Reclamation project

New Bucs tight end Jerrramy Stevens hopes to make the most of his latest second chance.

By Stephen Holder, Times Staff Writer
Published May 17, 2007

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Jerramy Stevens talks with reporters Wednesday after practice at the Bucs training facility in Tampa.
	[Dirk Shadd | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT Jerramy Stevens is shown after being arrested in March.

TAMPA - Jerramy Stevens knows there may come a time when he runs out of second chances. In fact, given the way he already has squandered so many at just 27, that time may be now.

But if the new Bucs tight end with the troubled history is to be believed, he understands how precious this latest opportunity at redemption is.

"My focus is definitely on going forward, " said Stevens, who was arrested most recently last month in Arizona for alleged drunk driving.

"Obviously, I've had some issues in the past. I've learned from those to keep them in the past and continue to move forward. I have a great opportunity here. I just want to do the best I can to make the most of it."

Stevens, who played his first five NFL seasons with Seattle, has been arrested multiple times over the years and has two alcohol-related cases in his past in which he pleaded guilty and served brief jail sentences. But Stevens says he subsequently made significant changes in his life to avoid such run-ins. So, then, what about last month's arrest?

"It was a huge eye-opener, " Stevens said. "It had been a long time since I'd had an incident. So, it was obviously a huge slipup. But that's what it was: a slipup. I made a lifestyle change years back. So, I'm not trying to minimize the mistake, but it was a misstep.

"I think the Bucs realize that and they realize that I'm a quality guy and a quality player. I know that, too. I'm just trying to let everybody else know that."

Stevens made no mention of alcohol in his first comments since signing a free agent contract last month, but he called the lesson he has learned through his incidents "a personal thing." Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck recently told Seattle reporters that he believed alcohol to be Stevens' biggest demon.

"All of his problems stemmed from one thing and that was alcohol, " Hasselbeck said. "If you take alcohol out of the equation, he was the perfect teammate and a great kid. My hope for him is that he is able to put those problems behind him and have a successful career."

Before he can truly move on, Stevens may have to deal with the fallout of the latest arrest. He is scheduled for a court date on July 24 according to the clerk's office at Scottsdale City Court. His attorney, Jim Nesci, said prosecutors are not expected to pursue a charge of marijuana possession, which was alleged at the time of arrest.

Meanwhile, an NFL spokesman said Wednesday that Stevens' situation remains under review and league officials have not yet decided whether Stevens will be subject to any disciplinary action.

Stevens is grateful for the fresh start because it will give him a chance to reshape his image not only as a citizen but also as a player. His contributions in Seattle often were overshadowed by a rash of dropped passes, often at critical times.

"It would be a mistake to dwell on that, " said Stevens, who had 231 receiving yards in 2006 - the second-lowest total of his career. "That was just me fighting me with the dropped passes. I feel like I've left that in Seattle."

Time will tell whether Stevens can make the most of this second chance - on and off the field.

NOTES

Cornerback Brian Kelly was the most notable absentee from Wednesday's voluntary offseason practice at One Buc Place. Kelly isn't expected until next month's mandatory mini-camp, beginning June 19. Defensive end Simeon Rice also was back in Arizona rehabbing his shoulder, but his absence wasn't a concern because he isn't yet cleared for practice.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at 813-226-3377 or sholder@sptimes.com.

[Last modified May 16, 2007, 20:02:52]