Today one of the greatest players in Buc history announced his official retirement. The face of the Franchise for over a decade, Brooks set the standard for a new breed of linebacker and with the help of John Lynch and Warren Sapp, took the organization from annual losers to Super Bowl Champions.
Too bad the Glazers treated him like road kill. My major complaint in the "youth" movement was that by cutting a future Hall of Famer the Bucs would have no true leader to set standards for the incoming class of rookies. Brooks may have helped avoid such a tumultuous season on Defense in 09 and if nothing else would have taught players how to act like professionals and have discipline in their work. How did the Bucs repay Brooks for his years of service? By not even giving him a choice in how to handle his release. By not giving him the common courtesy of hearing it from SOMEONES mouth in the organization. Raheem....quiet, Glazers....mute. As if this were not enough, the organization had actually told him that he was going to be with the team just in a smaller role. Then out of the blue came the axe. There is not one single other organization that I can recall doing this to a first ballot H.O.F.
I am not criticizing the decision to cut Brooks, if anything, the Bucs have had perfect timing in their decisions on releasing veterans. Lynch, Sapp, Dunn (the first time), Buchanon, and others have all turned into shadows of themselves after being released. They have made some great decisions in this year's draft and do seem to have a bright future. However, after looking how they treated Brooks, lets look at how they are treating their current leaders. Ruud, Tampa's most productive Backer has been all but ignored in contract talk. Penn finally after stalemating was given an extension when the team realized they have no other option in protecting their Franchise QB Freeman. Cadillac was given a tender, and in 2011 Pro Bowl returner Clifton Smith, Davin Joseph, T. Jax, and Barber will all be free agents. I understand the potential lock out is of concern, but that rationale goes out the window now that they have extended Penn's contract. Why exactly are they not locking up Ruud, Jackson, and Joseph now? If I am Rhonde and Cadillac, I'm wondering how they will treat me given what they did to Brooks.
The issue is not with the team itself or even Raheem with his inexperience and at times clueless comments. This lays with ownership and their inability to at least present the facade that the team is more than just business. Brooks, being the standard of class and grace has accepted the opportunity to give a PC on his retirement at One Buc and has publicly said nothing about his treatment during his release. However, what the Glazers do from here is a statement to the team and the city that helped pay for their stadium. If they are to earn any redemption, it better start tomorrow with Brooks' retirement announcement on the facilities. Show us something! Prove that your best employees and most loyal fans mean something more than the bottom line.
