Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Rookie not only ones with something to prove

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July 3

Tampa Tribune

"There will be two basic elements to Tampa Bay Buccaneers players and coaches this season. A chip on their shoulders and something to prove. The chip comes from the criticism Tampa Bay has received this offseason. Some seem to believe first year coach Raheem Morris will coach no better than Goldie Hawn in Wildcats, while general manager Mark Dominik's moves have been questioned more than a South Carolina governor returning from a trip to Argentina. There are also players with more to prove than Sarah Palin in a geography competition. Whether his name is Luke McCown or Marshall McDuffie, every player has something to prove when training camp begins on August 1. Of course, some have more to ..."

Bucs GM defends team expenditures

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July 1

Tampa Tribune

"Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik believes his team has spent its money wisely over the past five years. The Bucs have spent the least amount of money on player costs between 2004 and 2008 than any other NFL team according to a recent article on NFL.com. Despite the frugal spending, Dominik insists he has never been ordered by the Glazers, who spent over $1.5 billion to acquire Manchester United in 2005, not to spend money on free agents. "It's never been stated like that, nor have I been under that impression my last six or seven months on the job, or the years prior as Director of Pro [Personnel]," Dominik said. "It's been 'Lets spend our money smart.' "The philosophy I ..."

Glazers spending less, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffer

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July 1

St. Petersburg Times

columnist John Romano

"Today, the Glazers stand accused. Accused of not investing enough in their football team. Accused of not keeping up with the competition. Accused, essentially, of not caring about Buccaneer victories and losses as much as you do. According to a report by NFL.com reporter Jason La Canfora, the Bucs spent less in player salaries and bonuses than any team in the NFL in the past five seasons. And, just like that, what you have long suspected has now been confirmed. For one reason or another, the Glazers are not spending money the way they once did. And, perhaps not coincidentally, the team is not winning as much, either. Now, before we get too far, it is important to point out that a fat ..."

Haynesworth: Bucs offered more money

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June 26

St. Petersburg Times

"Some interesting news about the Bucs in an interview that Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth had on Sirius NFL Radio. Haynesworth, the biggest jewel in this season's free-agent crop, chose the Redskins over an offer from the Bucs, apparently giving up money to do so. Here's the juicy parts: Host Adam Schein asked if money was the No. 1 issue in him choosing the Redskins, and Haynesworth said "No, I could've made more money with Tampa Bay if I really wanted to." Asked why he chose the Redskins -- who finished last in the NFC East last season and went 8-8, one game behind the 9-7 Bucs -- here's what Haynesworth had to say: "They offered me a whole lot more, and even with their tax ..."

Barber installed as longshot in celebrity golf tournament

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June 25

Tampa Tribune

"A Nevada oddsmaker apparently doesn't think much of Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber's golf game. Scheduled to compete in a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe next month, Barber is given 100/1 odds of winning the American Century Championship by Harrah's Lake Tahoe Sportsbook. The event is set for July 17-19 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, with defending champion Rick Rhoden a 9/5 favorite. The field also includes a number of esteemed retired athletes: John Elway, former champion Mario Lemieux, Mike Schmidt, Lawrence Taylor, Dan Marino and Michael Jordan. Barber, a serious amateur golfer, also has competed in the Outback Pro Am, a Champions Tour celebrity event played at TPC Tampa ..."

Bucs agree to terms with two more rookies

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June 23

Tampa Tribune

"The Buccaneers reached four-year contract agreements with DE Kyle Moore and CB E.J. Biggers Tuesday, leaving only two draft picks unsigned before training camp begins Aug. 1. Moore, a fourth-round choice out of Southern Cal, will compete for playing time on an unsettled defensive line while Biggers, chosen in the seventh round out of Western Michigan, is in the mix for a secondary that lost CB Phillip Buchanon to Detroit as a free agent. Tampa Bay's only remaining unsigned picks are quarterback Josh Freeman, drafted out of Kansas State in the first round, and defensive tackle Roy Miller, a third-round pick from Texas."

Buccaneers tight end Kellen Winslow lives up to early hype

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June 21

St. Petersburg Times

"The moment the question is delivered, Luke McCown's eyes light up as though he couldn't wait to address the subject. The Buccaneers quarterback was asked if he ever finds himself admiring the ability of newly acquired tight end Kellen Winslow. McCown responds with a story told with the giddiness of a youth leaguer fresh off his first touchdown. "Absolutely! He made a catch two weeks ago where I threw a back-shoulder throw on a fade (route). I threw it short because it was good coverage, and (Winslow) reaches back with one hand and makes the grab. It was unbelievable." But for another version of the story, ask the man who had the best vantage point: safety Sabby Piscitelli, the defender on ..."

