Bucs/NFL

Bucs indicate NFL has issue with big hit

Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen remain upset with the Panthers' Al Wallace.

By RICK STROUD
Published September 28, 2006

TAMPA - The NFL apparently agreed with the Bucs that the fourth-quarter hit on quarterback Chris Simms that might have ruptured his spleen Sunday warranted a roughing-the-passer penalty.

Coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen said Wednesday that they had received notification from the league regarding the blow Simms sustained from Carolina lineman Al Wallace. Although neither divulged the findings, both encouraged reporters to contact Mike Pereira, the league's supervisor of officials.

A message left at Pereira's office was not returned Wednesday.

Simms had emergency surgery to remove his spleen after the Bucs' 26-24 loss. While no one is certain which play injured Simms, he is likely out for the season.

"We're all very depressed and sick about how (Simms') season ended," Gruden said. "You check with the league yourself and see if that wasn't a personal foul.

"All I can tell you is we got a 15-yard penalty for taunting (on Will Allen) and what they did is roughing the passer. If it's first and goal at the 1-yard line and we win the game, I'm sure Chris feels a lot better laying in the hospital knowing we won the game."

The hit, which came after Simms released a bootleg pass to fullback Mike Alstott on second and 7 from the Carolina 8, was submitted to Pereira by the Bucs. Wallace appeared to lift Simms and slam him to the turf.

Although Wallace was not penalized, he could be fined, according to Michael Signora, the communication director for the NFC.

The 6-foot-5, 275-pound Wallace said he did not learn of Simms' injury until Sunday night. Wallace insists the hit was within the rules.

"I didn't know he got the ball off until I saw (Mike) Alstott running around," Wallace said. "He bootlegged, and it happened pretty fast, and I assumed I got him.

"I have peace knowing that nothing I did was intentional. I was playing a game, a violent game, and I was doing the best I could to help my team win."

After Wallace's hit, the Bucs settled for a 28-yard field goal and a 24-23 lead with 5:01 left.

Allen said the Bucs routinely send plays for review.

"Every game we turn in all the plays that have been contested," Allen said. "In my opinion, if you're asking me, that's a penalty. It should've been called a penalty."

Wallace said no player tries to hurt another player.

"We all feel it when somebody gets hurt because this is the way we take care of our families," he said. "It's his livelihood just like it's mine."

But that's little consolation for the Bucs.

"When you get hit like that, you're going to get injured," Gruden said. "That's why certain acts are illegal in football."

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

[Last modified September 28, 2006, 05:51:23]