Garcia disappointed Bucs won't rip up his contract

   You can add Jeff Garcia to the list of unhappy Bucs quarterbacks.

   Garcia said Tuesday he's disappointed the team hasn't been willing to tear up his contract and reward him with a new deal that would enable him to finish his career in Tampa Bay.

   Garcia, 38, has one year remaining on his contract that will pay him a base salary of $2-million in 2008. He went 8-6 as a starter for the Bucs last season, leading them to an NFC South title and was named to the Pro Bowl.

   Non-rookie starting quarterbacks average between $7-million and $15-million a year in the NFL, making Garcia among the league's lowest-paid signal callers.

   Following Tuesday's workout -- the first Organized Team Activity of the off-season -- Garcia was asked if he was disappointed by the lack of progress toward a new deal.

   ""You could say that,'' Garcia said. ""Talks haven't necessarily gone all that good.

   ""So in a way, it's disappointing. At this point in my career, I'm no longer 24 or 25 saying, "I'm going to prove to you I deserve this.' I feel like I've proved throughout my career. And I feel like at this time, it's time to just work with me and you know what I bring to the team. You know what I've done for the team and you know how much more I can do. And now I have a year under my system. So that's kind of where I'm at.''

   There's another reason why Garcia may be unhappy with his contract. Because of the Bucs' decision to rest him the final two weeks of the regular season, he fell just short of participating in 70 percent of the team's offensive snaps, preventing him from achieving a seven-figure incentive bonus for playing time.

   Coach Jon Gruden did not allow Garcia to play the second half of the Bucs' 21-19 loss at San Francisco Dec. 23. Garcia also was benched for the regular season finale against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium.

   By not playing in those games, Garcia forfeited at least $1-million in bonus money.

   Garcia is not required to attend the off-season workout program, which is voluntary. But he participated in Tuesday's practice as an act of good faith. Whether he continues to attend the remainder of OTA's or the off-season workout program remains to be seen, but he indicated his options are limited.

   "'I really don't (have many options),'' Garcia said. ""I'm committed into a second year the way my contract is drawn up. Yes, I would like to rip it up and create a new one that allows me to finish off my career here. But we're not necessarily on the same page as far as that's concerned.''

   Garcia, Luke McCown and Bruce Gradkowski were the only quarterbacks that attended practice Tuesday. Chris Simms is not participating in off-season workouts, presumably because he wants to be traded. Brian Griese, who was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bears in March, did not attend because of a commitment to a charity event.

   Tuesday's practice with the Bucs marked the first time since 2003 with the 49ers that Garcia has begun an offseason with the team he played for in the previous one. After bouncing to the Browns, Lions and Eagles in consecutive seasons, he finally found a home under Gruden in Tampa Bay. In 2007, Garcia completed 209 of 307 passes for 2,440 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions for a passer rating of 94.6. He also was named the Bucs Most Valuable Player.

   Garcia said Tuesday he has a chance to build upon the success he enjoyed in the Bucs offense a year ago.

   ""My head was swimming,'' Garcia said. ""When I heard the terminology (last year), I was still trying to figure it all out. And I'm not at that point. So now I can take off from where I am now and build upon that and going into the season, I just feel I'll be so much more confident and secure as to how to run this system as opposed to where I was last year. And last year, things didn't go all that bad.''

Comments

[Steve]

Implying that the Bucs benched Garcia on the last game of the season for financial relief is absurd. This further proves this papers self serving agenda. See the San Fran game the week before, Garcia was getting crushed all over the field. Had Garcia been hurt, this article would read "Why Geriatric QB with Absurdly Hot Wife makes Team"

[DR]

If the Bucs had class, they would pay Garcia that bonus money since he would have played if he needed to. So sorry Jeff, you're not getting paid. Garcia was the main reason the Bucs finished above .500. With Simms, Grad, or Mckown, the Bucs would have been 5-11 at best. Pay him.

[Snook]

The negativity of this paper is just sickening. Calm down, its APRIL. Besides, if the Bucs DID give a new contract to Garcia, we'd have to read a negative article about how the Bucs just gave a new contract to a 38 year old QB. Whatever the story is, you'll get the negative spin here.

[Vince]

Rick:

Where are the Garcia quotes to support this:

"There's another reason why Garcia is unhappy with his contract. Because of the Bucs' decision to rest him the final two weeks of the regular season, he fell just short of participating in 70 percent of the team's offensive snaps, preventing him from achieving a seven-figure incentive bonus for playing time.

Coach Jon Gruden did not allow Garcia to play the second half of the Bucs' 21-19 loss at San Francisco Dec. 23. Garcia also was benched for the regular season finale against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium.

