Fan Pulse: Simms says relationship with Gruden “beyond repair,” demands release

By Neal Coolong  |   Wednesday, June 11, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Embattled Buccaneers QB Chris Simms is saying thanks, but no thanks, to the Glazer family ownership in Tampa Bay. He told the St. Petersburg Times he feels he's "being held hostage," and his release in 2008 is imminent.

According to the Times, Bucs head coach Jon Gruden wanted to release Simms last season, but the Glazers forced Gruden to keep him. Simms spent the 2007 season on injured reserve. Now, Simms wants to be traded or released.

Fans on the Buccaneers' official Web site's forum aren't exactly sympathetic. Numb from a slew of issues with their quarterbacks this off-season (the release of Bruce Gradkowski, Jeff Garcia's contract demands and Simms' belief that Gruden hasn't given him a fair shake in earning a role on the team), many posters reacted harshly to Simms' complaints, which came out Tuesday.

"Sorry about this Simms," said one poster. "I think you're a good kid, strong arm, and have a winning mentality. I hope things work out for you and thanks for the super brief memories. With your new team (if you get to go) I hope you learn to let the ball go sooner. I wish people understood the Bucs org is run like a Fortune 500 company and not a 'feel good' organization. Produce or you're fired. That's the way it works."
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
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