Jeff Garcia's at it again

Just when you thought quarterback Jeff Garcia was done making public comments about his contract dispute with the Bucs, he ratcheted up the rhetoric today in an interview with Sirius NFL Radio.

According to excerpts provided to us by the network, Garcia told hosts Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan that he might resort to drastic options -- retirement? -- if he and the team can't come to terms on a deal.

"It would be really difficult for me to go through the season and not have something done," Garcia said. "I would really like to see the appreciation put out there.

"For me to go into this season and if it doesn't work itself out, 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."

For what it's worth, we at the Times heard long ago that Garcia was making such claims in conversations with his teammates. But it being second-hand information, we didn't throw it out there. Now that he has broached the subject himself, perhaps there is some credence to this.

Garcia has to be enjoying the ride as the unquestioned starter in Tampa Bay after several rocky seasons elsewhere. But he also seems to be driven by principle, so who knows if that's enough to convince him to respond radically to the team's reluctance to increase his salary?

Garcia is slated to earn $2-million in base salary this fall, a paltry figure when compared to other starting quarterbacks on playoff teams. But the Bucs have shown no willingness to renegotiate his contract, at least in part because of his age (38) and, arguably, because of concerns about Garcia's potential for injury.

I can't predict where this thing is going, but I seem to recall saying it would get worse before it got better. I'll resist the urge to say, "I told you so."

[Brendan Fitterer, Times photo files]

Comments

[john]

This is getting crazzzzzy... just give the guy his money even though hes old and doesnt deserve the amount he wants , just give it to him and cut torrie cox and simms already .. thats money we could throw torward the contract.

[john thats why your not a GM]

theres a reason your not the Bucs GM John. Bruce Allen isnt paid to be sympathetic to the plight of Jeff Garcia, he's paid to keep the Bucs best interests in mind. Investing more money than is reasonable on a 37 year old who is completely reckless outside of the pocket would be foolish, especially with all the other QBs that are already under contract.

Quite frankly regardless of how important he is to the Bucs I couldn't care less if Garcia retires. he signed the contract on his own free will when there was more money out there from other teams if he was interested in the money. He's still slated for 3m plus he did get 5m up front last year so I'm not crying for the guy. Go ahead and quit Jeff, I'm calling your bluff.

[Chris]

Yeah, he signed the contract, so he should have to live with it, right? And if Garcia had performed horribly last year, threw tons of interceptions and didn't win one single game, the bucs would keep him around and continue to pay him, cause they signed the contract... right? Isn't that the way it works?

That argument is getting a little tired. Give the guy some more money.

[Mark]

I COULD CARE LESS IF GARCIA RETIRES!!!

we can't go into training camp next month without a starting quarterback!!!!! aka jeff garcia! who's gonna be our guy?

[Valrico Rick]

What a baby! Garcia must have used T.O.’s old locker up in Philly and whatever it was that made T.O. act the fool has been passed on to the Garcia. “Yesterday on the Not so Young Anymore and the Restless, Jeff tries to hold his team’s upcoming season hostage for a one last big payoff. But Bruce isn’t paying the ransom, and Jon is making secret plans to find a quarterback with more arm and less mouth. Will Jeff get his money? Will Bruce continue to stand firm? Will Brian start? Anybody still wondering why Chris Simms is still a Buccaneer? Personally, I really, really hope they call his bluff. If they cave on this one, there won’t be a player lockout because they will all be holding out. Shut the ….. up Garcia, play or pack!

[JR]

Bruce "The Ironfisted Negotiator" Allen, will definitely call his bluff. The bucs are holding all the cards in this stand off. even though there is a drop off, not that significant of one though, between garcia and griese the bucs are a run first team that require a smart quarterback, which both are, and our should be able to perform relatively the same with griese and garcia, hopefully.

[Jay]

Ok, I understand both positions and think that cooler heads will prevail and all sides will walk away happy. However, I think it would be absolutely HILARIOUS if say, at the end of training camp and the 53 man roster, Jeff Garcia announces his retirement, leaving the Bucs high and dry on day one of the season.

Truthfully though, being so far under the salary cap is fine provided you plan on re-investing some of that money into the players and positions that help you remain successful. The Bucs under Allen have done an excellent job of managing the cap, but not of retaining and maintaining quality talent. This is not the Culverhouse Era Version 2.0, so there's no reason to hold out other than being cheap.