Drilling in basics will be new norm for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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June 21

St. Petersburg Times

"The Bucs could have spent more time during Wednesday's minicamp implementing the more complex aspects of their offensive scheme. Instead, for an entire portion of a 10-segment practice, receivers, backs and quarterbacks - everyone likely to touch the football - performed a drill that required them to lunge forward and touch a nearby cone without letting go of a ball connected tightly to a giant bungee cord. The drill addressed what coaches refer to as "ball security," an elementary element of the game not always addressed at this level. But to coach Raheem Morris and his staff, it was time well spent. "The only way you're going to become stronger is if you practice it and you keep ..."

Bucs need to maintain a strict No-Plax Zone

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June 20

Tampa Tribune

"We just wrapped up Bucs mandatory minicamp, where one mandatory non-story was lone gunman Plaxico Burress and the possibility the Bucs might be interested in a receiver of his caliber. So far, the Bucs claim no interest, the best minicamp news outside of Kellen Winslow Jr. and Stylez G. White dropping their idea to switch motorcycles, and names, in midair as they jump the Jungala exhibit at Busch Gardens, though there are weeks and weeks before training camp. Yes, this franchise needs to stay far away from "Harris Smith." Harris Smith, of course, is the alias Burress used when he popped into a New York City emergency room in November after his Glock slipped down his sweat pants (who hasn't ..."

Buccaneers sign seventh-round draft pick Sammie Stroughter

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June 20

St. Petersburg Times

"The Buccaneers on Friday signed seventh-round draft pick Sammie Stroughter to a four-year contract, bringing the team a step closer to locking up its 2009 class. Stroughter, a receiver from Oregon State, has drawn praise from coaches for his aptitude in quickly learning the offense and his ability to contribute immediately. The former first-team All-Pac 10 selection received a contract that includes escalators in its final year, giving him the ability to cash in if his contributions are what the team envisions. "We're very happy with what he's doing," offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski said this week. "He was coming along and doing some things that we drafted him for." Stroughter has ..."

Bucs sign promising draft pick Stroughter

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June 19

Tampa Tribune

"The Bucs signed another one of their draft picks today, and from the looks of things it won't be long before they sign a few others. Signing today was seventh-round pick Sammie Stroughter, a wide receiver out of Oregon State. Terms were not dislosed. But instead of releasing just one player to make room on the roster for Stroughter, the Bucs released three. Let go were former USF wideout Amarri Jackson, linebacker Jamall Johnson and cornerback Evan McCollough. For Jackson this marks the second time in a year his bid for a Bucs roster spot fell short. Stroughter, who is expected to compete for time at slot receiver and in the return game, joins offensive lineman Xavier Fuller as the only ..."

Alabama 'royalty' Hannah returns home

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June 19

Tampa Tribune

"Good morning! Charley Hannah played 12 seasons in the NFL. He was part of three playoff teams with the Bucs - back when the creamsicle orange jerseys were considered cool - and started at left guard for the Los Angeles Raiders during their Super Bowl XVIII victory at Tampa Stadium. When Hannah does business around Tampa - he's vice president of Hannah-Bartoletta Homes, an upscale builder - football is an excellent icebreaker. After all, who can resist admiring a Super Bowl ring? Lately, Hannah has been wearing another ring, the one for his induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame on May 30. "Being honored like that, it was probably the most humbling experience I've ever had," said ..."

Wilkerson finally a starter on Bucs D-line

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June 19

Tampa Tribune

"Bucs defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson's wait is over. Wilkerson played the past six seasons primarily on special teams. Kansas City allowed Wilkerson to start in only five of 72 games from 2003 to 2007 before letting him walk after that season. He signed with the Bucs last year, and he hoped they would recognize what the Chiefs did not. The Buccaneers have. Wilkerson had five sacks while playing defensive tackle and defensive end last season. Tampa Bay rewarded Wilkerson by naming him its starting left end opposite former first-round pick Gaines Adams, a decision validated as the offseason program concluded Thursday. "You can't say enough positive things about what Jimmy Wilkerson has ..."

