TBO.com invited users to voice their opinions on John Lynch and his release by the Bucs. Here are selected comments:
Fans' comments
The Bucs owners and management have earned a reputation for lacking class, diplomacy and intelligence in the way they allow the few NFL gems they have had, to slip away. -- Tom Freeman, St. Petersburg
We are going to miss John on and off the field. what he did for the Bucs and Tampa Bay is immeasurable. He was with us through the dark years, and the good years. He was a major player in our quest for the Super Bowl, and without his tremendous enthusiasm I'm sure that we would not have made it all the way to the top. Today is a sad day for Tampa Bay. John you will be missed. -- Steven Kilburn, Zephyrhills
We mourned when Tony Dungy was fired but then celebrated along with everyone else during the Super Bowl win (New Mexico Bucs headquarters). But this? This??? John Lynch is my hero -- a great player and a great man. My heart is broken. He put so much heart and soul into every game. He is such a great leader on and off the field. The Bucs will have to search far, wide and long to get anyone even close. What a sad, sad day for Bucs fans. -- Heather McClenahan, Los Alamos, N.M.
I have been a Bucs fan for some time. (The orange and white days.) I am already fed up with the Gruden regime. Tony Dungy took us to the Super Bowl, and I am not the only one who thinks so. Jon Gruden is a brilliant man, but he is not the omnipotent one! We, the fans, make or break the team. We pay for tickets, fan apparel, etc. We watch the games on TV, including commercials (big source of revenue). I am so utterly disappointed with our new GM and Jon Gruden. We need players like John Lynch and Warren Sapp. They make us happy. Happy fans are loyal fans. With a heavy heart, I will no longer watch the Bucs play. I love the ''team,'' but will never get used to what it has done to some of my favorite players. John Lynch, God bless you and your family. You will be sorely missed. -- Melenie Weaver, Beverly Hills, Fla.
Folks, welcome to the ''new'' NFL. Just about every NFL team has had to say goodbye to a fan favorite over the last 10 years due to salary cap implications, age, etc., and the day of a player staying with one team for his entire career are pretty much over. Remember the uproar when Lawyer Milloy was released from the Patriots in the New England area before the start of last season? Well, I bet if you ask most Pats fans now, they'll heap praises on Bill Belichick and the New England management for their foresight on building the Patriots back to Super Bowl champions. This is a hard cut to take, Bucs fans, and only time will tell what the impact will be (good or bad), but everyone must understand. This is how things go now in the NFL. -- Kevin Luitweiler, Tampa
I'm burning all my Bucs stuff! There comes a time when money is not everything and to lose a player and person of John Lynch's caliber is a slap in the face of fans who have been there for the Bucs from Day One. I became a Dolphin fan this afternoon. -- Cathie Bramlett, Cryatal River
It is apparent that neither Mr. Gruden nor Mr. Allen possess the qualities that make ours such a unique community in which to live. Our pride and loyalty to those who have given back in so many ways are seemingly lost in their striving for ''business as usual.'' For those of us who have watched the Bucs over the years go from laughable to champions, our loyalty has never wavered. It's too bad that loyalty has not been returned in kind, either to the fans or their long time players. We are terribly disappointed in their callousness. And as all Bucs fans know, winning isn't everything. -- Nancy Martis, Clearwater
Oakland has always said that Gruden wanted to be a powerhouse by himself. By releasing our beloved players, he is definetly on his way to achieving his goal. -- Alessandra Pozsonyi, Largo
This is a very sad day for Buc fans. We have lost one of the best Bucs of all time. -- Doug Sheffield, Brooksville
You've heard of black Monday, this is black Thursday. It's a sad day in Bucland. I feel that this is only just the beginning of a ride on a deadend street. Good Luck John Lynch and God Bless. - Michael W. Willis, Sarasota.
Six 40-yard line tickets for sale.........Cheap, just like the organization I bought them from. By the way.......class, honor, heart, tenacity and soul doesn't play here anymore. I think I'll take up fishing! I must commend you on turning this town, the fans and players against you...good job! - Jeff Strane, Tampa.
As a Tampa native that has to seek TBO.com on a daily basis to stay current on the "ArmaGruden" era (borrowed from Rick Hughes commentary - great line...), it sickens me to see what is becoming of our team. I have been a supporter since day one, and have lived through all of the ups and downs (mostly downs). But for a moment let's put this in perspective and try to leave out the emotional aspects of this move and others likely to follow. By not even giving Lynch an opportunity to remain with the team at any cost, if true, is utterly ridiculous. They have alienated the fans who ultimately put food on their table. As of yesterday we may have had 80,000 fans waiting for season tickets - I wonder what that headcount looks like today? The truth of the matter is that the era of free agency and the salary cap means that change is inevitable. But talent, quality, character, fan loyalty, and goodwill are all equally important components of a winning team that seems to be lost on John Gruden and Mr. Allen altogether. In conclusion, Gruden, your scheme better payoff big and it better payoff soon. Fans tend to have short memories, but the bottom line oriented Glazer family has given you a lot of rope, and you know what the consequences of that can be. - Jeff Cohen, Palo Alto, Ca.
