The Chris Simms Saga May Soon Be Over

When I saw the words “Chris Simms” and “Relationship,” on the ESPN ticker, I knew that this had to be a death sentence. Simms has admitted that his relationship with head coach Jon Gruden is beyond repair, and that he will not be on the team in 2008. He has also said that he wants to be released immediately. End of the saga, or just the beginning?

Simms says that it feels like he is being “held hostage,” which is an extreme overstatement. The worst part about it is his deteriorating relationship with Gruden, which is one of the biggest reasons for Simms wanting out. Gruden did not want to keep Simms following the 2006 season, but the Glazers gave him a contract extension. Simms is very resentful towards Gruden, especially for the things he has said to him. At one point, Gruden asked if the injury was all in his head. Simms said that he felt “betrayed” and that the question about his injury was ”ridiculous.”

Another component in his unhappiness is the way the Bucs dealt with his injury. He says that he has completely recovered from his 2006 surgery. Apparently, the NFL was so suspicious as to why Simms was on the Injured Reserve in 2007, that they made him fly to Missouri to see a physician and determine if his injury was season-ending. He says that he passed all the physicals, and that he is healthy. This quote about says it all:

“I know for a fact I’m not in their plans. I don’t understand the hold up at this point. When Bruce Gradkowski got cut last week, Bruce Allen told him it was because there’s not enough reps in practice for every quarterback. It’s a crappy situation.”

The worst part about all of this is that the Bucs will be down a once promising quarterback, if all goes through. Chris Simms was amazing in 2005, and I believe the potential is still there. He is so upset in Tampa, and it appears Tampa might be ready to get rid of him. I would hate to see him get away, only to be an all star for another team. Hopefully this issue can be resolved sooner rather than later.