[patrick]

the best qb the bucs ever had pay him.cause simms sucks.thats why when we make the playoffs then the next year we do nothing.pay the m,an more then worth it and with the hard schedule.pay the man.

[Sam]

Waaaaaaaa waaaaaaaa wa, Im tired of hearing cry baby Garcia and the idiots who thinks he deserves more after one year which he didnt even complete

[aaron]

who gives a rats a** if he retires? He is 38, and hasnt had a good year since 2002 with the 49ers. If you call last year good you are crazy. 13 td's and 4 ints. he only had 4int's because he threw the ball only 327 times. Gruden may claim to love the guy but he also knows his limitations, such as lack of arm strength. we all saw how grossly underthrown the ball was to joey a number of times last year. Gruden loves his winning attitude and guts. but at this age his arm is not what it used to be. even when he was younger it was suspect. he is worth his contract as it stands now. if he doesnt like it then retire. please do us a favor. i think if we went into the season with Greise, simms, and mcCown we would be more than fine. do you remember the last time we had these three at QB? 2005 and we went 11-5. that was with an awful o-line too. (anthony davis-good run blocker but cant pass protect at all, dan beunning-a rookie, john wade, very smart but cant block run or pass, sean mahan-the matador and our favorite Yatta)Now we have a SOLID o-line and a good ground game. and a solid core of recievers. Greise could start and simms and luke can challange each other for the qb of the future title. Josh johnson is a nonfactor. practice squad.

[DR]

I think Garcia has good leverage in the fact that he is the only good QB on the roster. Simms is terrible, Mckown is very questionable, Griese hasn't played since when, Johnson is a rookie who probably won't develop under Gruden since he has no history of developing QB's. The Bucs would be stupid to not give a fair contract to their MVP last year. Last year, if Garcia was not here, the Bucs wouldn't have come close to the playoffs. In fact, Garcia is the reason the Bucs had higher revenue with a home playoff game. If the Bucs gave him his bonus he should have gotten last year, I don't think this is an issue.

[Nick]

Stand firm Allen, don't give in to Garcia demands. I have mentioned this before and incase some of you didn't pay attention I will say it again. The writing has been on the wall for Garcia to read, the Buc's signed Griese to replace him as the Veteran on the team. The same with Graham when they extened Bennetts contract and sign Dunn. This could mean Simms is 100% ready to get his job back or McCowm will take the lead of this offense. If Garcia thought by posting those poultry ( not paltry because they were chicken feed) numbers last year that he would get an extention, he should have thought it over again. Garcia was signed to take Simms place last year because Tampa knew Simms would not be ready. McCown's numbers were 10 times better than Gracia. The Buc's see a much better chance with a young McCown than a washed up Garcia. Beside Simms will be back to take over his starting job and that leaves no room for Garcia on this roster. You are all about money Garcia, did you forget about Cleveland and Detriot? They gave you some big bucks but you were a bust dude.

[Cammee]

I wouldn't give Garcia another penny. He's 37/38 years old, coming off an injury as well. The guy has a history of having a decent year(that's all last year was - decent), then following it up with crap years. If he wants more money make it performance related. Make him earn it.

[Steve L]

Let's see- retirement, or play a game and make 2 million dollars? Retirement or play a game and make 2 million dollars. Hmm, let me sleep on it.

If any idiot thinks Garcia will retire over this "issue" (if you can call fulfilling your contract an issue) then self fulfilling prophecy will prove your idiocy. Every "disgruntled veteran" rolls out the same tired song and dance during the offseason when they want to bleed the team for more money. At least Chad Johnson doesn't "threaten" retirement. Say what you want about the Bucs, Gruden and the cadre of QB's we keep; they're set in case someone goes down, or, however unlikely, someone retires.

[DR]

Garcia had 13 TD's to 4 INT's with a 94.6 QB rating and was held out of 2 games against his will. He put these numbers up with an average receiving crew and a below average offensive line, which did get better throughout the season. If you guys want to see him walk, after he took two teams to the playoffs, he put the Eagles on his back two years ago, then pick your poison. Simms will lead this team right into the cellar. He's a 6'4" bum who can't even throw the ball over the line. He's flat out terrible. Mckown showed some promise but he has a lot more to prove besides one good game against the worst defense in the league. You all want Griese because he's a little bit younger but even at Garcia's age, he's more mobile than Griese. Garcia's mobility got the Bucs to the playoffs last year. Yes, he did get hurt with the way he played, but he would have died if he sat in the pocket. You all want to see him walk, go ahead and dig your graves. The other QB's will be sure to throw dirt on you.

