DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Brooks and others released by bucs

Dominik, Morris wanted different ‘direction’ for Bucs
Posted: News | NFL.com Staff | Tags: Cato June, Derrick Brooks, Ike Hilliard, Joey Galloway, Mark Dominik, Raheem Morris, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Warrick Dunn

Mark Dominik and Raheem Morris decided the Buccaneers needed a direction. And for the first time since the 1994 season, that direction won’t involve LB Derrick Brooks.

Brooks, the defensive captain and face of the Tampa Bay franchise, was released Wednesday, as were RB Warrick Dunn, LB Cato June and WRs Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard.

Dominik, the Bucs’ new general manager, and Morris, the new head coach, addressed the media during an afternoon press conference at One Buc Place and said the decision wasn’t easy.

“We let go of five very special people within the organization,” Dominik said.

Said Morris, who was promoted from defensive assistant to defensive coordinator to head coach in a one-month span: “I wouldn’t be in the position I am today if it wasn’t for these players.”

Brooks was the Bucs’ first-round draft pick in 1995 out of Florida State and immediately made an impact. He played in all 16 games as a rookie and started every game for Tampa Bay from 1996 to 2008. He was selected to 11 Pro Bowls and, in the 2002 season, helped the Bucs win their first Super Bowl championship while being selected the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

“I thought Derrick was a consummate professional (in dealing with his release),” Dominik said. ” … Derrick obviously is one of the greatest Bucs of all time.

“Again, these decisions are tough to make. … But this is the decision we wanted to make and the direction we wanted to go.”

Dominik and Morris repeatedly denied that their decision, which they said they carefully examined throughout the NFL Scouting Combine, was motivated by finances. They also said they believe in their younger players at linebacker, running back and wide receiver.

“It’s a direction,” Dominik said. “I’m not a big fan of the rebuilding word, but in a way, that’s what we did.”

http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/02/25/dominik-morris-wanted-different-direction-for-bucs/

Are the Bucs up for sale or something? Seems like they're clearing the sheets ...

POST DELETED- IF YOU'RE "HEARING" SOMETHING YOU CAN POST A LINK/ARTICLE.

TOO MANY TIMES LATELY PEOPLE ARE POSTING THEY ARE HEARING THINGS, THINGS ARE IN THE WIND, THERE ARE RUMBLINGS OF, WORD IS, ETC.

THESE ARE RUMORS.

If you could keep a guy around until he's dead, Brooks would be one of them.

Wow...a lot of cleaning up there.

almost all are pretty old. Galloway...is he the most traded/signed player or what?

I liked Cato June when he was with the Colts, but haven't heard a peep out of him during his time in Tampa. I don't think he's ever played in a 3-4, so he's probably not on our radar, but with the dearth of FA LBs he might be worth a look.

Yeah, he is a student of the cover 2......doubt he would work out very well in a 3-4....but if we were looking for speed LB's....Vilma and June would be great additions.....somebody said something about clearing some space for Haybesworth.....I think they are right......however, I don't know if he is the entire answer for what they need.....

No way we pick up Vilma especially after Mangini let him go in New York.

Cato June good fit in the right scheme, will land with a team that runs the Cover 2

Derrick Brooks: True HOF'er will land with a team that is loading up for a run at the Superbowl.

Ike Hilliard: Decent receiver will land with a team in need of depth

Joey Galloway: Pure speed threat, will land somewhere, not sure if he's still a # 1 WR, can see him going to a competitor to win a Championship

Warrick Dunn: Scatterback, will be a part of someones (Jacksonville maybe?) rotation next year