Garcia was referencing 2009 season

Quarterback Jeff Garcia made reference in an interview Wednesday to retirement being an option if his contract stalemate with the Bucs isn't resolved.

But I feel it necessary to point out some important context that has been made clear to me this afternoon: Garcia was talking about 2009 -- not this fall. That was just emphasized to me by a person in position to know.

Garcia was asked by Sirius NFL Radio hosts Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan what might happen if the dispute wasn't dealt with and Garcia became a free agent after this season. It was at that point Garcia made reference to possibly retiring. Remember, he has gone on record saying it is his intention to play this fall regardless of the outcome of his negotiations. He has never technically threatened to hold out from training camp, and he continues to show up for voluntary workouts, with perfect attendance to date.

For the record, here's a portion of what Garcia said: "If a contract is not presented as far as a renewal and a chance to finish my career here, then I will seriously think about . . . what my alternate options may be. It may come to not even playing football anymore.  And I'd hate to even say that, but I feel like when you mistreat people there comes a time when it doesn't matter how much money you're going to be paid. If you're not being treated the right way it's going to lead to some drastic decisions and those decisions may just take me away from the game."

Of course, this clarification doesn't change the fact that Garcia is downright angry about the team's inability to offer the kind of deal he considers acceptable, although his contract demands are believed to be reasonable for a starting quarterback. There apparently has been almost no progress of late toward a new deal, and it's beginning to look like the Bucs have no intention (at least currently) of coming to terms with him. Garcia is looking for a deal he thinks is more in line with his contributions  to the Bucs in 2007 and gives him a little security for 2009.

As it stands, Garcia is still bound to a contract that will pay him $2-million in base salary plus $750,00 for a roster bonus that has already been paid. But whatever the case, rest assured Garcia is not threatening to walk out on the Bucs, at least for this season.

Comments

[Duane]

Thanks for the clarification. Doubt it will stop all the Gruden haters from calling up the local gasbag and talking about how much they hate him. Neither will is stop the gasbag who thought cutting Simeon Rice last year was worse than the drought in the southeast but was later bounced from two other NFL teams.

[Matt]

That surprises me. If I was Garcia, I'd want to use all the leverage I had, which would include threatening to retire this year. The Bucs clearly don't see him as the QB of 2009 anyway. Retiring then won't make a difference. Even though he deserves to be paid more (and to receive his bonus from last year), I'm glad to know he'll be on the team in 2008. We're better with him than without.

And Duane, the fact that Simeon was mostly out of football last year doesn't change the fact that the Bucs handled his dismissal extremely poorly - just like with Lynch and Sapp. The current management (and ownership) at One Buc Place has no class, plain and simple.

[Quentin]

I think it's kind of funny how he keeps demanding a contract that will let him retire a Buc. He already has one: the two year deal he signed when he was 37. It'll be a pretty sad state of affairs if he's still our starter in 2009.

[Kevin]

Ok, Jeff is efficient and all, but is he really complaining about his contract when he is 38??? He's not going to last that long. And his reckless playing style could have him end up on the IR. Honestly, i hope the Bucs don't extend his contract. This should be his last year as a Buc. I'm hoping to draft a solid QB next year OR get Chris Simms in his 2005 form

[Eric]

forget about chris simms. i'm not a bucs fan but i have a feeling gruden will trade for brady quinn.

[nick]

I like how everyone has forgotten what Brian Griese has done here as a buccaneer! He was pretty much unstoppable as a starter, and was 4-1 going on 5-1 in 2005. There is no telling where we would have gone if he stayed healthy. The skins knew Sims could not QB a gruden 3 step drop and raised their hands to bat down his passes. that would not have worked against Brian. We would have gone to the next round no doubt.
I say give griese and McKown a fight for the starting position.

[shane]

why do people still want simms to start for the bucs. do you people realize that he is responsible for the horrid 4-12 season because he started us off at 0-4 with one touchdown to seven interceptions and god knows how many passes batted down at the LOS in those four games(a good guess would probably be in the high 30s to low 40s). I would rather have B-Grad down here with his little arm and completing short passes than Chris with his big arm but low release point getting passes knocked down at the LOS every other pass attempt any day of the week.

[Guillermo C.]

Good thing i read this art. because i thought he was referring to this year!
By the way... i see another QB starting for us next year.
GO BUCS!!

[Jay]

Shane, have you considered that if Gruden had employed the same shotgun formations that he used last year, in the 2005 / 2006 seasons, Simms might have fared a little better in terms of passes batted down?

[Skylar]

Can anybody say cancer? Nobody broke his fingers to sign the damn contract.

[Duane]

It never ceases to amaze that people have such short memories, are so unappreciative, and basically shoot their mouths off on any old thing, whether the facts they're spouting off about are even facts to begin with.

