I still can't believe it...

I have been a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since I was a kid. My mom and I moved to FL the same year the Bucs franchise began. I can remember my mom taking me to game when they were dressed in their orange and white uniforms - now referred to as the "creamsicle" look. We would sit in the old "Sombrero" stadium and she would hand me the binoculars and tell me to look for grass stains...and alas, my love of football began! ;) (they had white pants back then just in case you were wondering). Probably not the best thing to tell your young daughter to do but hey, it helped pass the time and kept me interested in the game!

I grew up as a Bucs fan...even when they were downright awful. I am not what some would refer to as a fair weather fan. I am a Bucs fan for life. Today though, I am truly disheartened with the whole franchise. Over the years I have not always agreed with some of the choices and changes they have made but today's big announcement really left a bad taste in my mouth and a heavy heart. They let Derrick Brooks and 4 other veteran players go. There are a small few who support the move but I, and quite a few others do not. My heart is heaviest at the dismissal of Derrick Brooks.

Derrick Brooks is a class act on and off the field. He does so much for this community and he has played his entire career as a Buccaneer. Even he was blindsided by today's announcement. I feel so let down by the whole franchise. They don't seem to have any sense of loyalty. Granted, I am not a football expert but I think Derrick could have finished his last year on his contract and then been given the chance to retire as a Buccaneer...let him go out the way he came in. I have lost faith in the whole organization and I think the move they made was disrespectful and just down right classless.

Warrick Dunn is another one who is truly a class act on and off the field and another one they let go. It is really unbelievable to me. Both of these men are tremendous role models for our kids today...man, I just can't believe how sad all of this makes me.

I know I am not alone in my feelings either. I don't think this year is going to be the same for the football fans around Tampa Bay. I wish both Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn, as well as Joey Galloway, Cato June and Ike Hilliard, all the best in their future endeavors. I am so sad to see them go.

"WHO's YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER? ---- MR. DERRICK BROOKS!"