Monday, August 2, 2010

Bucs Center Gets Down to Business About Franchise's 'Cheap' Reputation

Filed under: Buccaneers, NFL Training CampTAMPA, Fla. -- Since gutting their high-priced coach (Jon Gruden), general manager (Bruce Allen) and a slew of expensive players (Derrick Brooks, for example), the Glazer family that owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been fighting the perception that the franchise has gone on the cheap in these tough economic times.

Going 3-13 last season with a young and inexperienced new coach/GM team (Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik) and a youthful roster (led by a rookie quarterback) didn't help the cause. Handing out about $111 million worth of contracts Saturday, however, to just two players (offensive lineman Donald Penn and rookie defensive tackle Gerald McCoy) did.

But middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, the team's leading tackler the last three seasons and a locker-room stalwart, apparently won't get the cushy contract extension he's been pining for the last two years. As such, money -- who's getting it vs. who's not -- has been the ongoing story line since the Bucs reported for camp Friday in hopes of bouncing back from the club's worst record in 18 years.Cavaliers Paul Pierce Nate Robinson Steve Nash

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