Pittman says injury 'not serious'

By Times staff writers
© St. Petersburg Times
published July 30, 2002

LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Michael Pittman is eager to show his running abilities. He just won't get a chance to do it on one leg.

Pittman, a free agent from Arizona who is expected to be the Bucs' starting tailback, sprained his right ankle Monday during the morning workout on the first day of training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports.

[Times photo: James Borchuck] Michael Pittman says he can be a top back. The Bucs believe it, too. But his career has been more potential than production.

Although his status is listed as day to day, Pittman said he could miss the first week of practice.

"This is the first day and it's kind of depressing," he said. "I've been waiting, I'm with a new team. Everything. I've been waiting for this and the first day I get myself hurt. But it's not serious and I should be back soon."

The injury occurred during seven-on-seven drills when Pittman's right foot became planted near the sideline during a collision with linebacker Shelton Quarles.

Pittman spent the afternoon workout doing conditioning drills with strength coach Johnny Parker.

"It's sore but it's not severe," said the fifth-year player out of Fresno State.

COOL PRACTICE: The start of training camp is typically when players finally wear pads and begin contact drills. But Bucs players were pleasantly surprised to learn that coach Jon Gruden decided his team would wear shorts and no pads for practices Monday and today.

"He didn't tell us about that approach until we got to training camp," safety John Lynch said. "The players like it. I think it's good to get your feet under you for a little bit.

"Usually you show up for that first practice in pads. But he's said over and over, this is the Niners' system. I played for (former 49ers coach) Bill Walsh (at Stanford) and it's the same way we went about things."

"That was lovely," 39-year-old tackle Lomas Brown said. "That was nice."

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW: Fullback Mike Alstott wears a goatee, but it doesn't stop him from shaving.

Alstott arrived sporting a shaved head. The new look received hoots from the crowd at camp.

"Just different. I just changed it up," Alstott said of the new 'do. "I don't know what to tell you. I told my (wife) to shave it off. You like it? "I think I'll keep it. I just have to get used to the sweat pouring down my face. There's no hair to stop the sweat. But I like it. I've got to get a little more tan."

Not to be outdone, receiver Keenan McCardell cut his dreadlocks.

"I just wanted to change it up. I always want to keep you guys on your heels. You never stay the same," McCardell said.

OH, BROTHER: Gruden will be busy Saturday directing the team's practice, but he also will be rooting for another team.

Gruden's brother Jay, a quarterback, will lead the Orlando Predators against the host New Jersey Gladiators in an Arena League quarterfinal playoff game.

"These guys are zeroing in on New Jersey right now. I'm hoping one of you guys can give me some updates on Saturday when they are playing," Gruden said. "It's a big game and I'll be the first to say that I've got a lot of Predator gear in my room, and I wear it to meetings just about every night."

Jay Gruden plans to join the Bucs coaching staff when the Predators' season ends.

GOOD TURNOUT: An enthusiastic crowd estimated at 2,000 packed the grandstand at Disney's Wide World of Sports for the practices. Gruden was pleased at the turnout of mostly Central Florida fans and tourists.

"We wanted to come down to Orlando and hopefully make some new fans," he said.

"If the whole state turns into Buccaneers fans, that's fine with me."

AND FINALLY ... : Rookie running back Travis Stephens of Tennessee got blisters on his feet in the morning but did not miss either practice.

"I guess he tried a new pair of hot turf shoes or something that he bought," Gruden said.

-- DARRELL FRY, RICK STROUD

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