Bucs would keep money awarded in action against Plummer

Team could get salary cap relief.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published August 9, 2007

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If the Bucs recoup any signing bonus money from quarterback Jake Plummer, they will not share that money with the Broncos despite Denver being named as a grievant in the matter.

Although the Bucs and Broncos jointly filed a grievance against Plummer in an effort to recover about $7-million in prorated signing bonus money, Denver is a party in the matter merely to strengthen the Bucs' case and to eliminate any question about Tampa Bay's legal standing (the Broncos paid the money, not the Bucs). The Broncos, in essence, are involved on paper only.

The Bucs could gain salary-cap relief if they win the case in arbitration. Teams often are granted such relief when they win financial judgments against players. Plummer, 32, was traded from Denver to Tampa Bay in March but said at the time he planned to retire from the NFL.