Freeman emerges among quarterback options

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June 19

Tampa Tribune

"The Bucs wrapped up their offseason program last week with the rather surprising revelation that at some point in training camp they may throw rookie Josh Freeman into the mix for the starting quarterback's job. If the Bucs do accelerate Freeman's ascent to the quarterback throne, it will almost certainly have as much to do with the play of the other contenders for that job as it does Freeman. Neither Luke McCown nor Byron Leftwich performed exceptionally well during the recent minicamp, and it's becoming apparent the Bucs have concerns about both. They're concerned about McCown's lack of experience, of course, but even moreso they seem to be concerned about Leftwich's lack of top-level ..."

Buccaneers consider starting rookie Josh Freeman at quarterback

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June 18

St. Petersburg Times

"Start the play clock for quarterback Josh Freeman. The Bucs are re-evaluating the plans for their first-round pick and will consider starting Freeman if he continues to progress in training camp. Quarterbacks coach Greg Olson said, "it's not out of the question'' Freeman takes the path that the Falcons' Matt Ryan and the Ravens' Joe Flacco took last year and starts as a rookie. Olson met with general manager Mark Dominik, coach Raheem Morris, pro scouting coordinator Doug Williams and other coaches, and they concluded they might need to accelerate Freeman's development. "We did talk last week. And when I say we, I'm talking about everyone in the building from the GM, the head coach, ..."

Coach Raheem Morris pleased with Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offseason work

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June 18

St. Petersburg Times

"When the Bucs walked off the field Wednesday for the last time until training camp, coaches found reason to feel encouraged by what was accomplished during the long and tumultuous offseason. "You're really excited because you just want to be ready for training camp at this point," coach Raheem Morris said. "I really think we've surpassed that. So now we have the coaches digging to be even better. We want to be ready for a game. That's a little unrealistic. But we're searching for more. We still have a long way to go, but the guys are progressing well." The Bucs wrapped up the on-field portion of their three-day mandatory minicamp and will complete the week with a team-building paintball ..."

Still no Sears, Griese as Bucs minicamp winds down

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June 18

Tampa Tribune

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers concluded their final minicamp practice this afternoon with two players still not in attendance. Guard Arron Sears and quarterback Brian Griese were not at the mandatory camp. Sears' absence is excused, while Griese has given no explanation for his disappearance this week or throughout Tampa Bay's voluntary workouts the past two months. Today was the last day players were on the field before training camp opens Aug. 1. Here are some news and notes from the morning session: • Tight end Jerramy Stevens expressed enthusiasm about working with Kellen Winslow Jr. Stevens believes he and Winslow have the potential to become the NFL's best tight end combination this ..."

Bucs' cheerleaders to 'pay it forward' in Japan

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June 18

Tampa Tribune

"Twelve Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders will take off for Japan on Thursday to perform for troops stationed there. On Friday, they'll be joined by Bucs players Will Allen and Michael Clayton. "My father was in Vietnam and I called him to tell him that I made the trip," said rookie cheerleader Meagan Pravedm. She wanted "to pay it forward to the troops doing the same thing he did." The "Shake, Rattle and Roll" variety tour organized by Armed Forces Entertainment includes a first stop at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, where the cheerleaders will perform Friday with the band The Crash Moderns. The players arrive shortly after and will join the cheerleaders in greeting military personnel. The Tampa ..."

Sabby's big shot

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June 18

Tampa Tribune

"There is the body, carved from steel, and ... there is the incomplete body of work. There are the marrow-spilling hits straight from the John Lynch designer collection ... and there are missed plays. There is what he is for now ... and what he aims to be. "I want to be the best," Bucs strong safety Sabby Piscitelli recently said. "You don't play to be average. If anybody tells you they're not trying to be the best in the game, then they shouldn't be playing the game." He'll get this chance in this, his third NFL season, as Jermaine Phillips moves to linebacker. I'm not sure what we'll get - the Sabby in the right place at the right time or the Sabby who isn't. He was all or nothing in ..."

Rookie Freeman could contend for Bucs' starting QB

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June 18

Tampa Tribune

"As they brought their offseason workout program to a close Wednesday the Bucs sent a seemingly ominous message to quarterbacks Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich: watch out for Josh Freeman. McCown and Leftwich are still the leading contenders for the starter's job, but the Bucs now say they won't hesitate to throw Freeman into that race if he continues to show the progress he's shown in recent weeks. "We discussed the Freeman plan [last week] and decided we'll probably go a week into training camp and revisit it and maybe expedite what he's doing,'' quarterbacks coach Greg Olson said. "We may get him involved earlier than we thought.'' Freeman's involvement to this point has been limited. As ..."