By not playing in those games, Garcia forfeited at least $1-million in bonus money."

This is precisely why you receive the negative comments you do -- an unsupported inference that, of course, Gruden/Allen did something wrong. There is simply no way that Garcia would say that the Bucs benched him to save money. Ridiculous.

Where's Stephen?

[DW]

I totally agree Steve. I'll take it a step further. I think Garcia is great for this team, but he needs to shut his mouth and act like a leader. Keep the contract talks behind closed door and quit feeding the overly negative media. He'll get a deal. The Bucs aren't going to get rid of him.

[BUKS]

DR,I just want to know if you are truly a BUC fan?You never have anything positive to say.Be honest,I think you're from philly!!!

[Stephen_Holder]

Hey, Vince, I'm here. I was in contact with Rick all day as the details of this story were learned and I'm privy to how it all came about. Let me say this: it's on the money. Do you think we could make up such specific details out of thin air? I don't even know anyone creative enough to do that. I think you know better. There's much more to this that we can't yet get into, but what's written here thus far has been corroborated by impeccable sources. And to be clear, no one is accusing anyone of doing anything wrong here. That's for you, the reader, to decide. The point is just being made that, by sitting out, he failed to trigger the playing time escalator worth more than $1-million. That is fact. No matter what you think of us as a paper, I think everyone can understand why that might be a source of irritation for Garcia. Let me say it again: MORE THAN $1-MILLION. It's a little unfair to just paint someone as negative because a story reflects negatively on the team. I'll leave you with this: Garcia seemed elated that Rick asked him the contract question. It was as if he couldn't wait to tell someone. There is a great deal of frustration on his part. That came through clearly today.

[Dudley Doright]

Get rid of Garcia now. damn the torpedo's full speed ahead. Keep the business private, and out of the press, or get the #$$# out of here. Draft a QB, and start Bobs son with McCown as a back-up. Sorry to see you go Jeff, bye

[Vince]

Stephen:

Perhaps my mistake. I understand that the blog says that Garcia is unhappy (btw - why does the actual story say that Garcia "might" be unhappy?) because the benching hit his pay. I have no quarrel with that -- as you point out, who would not be mad about a $1 Million pay cut. But, the focus of the story is that the Bucs are apparently unwilling to redo Garcia's contract. In that context, the inference I drew was that Gruden/Allen benched Garcia to save money. Maybe I should not have drawn that inference. Maybe I have my own bias against Stroud? If so, I wonder why?

Maybe you could write a blog entry asking the readers to explain why they think Stroud has an anti-Gruden/Allen bias? That would be interesting . . .

[Vince]

Gruden's ways still too much about him
By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
Published January 13, 2008

[Vince]

CELEBRATION - The Bucs say it was about his health. Simeon Rice says it was about his paycheck.

Either way, one of the most prolific pass rushers in Bucs history is just that. History.

* * *

Whenever Rice is cleared to play, he shouldn't have much trouble finding work. The Redskins, Lions and Bears could all have an interest in a pass rusher.

In six seasons with the Bucs, Rice was named to the Pro Bowl twice, in 2003 and 2004.

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@sptimes.com.

[Dudley D.]

Vince, just imagine Stroud, wearing one of DR's dresses from his Moms closet, wearing high heal shoes, talking to his grandma on a phone with the handset cord disconnected, stomping his high healed feet, and saying:

"I hate him grandma, I hate him, I hate him, I hate that Jon Guruden"

"Have Rich call me soon grandma, I miss him"

Many of us know exacly what you mean, and inferred

[Vince]

The state of the Bucs
By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Published Saturday, April 5, 2008 11:45 PM

Bad Buc of the year

They're not afraid to take a flier on a player with a rap sheet. From the team that brought you failed experiments with Darrell Russell, David Boston (twice) and Jerramy Stevens, meet Antonio Bryant

[Vince]

Apparently "the Rick" does interviews:

Commenting on why Bucs were successful in 2007:

I think there were several reasons. Start with Jeff Garcia. The NFL is a quarterback league. Jon Gruden thrives with experienced, 30-something guys at that position. Garcia was a perfect fit. He provided stability and was able to stay healthy enough to give the team a chance every week. Also, Monte Kiffin is the best in the business. They gave him a little bit of clay and he made the defense No. 2 in the NFL. With Greg White, Jovan Haye and Tenard Jackson. Unbelievable. Give a big assist to Raheem Morris, the Bucs best re-hire ever. Finally, I think Jon was forced to play a few guys like Earnest Graham that became the story of the season. There were a lot of young players, like Donald Penn and Jackson, nobody counted on. The team had great leadership and they rallied around these young guys just playing football and trying to make a mark in the league. It was a great story to follow.

