Tampa’s Bizarre Binge

Recreations are complex. Franchises sacrifice icons and veterans. They select athleticism and potential. Despite uncertainty, they promise similar excellence.

On Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn, Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, and Cato June. “Obviously decisions like these are extremely difficult to make,” said General Manager Mark Dominik. “We did this out of respect for those players. We let them know we are going in a different direction and we have young men on the roster who will have an opportunity to step up and compete for a starting job.”

During his career, Brooks recorded 1,698 tackles and 25 interceptions. He registered twelve one hundred-plus tackle seasons. “You never replace a guy like Derrick Brooks,” said Coach Raheem Morris. “This was not a money issue or a youth movement. This is a direction change. We are moving forward, we're going to play some people that were behind these guys and let them compete.”

During his career, Dunn recorded 2,669 carries, 10,967 yards, and 49 touchdowns. He registered nine seven hundred yard-plus seasons.

During their careers, Galloway secured 682 receptions, 10,710 yards, and 77 touchdowns. Hilliard snared 546 receptions, 6,397 yards, and 35 touchdowns.

With the Buccaneers, Jon Gruden logged a 60-57 ledger. He won Super Bowl XXXVII. He accrued two division titles. He secured three playoff appearances. If Tampa Bay’s recreation possesses rationale, the rationale is invisible.