Bennett completes workout for Bucs

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June 17

Nashville City Paper

"Former Titans receiver Drew Bennett finished his workout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday and will wait to see what his future will be. Bennett, who had his best seasons in Tennessee from 2001-06, was released by the St. Louis Rams in February and visited the Titans last month, passing a physical. The Titans could still sign a veteran receiver before training camp begins to compete for a backup role. First, however, they appear to want to monitor the progress of youngsters like rookies Kenny Britt and Dominique Edison, as well as Lavelle Hawkins and Chris Davis before deciding whether to add a veteran like Bennett in time for training camp."

Bucs rookie booted from workout after hit on QB

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June 17

Tampa Tribune

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have put the wraps on their first workout of the day, but not before former University of South Florida defensive end Jarrett Buie committed the most heinous of all rookie mistakes. During one of the many 11-on-11 drills run during this morning's workout, Buie broke through from his right end spot and ran hard into veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich, knocking Leftwich off his feet. Bucs coach Raheem Morris reacted angrily to the poor etiquette and immediately kicked Buie out of practice and ordered his defensive coaches to keep their players in line."

Morris alters Bucs' minicamp schedule to avoid rain

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June 17

Tampa Tribune

"The threat of foul weather has already cost the Bucs one workout this week. Coach Raheem Morris isn't about to let it take another one from him. Determined to get at least two workouts in during today's session, Morris has altered his team's workout schedule in a way that he hopes will allow the Bucs to get all their on-field work done before the seasonal afternoon rains come. The alteration will have the Bucs hitting the field for the first time today at 8:15 a.m. and working until 10:20 a.m. After a break for "brunch,'' Morris said, the Bucs will return to the field at 12:20 p.m. and work until 2:10 p.m. The change was forced by the combination of the threat of foul weather and the fact ..."

Former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress interested in Tampa Bay

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June 17

St. Petersburg Times

"Plaxico Burress is intent on playing in 2009, and it appears he wouldn't mind doing so in Tampa Bay. The former Giants receiver, who is embroiled in a legal snafu and faces weapons charges in New York after an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound last year, reached out to Bucs RB Derrick Ward and others on the team to express an interest in joining them. Coach Raheem Morris made the revelation on Tuesday, the first day of the team's mandatory minicamp. The Bucs are open to upgrading at receiver, and Burress, 31, suddenly is a more realistic option. He is one step closer to returning to the field after his case on Monday was continued until September. If no plea deal is reached before ..."

Buccaneers linebacker Barrett Ruud reports to minicamp hoping for new contract

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June 17

St. Petersburg Times

"Barrett Ruud did his best to keep up. While taking a hard-line stance to skip voluntary workouts this offseason, in hopes the team would begin talks on a new contract, the Bucs linebacker received telephone calls and missives from his coaches updating him on the installation of their new defense. But there were more important lessons learned. While Ruud may have gotten the team's attention, he is no closer to a new contract. So on Tuesday, Ruud, 26, reported to the mandatory minicamp and took his spot in the middle of the defense. "I'd like to be here a long time," Ruud said. "I'd like to be with the Buccaneers. I've really enjoyed the organization. It's a first-class organization and ..."

Ruud shows up, but still seeks new deal

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June 17

Tampa Tribune

"Barrett Ruud said Tuesday that his holdout from voluntary offseason workouts was aimed squarely at sparking a series of new contract negotiations. He had to admit, however, that the ploy didn't work. Though the Bucs' starting middle linebacker ended his weeks-long absence from team workouts and showed up for the first day of their mandatory minicamp, he did so despite the fact no negotiations have taken place on a new contract. "I was hoping to speed things along a little bit," Ruud said of his decision to skip 14 voluntary workouts. "But there are no discussions. I'd like to think everything will take care of itself, but that remains to be seen." Ruud, the Bucs' leader in tackles the past ..."

Bucs' Best Man?

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June 17

Tampa Tribune

"The question was simple and the answer was direct. "Yes." Byron Leftwich was asked if he believes he will be the starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first game of the regular season against Dallas. He didn't hesitate, blink, quibble, equivocate or leave any room for nuance. There was just that simple "yes" - followed by a loud laugh from a confident man. He isn't declaring victory. He meant no disrespect to his competition for the job. He just believes he will win the job. "I'm quite sure Luke McCown and both Joshes Freeman and Johnson think the same way, and I have no problem with that. I've always said this thing will be won on the football field," he said. "They've assured us ..."

