprised one bit as your sports reporting hasn't been accurate since Bich McKay left town along with all of his spoon feeding.

[Stephen_Holder]

I find it amazing how everyone assumes this fact that McKay is/was our source for everything Bucs. I, for one, have only been working here for two years. I don't even KNOW Rich McKay. You don't have to agree with everything we write, but what does everyone think we do all day? We talk to numerous people. That's our job. That's how you come about information. C'mon, guys, gotta give us more credit than that.

[aaron]

his arm is only slightly better than gradkowskis anyway.