Moms across the Tampa Bay area are raising student-athletes who sign a Code of Ethics, who submit their report cards to their coaches, and who are taught rules of fair play and good sportsmanship. These young athletes should be able to look to our local, public-supported football team as a source of role models.
Past and present Bucs such as Warrick Dunn, Derrick Brooks and John Lynch all have been men I could easily point out to my son as great role models, both on and off the field.
Darrell Russell has a history of drug suspensions and an arrest for abuse against women. The Bucs staff should be as responsible in promoting this sport as my son's coaches.
Winning at any cost is not taught to our children by our local coaches, and certainly the Bucs should be held to the same standard.
-- Lynn Webb, Palm Harbor
Allen's statements way off
Bruce Allen's smart (aleck) comment in defense of the Bucs' new defensive lineman was both ridiculous and inaccurate. Mr. Allen stated: "Bill Clinton did a lot worse things than Darrell Russell ... but he won Florida twice and was our president."
For the record, George Bush won Florida in 1992 with 41 percent of the vote. Bill Clinton had 39 percent. Ross Perot had 19.8 percent. So does Bill Clinton winning Florida once still excuse the fact that Darrell Russell now (plays) in our community?
-- Robert Colen, Tampa
Congratulations, Mr. Allen. I have had enough. Your ingratitude toward John Lynch was one thing. Your attitude toward Warren Sapp was another. Your pursuit of NFL "stars" with questionable histories on and off the field, most likely because they're "bargains," pushed me to the brink.
Now, in justification of your actions, you insult our former president by stating that "Bill Clinton did a lot worse things" than Darrell Russell and that "(Clinton) won Florida twice and was our president," insinuating that the people of Florida are without character because they voted for him.
Mr. Allen, what "worse things" do you know about? I must've missed the day that President Clinton, despite exhaustive, expensive, nonstop investigations by the Republican Congress (Travelgate, Whitewater, Filegate, etc.) was charged with 25 felony counts, as Russell has been "as an accomplice in the drugging of a woman and with videotaping a sexual assault." I also must've missed the repeated discoveries of drug use by the president.
If the purpose of your idiotic statement was to alienate all those who voted for President Clinton from the Bucs, you have succeeded. The Glazer family should rebuke you immediately or, as occurs at President Bush's rallies here, make it clear that only Bush Republicans are invited to be Tampa Bay Buc fans. Until I hear from the Glazers, this is one family that won't be rooting for the Bucs.
-- Martin Altner, Safety Harbor
Wanted: good citizens
With the Buccaneers' recent acquisition of Darrell Russell, it's becoming painfully clear that the Glazers, Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden will do anything to win games. Our team and town went from a classless NFL laughingstock under Hugh Culverhouse to a tough, classy and well-respected organization owned by the Glazers but managed by Rich McKay and Tony Dungy.
Today, we're the Tampa Bay Buccanaiders, an organization where those with questionable histories can go and be welcomed.
As emotional and proud as I was that the Bucs won a Super Bowl, I'd trade it all back for an NFC championship loss and players who are good citizens for this community. If Tony Dungy was here, would Michael Pittman or Darrell Russell be? Not a chance. Go Colts.
-- Roger Ewing, Seminole
CONTACT US
FAX: (727) 893-8782. Include name, address, phone number
E-MAIL: sptsnews@sptimes.com text only. Include e-mail address, name, mailing address, phone number