Sears, still a no-show at Bucs camp, loses starting spot

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June 17

Tampa Tribune

"Arron Sears' ongoing absence from offseason workouts has apparently cost him job as the Tampa Bay Buccanees starting left guard. Sears missed all of the team's voluntary workouts while dealing with an undisclosed personal issue and missed the first day of the team's mandatory minicamp Tuesday for the same reason. Bucs head coach Raheem Morris initially said Sears' absence Tuesday was not excused, and that Sears now will have to beat out second-year pro Jeremy Zuttah if he returns and hopes to win back his starting job. A team spokesman, however, later said Sears was excused from Tuesday's workout and disgruntled quarterback Brian Griese was the only unexcused player missing. "I look out ..."

McCardell returns to Bucs to get a coach's view

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June 17

Tampa Tribune

"Keenan McCardell, who caught two touchdown passes for the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl before leaving the organization on bitter terms, enjoyed a pleasant morning at Tampa Bay's facility mingling with players and coaches during Tuesday's mandatory mini-camp. McCardell, 39, was invited by first-year head coach Raheem Morris. The Houston native saw his 17-year NFL career as a wide receiver end last season and he's pondering a career in coaching. "Rah (Morris) invited me out here and I was open to it,'' said McCardell, who played for six teams after he was selected by Washington in the 12th round of the 1991 draft. "He said come on out and see if you like it. I'm enjoying it. ..."

Morris says Bucs have not discussed signing Burress

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June 17

Tampa Tribune

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were rumored to be very interested in acquiring former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress, but head coach Raheem Morris says that speculation was untrue. Morris was asked about his team's interest in Burress after Tuesday's mandatory minicamp and said there has been no dialogue about acquiring the troubled receiver. "To be honest with you, there was never really discussion about bringing him in," Morris said. "He has close friends on our team [Derrick Ward and Antonio Bryant] and he contacted those guys and showed interest himself. We got no problem with that." Burress faces two second-degree felony charges, which carry a minimum sentence of 3-1/2 years in ..."

Linebacker Ruud takes field for Bucs' minicamp

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June 16

Tampa Tribune

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took the field for their first minicamp workout late this morning, and linebacker Barrett Ruud was among those participating in the early drills. Ruud missed all of the team's voluntary workouts the past two months but returned to Tampa for the Bucs Fanfest last weekend. He is negotiating a new contract and was unsure Saturday whether he would participate in mandatory workouts this week. As expected, guard Arron Sears and quarterback Brian Griese were not on the field. Sears has been dealing with some personal issues and missed all of the team's voluntary workouts after attending the voluntary minicamp in early April. He more than likely has been excused from these ..."

Will Barrett Ruud, Brian Griese and Arron Sears show for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' minicamp?

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June 16

St. Petersburg Times

"The Bucs open a mandatory three-day mini-camp Tuesday, and though coaches hope to answer a few lingering questions about their roster, they will not solve the team's biggest quandary: who is going to play quarterback. That will come later, during training camp at the very earliest. So what's to be gained from a few mandatory two-a-day workouts after weeks of voluntary ones? Basically, this week is the culmination of months of overhaul dating to January's abrupt appointment of Raheem Morris as head coach. Everything that has followed has been a whirlwind, but now it all needs to come together. "We're really just asking (players) to put everything together that they've learned over the last ..."

Attendance required for Bucs minicamp

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June 16

Tampa Tribune

"Bucs coach Raheem Morris declared his team ready for training camp last week. Just to be sure, though, Morris is going to run the Bucs through their paces a few more times this week. The string of workouts begins today at One Buc Place, and this three-day mandatory minicamp will serve as something of a final exam for the material learned the previous six weeks in voluntary workouts. The exam figures to be grueling early on, with the Bucs scheduled to work out twice today and Wednesday. It gets easier at the end, though, with the Bucs scheduled for a private team function away from the field Thursday."

Bucs minicamp at a glance

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June 16

Tampa Tribune

"MLB Barrett Ruud, above, LG Arron Sears and QB Brian Griese skipped all of the team's voluntary workouts, all for different reasons. Ruud is negotiating a contract and didn't want to take a chance on getting hurt. Sears has been dealing with some undisclosed personal issues. Griese knows he's on the verge of being released. Failure to show up this week could result in each player being fined $8,000 per day, so it won't pay to miss these workouts. In the case of Ruud, though, it may not pay to participate, either. As for Sears, his presence would be a welcomed sight. His absence, meanwhile, would be an indication the two-year starter's problems are severe and would throw his status for the ..."

