Brooks' mother dies at 52

Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks left the team this week to be with his family after the death of his mother, Geraldine Mitchell, on Monday.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published May 25, 2007

TAMPA - Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks left the team this week to be with his family after the death of his mother, Geraldine Mitchell, on Monday.

Mitchell had long battled breast cancer, Brooks said in a statement released by the team. She died on her 52nd birthday.

Brooks was excused for a few days last season while he traveled to his hometown of Pensacola during a difficult phase of his mother's treatment. And in March, Brooks asked fans in a journal entry on the players association Web site to pray for his mother's health though he did not go into detail on her condition.

In the prepared statement, Brooks said, "My family and I are truly appreciative of the support and well wishes we have received from my Buccaneer family and the entire Tampa Bay community. As we move forward one day at a time, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."

The organization was saddened by the news.

"Our hearts and prayers are with him and his family, " coach Jon Gruden said. "It's very unfortunate. We missed him out there today but we're just pulling for him and praying for him at this point."

Brooks requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made in his mother's memory to Derrick Brooks Charities Inc., 2915 W Fern St., Tampa, 33614.

GATORS TAKE NOTES: Florida coach Urban Meyer and members of his staff were at Thursday's voluntary workout and sat in on meetings hoping to pick up anything useful from Tampa Bay's coaches. But Gruden saw it as a two-way street.

"We're going to go back to the facility and maybe learn a couple tricks from the Gators, " he said of the BCS champions.

BIG STAGE: The Bucs conducted their workout on the field at Raymond James Stadium to familiarize rookies and new additions with the surroundings. The team brought out the cannons for effect and entered the stadium to the beat of music blaring over the sound system. "We try to do this every year, " Gruden said. "It breaks up the monotony of the offseason and gives them the atmosphere. I thought it worked good today."

ABOUT THAT SHOTGUN ... : The Bucs have been dabbling in the shotgun more than in the past, but there were consecutive hiccups with the ball being snapped over quarterback Jeff Garcia's head.

"For all the people out there who want the shotgun, just send that play to them, " an irritated Gruden said.

Around the league: Upshaw rips Ditka

CHICAGO - Gene Upshaw, longtime executive director of the NFL Players Union, responded angrily after Mike Ditka criticized a new NFL alliance to help retired players.

"It was irresponsible and shows how dumb (Ditka) is, " Upshaw said. "I didn't just come to this rodeo. I've been doing this since 1983. When did he start? Last year?

"Look, I was in the Hall of Fame before Mike Ditka got there (in 1988). He just runs his mouth. He doesn't want to know the facts."

QB PALMER RETIRES: Former Giants, 49ers and Gators quarterback Jesse Palmer has retired from the Canadian Football League to pursue a broadcasting career in the United States. Also known for his appearance on the TV reality show The Bachelor, Palmer has worked as a football analyst for Fox.

BENGALS: Coach Marvin Lewis, whose team has had numerous run-ins with the law, apologized for comments about police possibly targeting his players.

DOLPHINS: The agent for quarterback Trent Green said Miami has indicated some flexibility in its offer to Kansas City for the two-time Pro Bowl player, but he can't get the Chiefs to respond. A Chiefs spokesman said the Dolphins remain inflexible in offering a supplemental sixth-round pick. In other Dolphins news, former FSU running back Lorenzo Booker, a third-round pick, signed a four-year contract.

EAGLES: Linebacker Stewart Bradley and running back Tony Hunt, both third-round picks, signed four-year contracts.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3377. Information from Times wires was used in this report.

[Last modified May 25, 2007, 02:04:51]