Gradkowski May Be Connected With NCAA Point-Shaving

In a story that gave Chris Simms an instant and substantial erection, Bruce Gradkowski's name has been mentioned in a NCAA point shaving case involving the University of Toledo.

One of the other names that has surfaced during the investigation, sources confirmed, is Bruce Gradkowski, the Rockets' starting quarterback in the 2003-05 seasons who now is a backup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Authorities have not spoken about Gradkowski's possible connection, but sources say investigators are examining his playing time in a number of games under scrutiny as they follow up on an allegation that [Ghazi] Manni had offered a Toledo player $10,000 to sit out particular games.

Can you believe it? Can you believe that Gradkowski was ever good enough that his benching was considered point-shaving?

"I don't know what to say about that," said Gradkowski, coming off the field after a recent Bucs' training camp practice. A Tampa Bay public relations assistant, who had been made aware of the focus of the interview, walked beside Gradkowski and deflected follow-up questions.

... like an opposing defensive lineman! No, seriously, Gradkowski has been great this preseason. He just apparently hasn't reached the level of performance that would justify him answering his own interview questions.

It looks like investigators are focusing on four specific games, all of which Gradkowski played in. In one game, Toledo was favored by 3 but lost by 29 (Gradkowski was pulled at the half). In another, a late touchdown made the score land exactly on the betting line (Gradkowski missed part of the second half). In yet another, Toledo lost by 30 while Gradkowski sat out with a concussion and a redshirt freshman started in his place. Eek.

Chances are nothing will come of this as far as Gradkowski is concerned unless it can be proven that he accepted money. Despite how I feel about his long ball, I've always viewed Gradkowski as a competitor and don't think he'd intentionally miss playing time unless he was really injured. We'll see how much credence the Bucs put in this report on Saturday when the Turk makes his rounds. If Simms is still on the 53 man roster, you know Gruce has his doubts.