Leftwich speculation abounds as Bucs open minicamp

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June 16

Tampa Tribune

"We can say with some degree of certainty that the eventual starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is currently on the roster - which, praise be to the heavens, rules out Michael Vick and Brett Favre. Thus, it follows, the "mandatory" minicamp that begins today could be important to deciding who that will be. That's opposed, of course, to the mandatory "voluntary" minicamps that guys are vilified for skipping, even though they're not required to attend. That's tweeting for another time and another column though, because we have serious business afoot. There seems to be a growing undercurrent - out there, somewhere, in the vastness of cyberspace, virtually all of it unnamed - that ..."

Bucs still looking at Burress?

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June 15

ESPN.com

"With Plaxico Burress' next court date on his weapons charge set for Sept. 23, ESPN legal analyst Lester Munson says the receiver may play in the NFL this season. Although Burress still faces the possibility of jail time, Munson said it's unlikely commissioner Roger Goodell will suspend him before the resolution of the legal case. That means Burress could be available to at least start this season and the only NFC South team that has shown any reported interest is Tampa Bay. Would the Bucs really go out and sign Burress while there's still the possibility of him going to prison? Anything's possible, but such a move could have only a very short-term benefit if Burress ends up in prison. ..."

Skipping mini-camp could be costly for Ruud

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June 15

St. Petersburg Times

"The Bucs begin a mandatory three-day minicamp on Tuesday and it remains to be seen whether LB Barrett Ruud will show. He hasn't participated in any voluntary offseason workouts for the first time in his five-year career in an effort to reinforce his wish for a new contract. He is yet to commit to attending this week's required event. He can certainly opt not to come, but that decision could be a costly one. Under the rules of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, teams have the right to fine players a maximum of $8,000 for missed activities, such as minicamps. The club isn't required to assess any fines, but it certainly has the option. The fines are significantly stiffer for training ..."

Tampa Bay Bucs coach Raheem Morris' story began in a hard place: Irvington, N.J.

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June 14

St. Petersburg Times

columnist Gary Shelton

"Even on the day that was designed for him, Raheem Morris could not escape the storm. He stood in a puddle on a broken piece of track, looking out at the ragged football field of his youth. The sky was as gray as a bruise, and the rain beat against his umbrella in a steady hum. Over his shoulder, there was a scoreboard. This is where Raheem Morris grew up. This is where he made a few plays, and where he let a few slip away. Out there among the weeds and the clover, on a field jokingly referred to as "astrodirt,'' is where he made his closest friends, where he forged his fondest memories, where he shaped his personality. Morris looked through the raindrops at Matthews Field, home of the ..."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' new coordinators focus on players' weights

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June 14

St. Petersburg Times

"Imagine the conversations in the lunch line. Bucs offensive linemen have been asked to become leaner and lose body fat. The defensive linemen, particularly the tackles, have been asked to bulk up and add a few pounds of muscle. New schemes require new body types, and the man responsible for reconfiguring those physiques is new strength and conditioning coach Kurtis Shultz. Using meta"

Ruud Return: Barrett shows up at Fan Fest

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June 13

Tampa Tribune

"Barrett Ruud is back. The Bucs middle linebacker who has missed all of the team's voluntary workouts was back with the team for its Fan Fest at Raymond James Stadium today. Whether Ruud will be with his teammates when they return to the field Tuesday for the start of a three-day mandatory minicamp remains to be seen."

Bucs GM on Vick: Not interested

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June 12

Tampa Tribune

"Add the Buccaneers to the growing list of NFL teams who are passing on Michael Vick. Vick, the beleaguered quarterback who is completing a 23-month sentence for overseeing a dogfighting ring, was released by Atlanta Friday. "We weigh every option when it comes to players,'' said Bucs GM Mark Dominik, "and I can honestly say we've done our due diligence on Michael Vick and we're not interested.'' Dominik's remarks came during Friday's Tampa Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where he was accompanied on stage by new head coach Raheem Morris, veteran defensive tackle Chris Hovan and rookie quarterback Josh Freeman, selected out of Kansas State after the Bucs traded up in the first round. "Besides, ..."