What'd I tell you guys, he's in it for the money. Always has been, just ask his teammates from former teams he's been on. Heck, Roy Williams called him out on it.

[BEENABUC]

YES YES YES, obviously Garcia did not get the memo. The United States of Allen does not negotiate with contract insurgents. (see Sapp...McCardell) Look this guy is no question over doing it, here is why. He prior to last season has been below average at best and finally got with a competitive franchise to barely sniff the playoffs again. The Jags game and the Detroit game displayed that this guys is nothing more than a situation manager. HE IS NOT A GAME CHANGER!!! If he really wanted to hurt the BUCS then he would shut his emotions and wait to see what happens prior to Training Camp. Now which is worse, telling someone I am going to quit so fill my shoes or just smile and quietly ride into the sunset leaving management in limbo. Something tells me that this is going to get ugly and he just might have to own up to his words. Griese, McCown, and Simms get ready because it is about to get really competitive, hence the reason why Simms is not relieved of duty from this roster. Let the games begin...Only are stronger schedule with another new starter at QB determines the ceiling of the BUCS.

[Ray]

I have said it from day one, before you guys start blaming Allen / Gruden on this, you need to look at the Glazers. If you think for a second the Glazers have nothing to do with this, you are wrong. Glazers, in my opinion are tight with their money. Glazers number one is to save money and then make money. There is nothing wrong with that. For them it is just business.

[Tom]

Aaron, how quickly you forgot a what a great pickup Garcia was last year. He was a major reason why we made it back to the playoffs last year. Look what happened when he didn't play. If we have some cap room, we need to make some concessions but not break the bank.

This is another reason why we should've picked Brohm or Henne in the second round. Ray Rice would've been great also. But we traded down to pick up a situational slot receiver from Appalachian State that can't run routes.

Just like when we passed up on A.P. two drafts ago. Idiots!!

[Steve L]

Garcia: nice guy, good player, lots of heart, reckless. These things we know. We also know he's definitely not a long term solution and however well we hope to fare this year, we're likley not going to the SuperBowl (though stranger things have happened).

Listen, we're probably all in agreement that he deserves a modest raise. But like any employee's behavior toward there employer, strong arm tactics seldom work. Insults don't either. How about saying something positive like "I believe I played well enough to warrant some type of financial reward and I'm confident the Bucs realize this and will act accordingly". This puts the onus on the organization while painting yourself as a professional, whine free athlete. The Bucs will do what they like regardless; why not get public opinion on your side instead of whining. A millionaire Playmate marrying athlete just does not elicit much sympathy in today's world.

[BTKSTA]

I must first say the DR as usual is being a tool. Go back to Dallas where you may like the team you moron. Garcia is overplaying his hand with Allen and the Glazers…yes the Glazers are in on all major money decisions. They run a very hands-on business with all their investments-which is what the Bucs are- another business or investment. Too bad the Outback boys did not buy the team. They are real Tampa “homers’. Anyway, I digress, back to the point. Garcia is out by training camp if he does not shut up and play. Griese was brought in just for this scenario-Garcia is hurt or cut and he takes over with McCown backing up. The real wild card is Simms. Gruden does not like his lack of mobility, but if he has medically recovered, he has the best arm of all the qbs.’ The kid does have a gun-no under throws to Galloway. Remember what I said after the draft, we should have drafted Brohm for the future. Not making that pick will hurt this team in the long run. Gruden always thinks of today only, and the kid from App. State can help us immediately in punt returns etc, but will not be as beneficial in the long run as a good qb would have been. Does Josh Johnson seem like the future answer to anyone? Goodbye Garcia—I give you credit for marrying a hottie,. Take your 5 million dollars from last years signing bonus and your wife and have fun--too bad we won’t have shots of her in the stands anymore

[Herb]

whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa....

he's old
he's too fragile to play a full year
he's not worth top pay
he lost in the 1st round of the playoffs.

[Darren]

Didn't Garcia just get married? Retirement? Yea right, he won't do that. Bruce should stick to his guns and make him honor his contract. $2 mil ain't bad, plus - if he does well - he can cash in next year. Next year, if the Bucs don't want to waste big money on Garcia, let him go someplace else. We have other options and better places to spend our cap space.