As a proud Buccaneer fan for the past 10 years, today is one of the saddest I have experienced as a fan. John Lynch has been one of the greatest pro's to play the game and for Allen and the organization to end a player's career who is pewter to the core, I just don't understand. I enjoyed John's press conference in that I believed his emotion for the team and the people the fans of Tampa Bay was real. It was wrong John ..... I'm glad you let that be known. Some players should be allowed to retire with the team that THEY MADE. Great players such as Sapp, Lynch, Alstot, Brooks, Nickerson ..... they should be Buccaneers forever. In my family's heart John ...... you always will. Thanks for the memories ..... thank you for being the player and the man that you are. You will be missed. - Jeff Kauffman, Charlottesville, Va.
I do belive that it is coach Gruden's plan to destroy single-handley the winning team built by Coach Dungy! We do not need to bring every Raider player to Tampa Bay. Let's send Gruden to them! - Pam Edwards, Lake Alfred.
What a horrible loss for Tampa Bay. Not just the footbal team, but the community. The morale of the fans will be affected so much by his absence. John Lynch is a first-rate player, leader and has always been a tremendous representative of the Tampa Bay community. I am saddened the Bucs did not do whatever it took to keep him. What price do you place on a player with such strong character and enthusiasm? Bad move, Bucs. - Janelle Vann, Tampa.
This is ridiculous! Keeping players like Michael Pittman who
have no character at all and releasing John Lynch. It's a
travesty. This team belongs in the NCAA - no class at all. Don't
tell me this is business. Good business does not release a
productive player and sign a 32-year-old running back with a
bum knee. - John Roush, Seminole.
It's sad, but I think John should retire from football. I don't want to see him in a wheelchair from a injury to his neck that causes him to be another Willy Shoemaker, Ron Turcott or Chris Revees. - John F. Zagar, Hudson.
A losing season, no more John Lynch and Thomas Jones (replaced by a so-so running back just off knee surgery?), no effort to re-sign Warren Sapp, incresed parking and ticket prices. Mr. Allen, you have obviously lost your mind. And I could have sworn Hugh Culverhouse was dead. What's next, we bring back Mike Shula, and Ray Perkins?! Rich McKay, PLEASE come back!! By the way, Bruce Allen, John Lynch was always, still is, and will always be a totally class act. And so was this organization until you came along. 'Nuff said. - Bob Anderson, Tampa.
I cannot believe the massive turnover that Gruden has implemented in this offseason. I knew when McKay left that my beloved Bucs were in trouble. I believe that Chucky should go, not the rest of the team. I won't even recognize the players on the field next year. My days as a Buccaneer fan may now be numbered. I have followed them since 76, but I may need to become a Colts fan (Dungy) and a Falcons fan (McKay). They brought class to a dysfunctional organization. I believe that there is no tarnish on the armor! - Todd Abke, Nashville, Tn.
I really believe that Mr. Gruden has lost his mind. Thank God baseball season is here. Hey Gruden how does that ring fit? - Brad Kennedy, Tampa.
Way to go Bucs!!! Now my favorite team (Green Bay Packers) will not have to look too hard to find a new starting safety to play along with Pro Bowl Free Safety Darren Sharper. Thanks for handing us a great player, I knew you could do it!! - Adam Gould, Tampa.
Time for Gruden to go. - Terry Shea, Zephyrhills.
I have been a Bucs fan since 1976 when they came into the league with the Seattle Seahawks and I am shocked as how they treated John Lynch. Yes, he may have been a step slow, but he personifies the Bucs: toughness. I will really miss his contributions to the team. I hope Allen and Gruden know what they are doing. - Rodney W Smith, Columbus, Oh.
I am writing you from work today and our entire office (350 people) are in a great uproar regarding today's news regarding John Lynch. Not only was he a great addition physically to the team but a true hero. If you can please explain the rationale behind the coaches decision regarding letting this Buc legend go? - Janice Melville, Tampa.