Bucs QBs coach: No clear starter yet in 'coachable' group

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June 12

Tampa Tribune

"Despite the absence of a clear-cut starter heading into training camp, Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Greg Olson is confident Tampa Bay will receive solid play at the game's most critical position this fall. "I've got a great room right now,'' Olson said after the Bucs concluded their final voluntary practice session of the summer. "All of our quarterbacks are intelligent and highly coachable.'' Veterans Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich are expected to compete for the No. 1 job in training camp, backed by rookie Josh Freeman and second-year pro Josh Johnson. Another veteran, Brian Griese, didn't attend the voluntary workouts and is unlikely to remain on the roster when camp opens Aug. 1. ..."

All Bucs due in

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June 12

Tampa Tribune

"Not every member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has participated in voluntary workouts this offseason, but that is expected to change next week. Tampa Bay wrapped up its voluntary workouts Thursday and is shifting its attention toward next week's mandatory minicamp. The three-day camp will begin Tuesday. The Bucs expect to see guard Arron Sears, linebacker Barrett Ruud and quarterback Brian Griese next week. Sears has recently missed workouts because of personal reasons, while absences by Ruud and Griese have not been publicly explained. "I think those guys are anxious to get back, to be honest with you," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "Whatever their situation is when they're gone, nobody ..."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrap up offseason voluntary workouts

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June 12

St. Petersburg Times

"The term "voluntary" now can be eliminated where the Bucs are concerned. Tampa Bay on Thursday wrapped up the last of 14 organized team activities, a fancy term for voluntary practices. On Tuesday, the Bucs report for a three-day mandatory minicamp that will involve more on-field work and more classroom time in their final workouts before training camp. Though attendance was optional, the OTAs were valuable, coach Raheem Morris said. "The way I look at it is you've prepared yourself to go to training camp, to prepare yourself for the season," he said. "So, I guess we're ahead of schedule because I feel like we're ready for training camp right now." This offseason was a critical one for a ..."

Morris says Bucs 'ahead of schedule' as workouts conclude

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June 11

Tampa Tribune

"Not every member of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers has participated in voluntary workouts this offseason, but that is expected to change next week. Tampa Bay wrapped up its voluntary workouts on Thursday and is shifting its attention toward next week's mandatory minicamp. The three-day camp will begin on Tuesday. The Bucs expect to see guard Arron Sears, linebacker Barrett Ruud and quarterback Brian Griese next week. Sears has recently missed workouts because of undisclosed personal reasons, while Ruud and Griese's absences have not been publicly explained. "I think those guys are anxious to get back to be honest with you," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "Whatever their situation is when they're ..."

Questions remain for Tampa Bay's linebackers

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June 11

Tampa Tribune

"Bucs head coach Raheem Morris will have several options to choose from at strongside linebacker. The situation at linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is nowhere near as settled as it once seemed. Though Barrett Ruud continues to have a lock on the middle linebacker spot and Jermaine Phillips is making a smooth transition to weakside backer, the starting strongside linebacker's job is suddenly back up for grabs. The Bucs were hoping free agent signee Angelo Crowell would fill that spot, and he still may. Crowell, however, recently suffered a setback in his return from left knee surgery and that has created an opening at his spot. "That one will be decided at training camp,'' Bucs ..."

Bucs' White won't ride a motorcycle -- or practice -- for a while

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June 11

Tampa Tribune

"One week after crashing his Suzuki Boulevard into a taxi cab, Bucs defensive end Stylez G. White says he's putting his passion for riding motorcycles on hold for a while. Unfortunately for the Bucs, White is also being forced to put his football career on hold for a while. Still sore from the injuries he sustained during an accident last Tuesday, the Bucs leading sack getter the last two years says he is probably done with workouts for this offseason. "Believe it or not, I'm still sore,'' White said Wednesday. "I've got some really deep bruises. I mean, I did a couple of flips and was just rolling down the street on Kennedy [Blvd.] there. "So I'm going to miss some practice time. We'll see ..."

Bucs sign rookie OT Xavier Fulton

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June 11

Tampa Tribune

"The Bucs have signed rookie lineman T Xavier Fulton. Fulton (6-foot-4 and 301 pounds) was selected in the fifth round (155th overall) of last April's draft. He is a converted defensive end who started 25 games at left tackle his final two seasons at Illinois. Fulton was penalized only twice last year, allowing two QB pressures in 393 pass plays."

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