That said, it would be nice to extend contracts for our other players. I hope Bruce makes progress signing our rookies and extending more of our talented player's contracts.

[Joe]

Normally, I would be the first person to suggest that a person honor their contract, but this is football, and teams often cut players that get hurt, and do not have to honor their deals (unlike basketball or baseball) and so the player has to make sure he can get what he can get when he can get it. Garcia is a risk, but there's a reason he is our starter. He retires, we can kiss this season, and the next season for that matter, goodbye. I, for one, would like to see us WIN in the playoffs, and maybe make a run again, and without Garcia, we've got no shot. Garcia got screwed last season, so its time the Bucs stopped being cheap and pay the man. If not, I have some season tickets someone can buy...

[Matt B]

pay this man......... wat tha hell.. if we dont have garcia we are done... he does not turn the ball over.. we are a run first team.. imagine garcia with us a second year, he had a year to learned the offense and a great o-line we can beat anybody... but with griese, chris we are done they both turn the ball over and they are not moblie garcia can move... luke mcCown is good but if we play him we will not make the playoffs. PAY THIS MAN 2yr 18.5$million damn...... he's old but he got the job done last year and this year he knows the offense and we added speed .. tampa will be dumb not to pay him..........

[Matt B]

i meant 8.5$ million 18.5 is to much........

[Larry]

I think it's obvious that he wants more than a modest increase. Surely if BA is negotiating he's not offering a pay cut. Didn't he say that there were offers out there? I think he's looking for big bucks over several years with a significant signing bonus. UhUh no way Jose.

Doesn't deserve anything more than $3 or $4 Million on a one year deal. I really think Simms must be close to being ready - I know Gruden isn't his biggest fan, but as we have found out recently,... Bruce has some power in the personnel department. I have enjoyed Garcia around this past year, but I think we all knew it would be a one or two year deal with him at the most. Last year we were happy to have Garcia compete with Simms... All of a sudden we're not??? Let Simms, Garcia, & Griese compete for the starter's job, the winner gets a $5 Mil bonus - see if Garcia sticks around...then we'll see how serious he is about retirement.

[Herb]

i think Griese might win the starting QB job ...

just a thought.. why pay a backup more money

[Michael]

Joe, Greiese isnt the best quarterback, but he could do what Garcia did last year, manage games, with a few good outings. For that matter, Luke McCown could. yes, Luke made a mistake here and there, but he was brillant for a young quarterback making his first starts in a few years when he played in New Orleans, and yes he did struggle in Houstan vs the Texans, but the whole team did. I would say the Bucs could use Garcia, but if he were to retire, they still would have a good shot at the playoffs, especailly since they like to run the ball as much as they do. Lukes, and even Brians arms have more power in them, so its not like there wouldnt be anymore Galloway 50 yard touchdowns, they would probably go up, making the running game even better.

[Toreano]

Is Ocho-Cinco sitting the year out? Garcia will not leave money on the table and quit. Show up to training camp and work on throwing more touchdowns this year. Whether or not he deserves the money is irrelevant. He is choosing to go about his negotiations the wrong way. Just ask Askew.

[BucsBacker]

Soooooo We won't pay Graham and Garcia who played there guts out.. but we will sign a TE with a terrible past and oh yeah.. 2 catches. Pathetic.

[Billy]

Garcia has no leverage. He'll play this year regardless. He's not in the Bucs plans beyond this year anyways, so why should they extend his contract. I applaud Bruce Allen for the ironfist. Same goes for the Earnest Graham situation. He can hold out if he wants, but does anybody think Bennett/Dunn can't be as productive if not more. The only reason Bennett wasn't the featured back last year is he was still learning the offense. Look at his runs last year, and you can clearly see he's more explosive

[JP]

So, the choices are finishing his career at Tampa or.. ..finishing his career at Tampa.

Great moves there, Barbie.

He's important to the Bucs, but not this important. Shut up and finish the deal you signed. Be a man about it, for crying out loud.

[Jarid]

who cares.. pay him.. but more importantly have you seen his wife??.. damn she's hott!