Jeff Garcia got the Bucs to the playoffs last year. Period. We had no other quarterback on the roster who could have done that. He gave his all on every play ... for every critic who complains that Jeff is "reckless", I say that Garcia gave up his body for the team whenever he felt it necessary. A certain QB recently retired from Green Bay also was known to be reckless once in awhile too. They're both pure competitors, and that's what counts. I doubt very much that Jeff's critics give their employer any more than Jeff gives his.

We all know that Jeff Garcia is not the long term quarterback for the Bucs. But he is the best we have today. Brian Griese is a very good backup, and if Jeff goes down, Brian will do us very well. We have a couple other younger guys in reserve too - as we know from experience, sometimes two or more QB starters go down in a season.

Let's stop the pointless discussion about contracts. It shouldn't matter to us fans what the Bucs pay any particular player. What matters is whether the Bucs are winning games.

Jeff has made it clear he will play in 2008. From this point on in 2008, the only things that matter now are coaching, preparation, and the play on the field. The rest is all girly gossip.

[Tom]

Duane, I agree with you. Bucs Fans are the worst educated fans in the league. Our fanbase is heavily comprised of fair weather, bandwagon fans.

What was once a positive,(Garcia willingness to fight for extra yards) is now called "reckless". Those are the same fans that cheered when Garcia dove head first for the first down.

One year they have their "Got Gruden" t-shirts and the next they want him gone.

One more thing about the Bucs and Stevens... do you guys think that Dungy will cut Marvin Harrison if he is found guilty of the alleged crime? Harrison should've been cut long ago by Dungy. That guy is a HUGE thug.

[Tom]

Harrison was accused of attacking 3 kids that asked for his autograph.

And everyone knows about his hand cannon that was found in a bucket that was alleged used to shoot a guy. And cause injury to a 2 year old that was in the car.

Dungy is a hypocrite if he doesn't cut Harrison. Why don't you write about that, Romano?

[max]

I've had enough of Garcia. Once his biggest fan, I've now been COMPLETELY turned off by yet another spoiled, bratty, greedy professional athlete. You signed the contract. Play and shut up. Actually, just go ahead and leave. The Bucs don't need your type, Jeff.

[Stephen_Holder]

Ever heard that college football saying that goes something like "the most popular man on campus is always the backup quarterback?" That's usually true only until he actually gets a chance to play. I bet the same would apply here.

[Glenn Bozinski]

Gracia is the most effective QB we have had since Brad Johnson, he gets the job done in ways Simms, Grad, etc. had never done. But he is detatched from reality on this one, a journeyman (albeit a successful one), who is hit prone and 38, he should be happy to be the starting QB on a playoff-caliber team. Have another good year, lead us to the playoffs again, and 09 will take care of itself, Jeff.

[Tom]

Hey Max, two sides sign contracts. I guess the Bucs should shut up and pay players that don't perform also, right?

[Nick]

Garcia will be gone before the start of this season. Why are we wasting so much time on this old loser. The fact that he hasn't been able to land on a team the last 5 years should give you an indication that he's done. He was bought in to replace Simms last year and Griese was bought to replace Garcia. He's not getting any extention or more money, just a one-way bus ticket out of Tampa. He's washed up and last years poultry ( not paltry) chicken feed numbers he put up just show Gruden enough that he doesn't need his services. Again Gracia will be gone before the start of the season

[Oliver]

I'm not conviced that, should Garcia go down injured, that Griese is the answer to our prayers.

[DR]

To use your argument Tom, did you see Harrison pull the trigger? Did you see him yell at kids who wanted autographs? He hasn't been accused just yet and there are no facts to judge him on. Everything is speculation. Besides, this is a Bucs blog right? Me, personally, I'd rather have a gun slingin' gangster rather than a r@pist. How is Dungy a hippocrite?

[STIXX]

Yeah I`m kinda disapointed in Garcia, he did sign a contract, be a man and live up to it right?

[shane]

hey jay no i don't think simms would have done any better than he did in 05/06 if JG would have installed the Shotgun and heres why: his release point is to damn low and if the passes didn't get knocked down at the line then they would have been surely batted down or picked off by the linebackers or secondary so really he would have done a lot worse. I think I'd take Griese over Simms anyday of the week because Griese has proven that he'll win games for a team what was his record as a starting QB for the bucs when he was with us, 5-1 i believe. i also believe that simms record for the bucs is 6-12 or something to that losing nature

[Tom]

DR, I'm just tired of all this crap about how the Bucs don't care about character. Every team has a thug or two, including Tony Dungy's Colts. Harrison has a long history of being a violent thug. Rich McKay has/had a few bad apples on his team. So why all the attention on the Bucs? There were a couple punks on this team when Dungy was here also. So what? Stevens is just another punk that plays football. He's not banned from the league so why should the Bucs ban him?

[Matt B]

that some good news..... cause we need garcia he can take us to the championship this year with our new offensive line, and his second year with us its over for everybody... and i see a new Qb with us next year... so good luck garcia

[david]

umm, that's bull crap. he was not referring to 2009, he was 100% referring to 2008. why would he threaten to retire after his contract runs out? that makes zero sense, and you shouldn't just buy this bologna and give the guy a free pass. he threatened to retire BEFORE this season, that is clear as day. i'm sure he was reminded that he would have to pay back millions in signing bonus money, as well as forfeit the 2 mil he would make this year if he were to retire, that may have been enough to convince him to "clarify" his statement.