No mention of Gruden. Not to "the Rick": Buc's offense sustained many long drives. Long drives = good defensive stats.

Commenting on Bruce Allen:

Very good at managing the salary cap. What no one knows is how much imput he has on personnel. Jon Gruden and his father, Jim, do a lot of that

[Vince]

Source of QB controversy? Gruden
By RICK STROUD
Published January 25, 2004

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAMPA - If Jon Gruden wants to plug the source of the news leaks coming out of One Buc Place, he might want to start with the guy staring back at him while shaving every morning.

Gruden doesn't just like to stir the pot, he takes a mixer to it. He wants players. The feeling is that when Gruden asks general manager Bruce Allen to jump, he's going for the trampoline.

Nobody engages in Fantasy Football more than Gruden. But he knows he has to live in the real world with a salary cap and an allocation system.

Hinting that the rumors might have started with Falcons general manager Rich McKay is just more bad blood being spilled.

Remember, it was Gruden's bar stool outbursts about McKay at the NFL owners meetings while surrounded by reporters and other team executives that contributed to disharmony with his general manager.

But when asked about a rift with McKay, Gruden would tilt his head, squint his eyes and ask, "What rift? I keep reading about this supposed rift? Where is all this coming from?"

The same place all the talk about Brunell and Gannon is coming from.

The same guy who chatted up Emmitt Smith, Junior Seau and Darrell Russell.

So in a way, Gruden is right. Don't believe everything you hear about the Bucs in free agency. Consider the source.

It's Gruden.

[Vince]

Coaching carousel spinning
The Bucs coaching staff still is unsettled.

Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin has not reached an accord on a contract with the Bucs. General manager Bruce Allen grouses about the salaries of assistant coaches spiraling out of control. Kiffin made about $1.7-million. It's believed he has been offered less than he earned last season.

Rick Stroud

[Vince]

One of Stroud's best comments about Gruden:

Attention-seeking? You bet. Why else would he dress differently from all the assistant coaches on game day? It's not so the quarterback can spot him on the sideline. He's the one talking into their headset while other coaches provide hand signals if necessary.

WOW

[Chris]

Trying to be a fair and impartial reader, I don't think Dr. Stroud erred one bit with this article. He simply stated the facts, which are pretty shameful for the Bucs organization imo, considering what Garcia did for this team last year. Any negative inference that exists is deserved, I believe.

However, I also completely understand the reaction from those who would call Dr. Stroud's partiality into question. After reading this site the past few years, along with the times, it's hard not to detect a consistently negative tone towards Gruden and Allen.

I actually enjoy Stephen's articles the most because they seem to lack that agenda, which is why many of us complain.

[Dudley D.]

I think if Garcia put this out in the press, he is the problem, so dump him now. the last thing this team needs is a prima donna taking his business to the press.

I would have had more respect if would would have made referance that he was unhappy with graham's contract situation, that is the contract that needs to be worked out.

Graham, and the recently upgraded Oline is the real story about last year.

I just lost all respect for Jeff Garcia, above average QB, with a weak arm. Bye Jeff

[JR]

lol at all of Vince's posts. Anyway as usual with a lot of things about this team things are getting blown out of proportion way too early. We all know contract stuff takes time and the bucs generally give players what they deserve. All you need to do is think back to when article were coming out a couple of years ago about the Bucs mistreating ronde and not paying what he was due. However, the team was working on his contract and ronde was given a worthy contract after all was said and done. Some people just pounce at the chance to blow things out of proportion i guess.

[Justin M]

Listen Garcia did not go out of his way to voice his displeasure. If he wanted to make a statement he would not have shown up at all. The reporters asked him first if he was unhappy, and he responded by saying, ""You could say that. Talks haven't necessarily gone all that good." Garcia just answered truthfully.

Garcia will be 38-39 yrs old next season, and he is under 6 feet weighing 180 lbs. The Bucs would be nuts to give him a new contract.

[Stephen_Holder]

Vince, you have waaaaay too much time on your hands. Good lord.

[Vince]

Stephen:

Ha! I don't actually have that much time, but I made some to illustrate the point.

Just to be clear, I think that you are more cognizant of your obligation to be impartial. I cannot, however, say the same thing about Rick Stroud. The first thing Mr. Stroud should do is at least entertain the possibility that he might have an axe to grind. As you know Stephen, the notion that Mr. Stroud dislikes Gruden/Allen is hardly a novel concept. If he does not have an axe to grind, why do so many people share that opinion?

[RD]

There is no 'ctrl' button on Jeff Garcia's computer. Jeff Garcia is always in control.

[RD]

and Stroud needs to stop Gruden bashing

[RD]

Stroud has turned this site into virtual fish-wrap...

