Thanks for another interesting interview by Roger Mills (Kickin' Back, Sunday), featuring Buccaneers defensive back Ronyell Whitaker. It is sad that Whitaker received nothing for Christmas as a youth, especially considering his uncle is former world-class boxer Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker. Uncle Sweet Pea was cashing in on huge million-dollar purses from championship fights throughout his nephew's youth, yet Ronyell was getting nothing for Christmas "because it was the way it was." As Christmas approaches, I would like to challenge everyone who can afford it to donate a gift of any size to a needy child. Ronyell still vividly remembers getting nothing for Christmas over a decade ago. Help a needy child smile on Christmas Day. As Ronyell does, he or she will remember.
-- Scott Clark, Tampa
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An NFL general manager's job is to make the most profit while executing the owner's vision for the team. Rich McKay forgot this and was trying to execute his vision. The media wanted a Gruden vs. McKay debate, but that was secondary. McKay had to leave because the owners lost confidence in his capability.
McKay and Tony Dungy's visions fit perfectly (defense wins, don't let the offense lose the game). That is why we had a world-class defense and McKay never went after top offensive personnel. So, McKay first got crosswise with the Glazers over whether Dungy had to leave. Then when he wanted a Dungy clone as a replacement, the owners totally lost confidence in McKay to find a coach who met their vision. That's when they went around McKay to hire Gruden. Things went downhill from there, and his ultimate decision should not have been a big surprise.
McKay says the problem was he wouldn't consider "players with questionable character," but the only reason the Bucs got Warren Sapp was because other teams did not want to take a chance on his character. Say what, Rich?
McKay's inflexibility (or ego) is what ultimately resulted in his having to leave the Bucs - not Gruden.
-- Bill Beasley, Largo
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So, the "Little General" doesn't know what he's being accused of, does he? What a sad state of affairs Jon Gruden has caused. If it wasn't for Rich McKay, a man of much higher character then Gruden ever will have, there would be no Raymond James Stadium, probably no Bucs in Tampa and no Gruden here, either.
This little know-it-all has single-handedly dismantled a once-proud franchise with his childish behavior. Like a kid who doesn't get his way, he pouts and rambles on that he had nothing to do with McKay leaving. This guy is a farce. If it were up to him, the Bucs would be loaded with has-beens, druggies, those with repeated criminal offenses and those of very poor character. Oh for the days of Tony Dungy (a man of impeccable character).
Everyone better get used to the fact that in the near future, our Bucs will be the Yucs once again. Remember, Jon, what goes around comes around.
I wish McKay well, and I thank him for all he did to keep the Bucs in Tampa.
-- Jim Lukas, Safety Harbor
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I can't believe the Glazers would let Rich McKay go, but then nothing the Glazers do surprises me. They don't know the meaning of loyalty. McKay is the quiet force behind this team. He has been there through thick and thin (mostly thin).
For the Glazers to let Jon Gruden go over McKay's head is a real slap. They should have put Gruden in his place (on the field) and gotten input from McKay on everything that goes on. I think Gruden has let that little ring go to his head.
-- Barbara Feeney, South Pasadena
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The most important member of the Bucs franchise is Rich McKay. After the huge price in draft choices for Jon Gruden and the Keyshawn Johnson debacle, letting him go without compensation is lunacy.
-- Ernest Lane, New Port Richey
[Last modified December 20, 2003, 01:34:02]