[shane]

seriously the two cry-babies this year(graham and garcia) will play for us whether they like it or not and if they don't then who needs 'em. Cadillac comes back in late September or early October and while we wait for him the bucs can use dunn and bennett as running options(both are more explosive and can do everything graham does if not more). We also have Griese and McCown and both of them are good players if McCown could learn to feel the pocket he'd be our starter and we all remember what Griese did here 2 years ago(5-1 before he got hurt) and he,not Simms(6-4), was instrumental to our 05 playoff run. Both of these QBs can do the job Garcia did and since McCown has the bigger arm so that means that he can make more plays than Garcia could and hit Joey and Dexter(he will be the #2 man) deeper where they'll be more effective

[db]

"What'd I tell you guys, he's in it for the money" What an ignorant statement. Uh... it's his job. Do you think hes gonna do it for free? This is just typical hype before they resolve the issue prior to the season. Take a pill.

[Adam]

Hugh Culverhouse should really pay his quarterback.... what? This isn't 1981? My mistake.

[DapperDave]

Let Garcia retire.

Michael Vick will be out of prison soon. The Bucs can sign him. Then if they can help Ray Carruth with a successful appeal they can sign him. Work a trade with the Ravens for Ray Lewis. Find Jamal Lewis - wherever he is - and sign him. With Vick, Jeremy Stevens, Ray Carruth, Ray and Jaamal Lewis on the roster the Bucs will have the makings of a true "all-thug" team.

[George C. Costanza]

ray is right. Garcia will get a raise if he can pry it from the cold, liver-spotted hands of Malcolm Glazer, who is carrying a huge note for his kickball team across the pond.

[Drew]

Resigned Brian Griese? Sounds like Buc management anticipated a hold out or possible retirement. Considering his age and Kamikaze playing style it's hard to give him what he feels he's worth.

Patrick, the best Quaterback the Buc's ever had was Doug Williams.

[Teamless]

I’m a 4th generation Tampa native who’s lived here my entire life.

I was 10 years old when I saw my first Bucs game with Steve Spurrier at the helm.

I've been a die-hard Bucs fan for all these years...through all the turmoil…through all the loosing seasons.

But now, with the despicable treatment of some players that deserve better, and the inexcusable re-signing of Stevens (a man that is impossible for me to root for)...this is the first time in 31 years that I'm actually ashamed to be a Bucs fan.

I'll not raise the skull and crossbones from my front porch this season.

I’ll not fly the flags from my car windows.

I’ll not wear the colors of my team...because I have none.

I’ve become one of the saddest creatures on the face of this earth…

I’m a football fan without a team.

[Bucsfan79]

Being a long time Buccaneer fan since 79' I heard Jeff Garcia's comments on Sirius about possible retirement and I have to say I'm sick of this cry-baby. He's supposed to be the leader of our team. He says that he always wanted to come here and was happy with his 2 year contract he signed and now that he had a good year, he wants to have another contract in the second year. I got news for you Jeff, when the Bucs signed you to that contract, they "expected" you to have a good year. And as far as you having to sit out the last game or two before the playoff's, it was because you were hurt and needed the time to rest. Your 38 going on 39 and if you think the Bucs are just going to throw money at you, your sadly mistaken. Keep your mouth shut and live up to your contract and maybe the Bucs will reward at the end of next year. At this stage of your career your options are not endless.

['Strings]

If JG had an absolute lock on the starting QB position it would make sense for the team to offer him a significant one year - or series of one year - deal(s) - whatever. What should we take from the fact it's not happening?

And if the team feels otherwise, the smart play may be to do nothing with him and use the "unstable" roster environment to foster greater competition between the remaining players.

So what if it became a McCown, Simms, Griese depthchart ... who's the loser?

JG goes to some pathetic team for another payday and we get to see (we hope) the wisdom of managment.

[Think about it]

To be honest, I would rather have Brad Johnson back. He would do very well with the revamped Oline. He is better than any QB we have and he is very accurate. I get sick of watching Garcia's little skinny A!! running all over the place. Bring Brad Back - 6'5 with an accurate arm! We won a SB with Brad!

[Think about it]

To be honest, I would rather have Brad Johnson back. He would do very well with the revamped Oline. He is better than any QB we have and he is very accurate. I get sick of watching Garcia's little skinny A!! running all over the place. Bring Brad Back - 6'5 with an accurate arm! We won a SB with Brad!

[AT]

Stop your freaking whining dude. Jesus!!! How many TD's did you throw last year... You make good money and are old as crap...Freaking eh, shut up and play or retire already.....Boo Hoo