[RD]

Fire stroud NOW!

[DR]

You guys have the best rose colored glasses. Holy crap. I'm the only one besides the writers that have a problem with the Bucs MVP last season getting benched in games he would have, and should have, played. Because of the Bucs and Gruden's decision to bench Garcia, Garcia loses over $1M. All facts. This is no problem???
If any of your bosses, for those of you that work, some of us have a lot of time apparently, told you to take a week off and that week off cut your end of year bonus, you ALL would be pissed!!!! You would want your money that was well deserved. The Bucs owe garcia money.
Don't hate on these reporters for reporting what they are given. Hate the team for having too many negative things to report. These guys did report the Bucs signing a good guy, Dunn. Stroud's comments about Antonio Bryant are right on point. There's no denying that.
Thanks Rick and Stephen for doing a good job!

[Vince]

Stephen:

Having DR as the lone defender of Stroud -- not a good sign.

At least one other new outlet has previosuly reported that the Bucs are negotiating with Garcia (like they are with many players). Shouldn't Stroud have mentioned this?

[Dudley D.]

LOL, DR The cowboy bandwagoner, who rode the bucs bandwagon during the Superbowl run, and jumped back to the Cowboys when they started winning again is happy with the way things are beat written by the local virtual fishwrap.

Very telling isn't it.

I don't think Stroud made this up, I think Garcia knew exactly who to drop this on to get some public contract controversy going.

You want buc fans to appreciate you Jeff, run the Offense, prove your long term worth on the field, you will get the Glazer money, and maybe a television ware peddler contract to add to it.

otherwise STFU, and play, or get the
#$%@ out of here.

[Justin M]

The main reason Garcia was benched for the last game and the second half of the San Fran game is because he runs himself into far too many collisions. Many are avoidable on Garcia's part. The way he plays and his size made it imperative to bench him. The other times he missed action (SEA, WASH, NO, HOU games) can be attributed to him taking unnecessary hits. Garcia has himself to blame as well.

[DR]

Vince, can you read??? Here is a quote from this article just for you...
""You could say that,'' Garcia said. ""Talks haven't necessarily gone all that good.
Quite obvious to many who are reading this article without bias, that this statement is telling us that there are talks going on between garcia and the Bucs and according to garcia, they're not going well.

Justin, yes he was pulled, but if it was a must win situation, Garcia would have played.
Dudley DUD, Garcia has to prove his long term worth??? He's 38, HAHAHA! Is recess over yet?

[Dudley D.]

Well DR, glad you can pick up on my inferred sarcasm.

How bout' those cowboys, now get back to hugging your Romo doll. Did you get yourself a Stroud doll yet?

[Bob]

I assume this is the type of story where the agent would go on the record with details, especially if he feels his client is owed money the club isn't paying. I'm guessing he's probably not represented by Rosenhaus.

Also, I don't know much about the CBA, is there a way the Bucs could pay Garcia the $1m (if that is the number) even if he didn't earn the escalator as a goodwill gesture?

[D]

I don't know if it's been said because i didn't want to sit through the wall of text but.... when negotiating it's good to put pressure on the other party. Nothing says pressure like the media and fans glaring at you for being the bad guy. I just think the times is being used and they're more than happy about it.

[Dudley D.]

Yea, it has been infered D, and a Cowboy bandwagoner fan is runnin' with the bait, and hugging his Romo, and Stroud doll tightly all the way his doll house.

[DR]

aww, dud, are your feelings hurt? Are you Kurt's boyfriend? You both fail to see the facts. You don't see players besides wash ups and trouble makers wanting to play in Tampa for Gruden and the Glazers. Who wants to play for a futbal owner?

[Dudley D.]

Feelings? Kurt? Boyfriend? You trollin' for a good time DR?
Or is this another of your Freudian slips. Be careful Kurt, someone apparently has some "feelings" for you.

[RD]

DR + ROMO + STROUD = MAN LOVE

[DR]

RD+Kurt+Dudley DUD=BUTT PIRATES FOREVER

[adolfo]

Where would the bucs be without Garcia? He made the pro bowl yet no credit is given with a new contract. He is called washed up? He came from the eagles where he also helped that team go to the playoffs and was robbed on a bad call or who knows how much further they could have gone. The guy deserves the money especially when you see rookies who have not done a dang thing get more money than him. A proven talent not from 10 years ago but from last year, if you could have one player for one year that could take you to the playoffs and beyond why not pay him his value? Even if you write his contract for one year!!! Let it be his true value and pay the guy already!!! I cant believe the comments calling him a geriatric quarterback, hell give me a pro bowl"geriatric quarterback" anytime over some high prices rookie who as we know have no guarantees.