Garcia excused for first weekend of camp

Quarterback Jeff Garcia will not report to training camp Friday or be in uniform this weekend.

Don't worry. It's not what you think.

Garcia, 38, has been excused by the Bucs to attend a reunion of players to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Gavilan College's 1973 national championship team in Gilroy, California.

The event was organized by his father, longtime coach Bob Garcia.

"He's going to go to those festivities,'' Allen said. "It's a weekend reunion.''

The Bucs' starter was given permission several weeks ago to attend the celebration, which will be held during the Garlic Festival in Gilroy July 25-27 and conflicts with the opening of training camp Friday in Lake Buena Vista.

"The topping on the cake was where Tampa let my son come,'' Bob Garcia told the Gilroy Dispatch.

Even with Garcia's absence, the Bucs will have no shortage of quarterbacks in camp. Tampa Bay has five on the roster -- Garcia, Brian Griese, Luke McCown, Chris Simms and rookie Josh Johnson. Simms, who missed the entire off-season workout program and mandatory minicamp, still plans to report Friday.

When Garcia does arrive in camp, he will undoubtedly face more questions about his lack of progress on a contract extension and speculation that the Bucs would be interested in Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre if the Packers decided to trade him.

But Garcia has earned some goodwill from the Bucs after leading the team to an NFC South title and earning a selection to the Pro Bowl last season.

Bob Garcia coached Gavilan College for 23 seasons. Before transferring to San Jose State, Jeff Garcia was the starting quarterback for Gavilan College in 1989. He earned junior college honorable mention All-America honors after throwing for 2,038 yards and 18 touchdowns as a freshman. He also rushed for 584 yards and four touchdowns.

[Jerry Hernandez wears a garlic-shaped hat as he listens to a live band at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California, AP Photo] 

Comments

[Greg]

I am sure he will stink after the garlic festival. Maybe it will keep the defensive linemen away from him.

[madbeach]

If I was not allowed to play before the playoffs so as not to earn my bonuses and still not have a contract, I doubt I would show up either!

Don't be surprised when Brett Farve comes knocking....

[Matt]

Wouldn't it be brutal to go to the Garlic festival, and by the time he comes back Favre is taking snaps under center.

This is a really strange reason for missing the start of camp unless the Buc's are trying to say sorry for stiffing him on the performance bonuses or they have talked to Green Bay.

[DR]

I smell cover up. Thew Bucs are trying to shop the unhappy Garcia to the Pack to get Favre. If this happens, Gruden will pass out from all of his blood rushing to his pants. The sad part is, Favre won't make this team much better, if any.

[Matt]

Man, the next thing they're going to tell me is that they excused him from playing all but 1 series in the Patriots PreSeason game we have to pay over $100 for.

(Which are currently selling for as low as $12 on StubHub)

[DR]

I smell cover up. Thew Bucs are trying to shop the unhappy Garcia to the Pack to get Favre. If this happens, Gruden will pass out from all of his blood rushing to his pants. The sad part is, Favre won't make this team much better, if any.

[Richard Simmons]

Hey guys, the real reason he won't be attending that silly camp is that there's a HUGE Future Florists of America tradeshow in Key West this coming weekend

toodles

[aaron blumie]

More reps for Josh Johnson... aka The Future

[poco pac]

Jeff Garcia has a lisp and you accusing him of being homosexual? Last time I checked he was married to an ex-Playboy chick. Not exactly gay is he? If her were gay, would that make him less of a player? He's the best QB the Bucs have had in a while and he's very tough. Quit player hatin on the sideline

[BW]

"Hey guys, the real reason he won't be attending that silly camp is that there's a HUGE Future Florists of America tradeshow in Key West this coming weekend"--Do I know you? That's my line

[Fugilebrity]

Bruce Allen continues to insult the collective intelligence of Bucs fans everywhere.

If you are the starting QB and team leader, you do not miss the start of training camp, period. Especially for "The Garlic Festival." Is a 35th anniversary that big a deal for something nobody outside of Gilroy cares about?

[daveh]

paco pac, I realize I'm a little late to the party, but have you ever heard of a "beard?" Apparently not.