Friends of Taylor grieve, feel alarmed

By JOANNE KORTH, Times Staff Writer
Published November 29, 2007

TAMPA - The death of Redskins safety Sean Taylor sent shock waves through the Bucs locker room. Among those mourning Taylor's loss are cornerback Phillip Buchanon, a former college teammate at Miami, and receiver Ike Hilliard, whose family lives in the same South Florida neighborhood Taylor did.

"It's a tough loss," Buchanon said. "I remember him as being one of the most talented safeties that ever played at the University of Miami and hands-down could have possibly been one of the best safeties in the NFL."

Hilliard's friendship with Taylor was just beginning. Hilliard's wife, Lourdes, was a law student at UM when Taylor's fiancee, Jackie Garcia, was on the soccer team, Hilliard said. The families attended one another's functions, such as birthday parties.

"It breaks my heart," said Hilliard, 31. "It hits close to home, with me and the guys that played with him and knew him on a personal level."

Taylor, 24, was shot during a home invasion Monday morning and died Tuesday. His death left several players thinking about security.

"My wife's a mess, obviously," Hilliard said. "She's hurting for her friend. If my wife won't be able to lay her head and be comfortable from this point, then we've got to move. We'll try to find a place where she can feel good about where she is if she happens to be in the house by herself with the baby."

TRANSACTIONS: The Bucs promoted running back Lionel Gates to the 53-man roster from the practice squad and released cornerback Keiwan Ratliff. Guard Brian Johnson was signed to the practice squad.

INJURY REPORT: Four players did not participate in Wednesday's practice: quarterback Jeff Garcia back, running back Michael Pittman (ankle), fullback B.J. Askew (ankle) and receiver Joey Galloway (team decision). Four more were limited: defensive lineman Kevin Carter (groin), cornerback Brian Kelly (ankle), linebacker Barrett Ruud (knee) and defensive end Greg Spires (calf).

Joanne Korth can be reached at korth@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8810.

[Last modified November 28, 2007, 21:59:34]