[Common Sense]

Let's see, our coach is an "offensive genius" that has the luxury of the NFL's best defensive coach but still can't make the offense go, our best QB since Doug Williams is a crybaby, our best receiver is old, our number 1 running back is now number 2, we have more QB's than pro bowl selections in the past few years, and I'm a "basher"? I think we need MORE bashers, and a new coach and GM to go with them. GO BUCS!

[Common Sense]

Oh, and Jeff, thanks for the idea. I signed a contract to pay house payments for 30 years, but I'm going to threaten my bank that I am going to retire if they don't lower my interest rate! Your a genius! GO BUCS!

[Common Sense]

Hey, Tampa Bay Bucs I have an idea to raise revenues! Let's raise ticket prices and spend no money in free-agency to improve the team! We'll make a killing! $$$$GO BUCKS!$$$$$

[Common Sense]

If I see that "Chucky" grimace on tv again I'm going to puke! You call that menacing? Your offense has the punch of an 8 year old! If it wasn't for your defensive coach you would have been fired already! Your face looks more like "CHUCKY_CHEESE" to me! I used to believe you could coach, but now I must admit... YOU DID WIN THE SUPER BOWL WITH DUNGY'S TEAM!!!!! GO BUCS!

[Common Sense]

You fans that support this team... GET A LIFE! You call that football? Jesus, they bore the crud out of me every week! START SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER TO GET SOMEBODY TO IMPROVE OUR OFFENSE! I would rather see them play exciting football than to watch them back their way into the playoffs like they did last year! Cadillac (Jelopy) Williams, Jeff (Bohoo I want more millions to feed my family) Garcia, Joey (Greybeard) Galloway (god, how boring
would we be without HIM!) AND let's not forget old retreads Warrick (Done) Dunn, Brian (HEEE's BAAAACK) Griese, and Simeon (Ghost of himself) Rice! (DOn't worry, they'll sign him soon, he's cheap!) GO BUCS!!!

[Common Sense]

I have one moe comment. GLAZER FAMILY, YOU WANT TO BUILD A TRADITIONALLY GOOD FOOTBALL TEAM, SOLID YEAR AFTER YEAR WITH AN OFFENSE THAT IS NOT OFFENSIVE? PAY THE MONEY AND HE WILL COME>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BILL COWHER

[George Leslie Hicks]

If Garcia says he was planing to retired after this coming season. That is Fine. But if that just a smoke screen. And Garcia not only gets us back to the playoffs, But he gets us to the Championship game. Then of course Garcia should get paid. Then I believe that the finicial sistutation will be there. But again I think Stevens should be Cut Period. Tampa wants to make a statement, Then come out and support the fans who want this bad player gone. If Tampa trying to sell tickets and loyal fan base, Then no question about this problem. CUT HIM.

[Common Sense]

George, I agree with you 100%. DO NOT PICK UP CRIMINALS, IT PLAYS TO THEIR MENTALITY THAT FOOTBALL PLAYERS CAN GET AWAY WITH CRIMES AND STILL GET PAID. I suppose we are going to pick up Chris Henry also, huh GM wannabe Allen? What direction are the Bucs headed in? I don't feel the passion to win is there. That is the problem with over-paid players and coaches... after they lose, they have their mansions to retreat to where football is an after-thought.

[Tampa eric]

Screw Chuckey he is a Dumbfukc and will be gone next year with jeff garcia

[HAZE]

I THINK that garcia will play this year then we need to let him go i loved this guy last year and wanted him to stay forever not after all this crap hes pullling does everyone forget about our fifth round pick josh johnson this year who should be and will be our QB of the future with luke mchown brian gresie will fight for the starting spot this year with garcia and all his BS but next year look for Brian or Luke to be our starter and watch out in 2-3 years we will have a great qb in josh johnson who will no this offense like the back of his hand and will not get thrown into this complicated offense like Simms or Grad that was mostly the problem young QBs are getting thrown out to dry in the nfl with no time to watch and learn in the offense next years QBS will be Brian Gresie Luke Mchown Josh Johnson i think that they will be the best QB tandom in the league the bucs should make a splash in the NFL soon the way JG and BA are doing things from now on they have got amazing Depth at every postion they will be good i love the move to sign Cory Boyd trade Darby away with simms for Draft picks next year keep they youth coming in and a good mix off core Vetrans for the young guys to learn from not forgetting we have great character i think we should get Henry he is a great player and we can keep him out of trouble and im going to say Great signing in Jermey Stevens did anyone see how strong he came on for us last season 4TDs can anyone see what he could do for us in a full season he will be great shout out to our deep as recivers i love the young buc Dexter Jackson our soon to be New JOEY GALLOWAY