John Lynch was the heart of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If this team were an animal, it would have just been decapitated. Sure, his skills may have eroded slightly over time but he is still among the top 10 safeties in the league. This goes deeper than simply cutting an ageing player with a few more miles in his tank. John was a symbol of what this team was all about. Like the Bucs, he was tough, hard hitting. He crawled up from the bottom to reach the pinnacle of success, and above all, he was the quintessential Buccaneer. No player in the history of this franchise represented this team the way John did. John was the heart and soul of this team. No matter which team uniform he wears, he will always be a Buccaneer. One can only hope that management and Chucky know what they are doing and have some master plan. Next year will be interesting indeed! Thanks for the ride John and good luck. - Bill Hyneman, Reston.
Unfortunately we all get old. John has recurring nerve problems in the neck and should, after 11 years of tremendous hits. My heart hurts over the decision, but my mind tells me it was a sound football and business decidsion. Good luck and Godspeed, John. Tampa fans will always love you, no matter what team or game you play. - Maurice Lubee, Spring Hill.
Our society continues to show how loyalty and hard work have no place in business these days. It is obvious when you watch the layoffs within companies...it's who you know, not what you have achieved or given up to help the organization succeed. Lynch suffered through the bad years and handled himself with such grace. Even during our dimsal 2003 season, he was a positive influence. He and his family will be sorely missed in the Tampa Bay community. Just remember John...long after Gruden and Allen are footnotes in Buc history, you will remain a shining star. Thank you for your loyalty and support for our community. The people of Tampa Bay will miss you! - Marty Buckley, Tampa.
What are they thinking? Lynch was an asset to the team and to the community. Anyone interested in buying my season tickets? - Dale Wiley, Tampa.
We are looking like an Oakland Raider personnel team. Were they that successful? I am discouraged and have hope that someday I will understand the maneuvering going on. - Clyde Koehl, Tarpon Springs.
First outrage, then so totally disappointed in the people that are running this team. I can not believe that I will ever feel the same way about the Bucs. Good luck, Joh Lynch. - Myrna S., St. Petersburg.
This must be the start of the plan to lose fans and have a reason to move the team. - Gary Myers, Lakeland.
Gruden and his entire Okland Raider group should leave Tampa long before John Lynch leaves. Lynch is one of the players that developed the Buccaneer attitude that got us to the Super Bowl. Gruden brings in his old players that he has gotten to know because he stinks at evaluating talent, skill and desire. - Frank Reyes, Lutz.
The news about John Lynch is very disappointing. Kind of reminds me of when we let Hardy Nickerson go. Also reminds me that despite all of the loyal fans, there is no loyalty among ownership/coaching to their players. It's a sad day for our community. - Mary C. Willis, Tampa.
John is just the ultimate example of a classy player. I will still love the Bucs, but not the same way. Although I can understand the financial implications of the cap, I can't even believe that he was not even be given the CHANCE to restructure. He basically said he would do whatever it took to make it happen. - Susie, Tampa.
You have got be kidding!! What is this team coming to? This is really upsetting to the fans of Tampa Bay. - Ellen, Tampa.
OK, now I'm mad. Warren Sapp is one thing ... but to allow John Lynch not to retire a Buccaneer is just plain wrong. I expected more loyalty to our 11 year veteran pro-bowler. This is quite possibly, the first time that I am truly ashamed of the Glazers and the "new regime." Bruce Allen - what are you thinking? John Lynch is a, if not THE, fan favorite. I'd gladly sacrifice the $5 million to allow him to retire in pewter and red. He's done so much for the Bucs on the field and off. It's just wrong. Plain wrong. Season ticket holder since '87 ... disgusted! - Chuck Steiner, Tampa.
My wife called me at work and told me that they let John go. My wife was always a Chucky-backer, but that is history. She is not a Gruden fan at all now, nor am I. This guy was the heart and soul of the Bucs. Chucky and the staff are crazy. - Dick Rivett, Tampa.
I can't believe the Bucs would even do this to the team. John Lynch has been there though thick and thin, and to have him not on the roster for the Buccaneers' 2004 season really makes me wonder how the "new" management is really operating! He doesn't deserve this and neither does the community! -
Christopher Smith, Carrollwood.
I am in shock here; we have a Pro Bowler many times over and a upstanding football player and person, and we release him? How sad is that? Where will we find someone of Lynch's character and skill to mentor our younger players? I believe Gruden is mistaken on this and many other decisions. I am almost ashamed to be a Tampa Bay Bucs fan. Lynch played with heart, and that is hard to find. - Gloria Hughes, Tampa.
A large step closer to becoming the ''Tampa Bay Mercenaries.'' We can afford to sign Garner, and we are looking at David Boston, but we cut a core member of our defense and team? I guess I get to watch the Raider debacle all over again, just in my hometown. - Mike Purcell, Tampa.
I think this is a huge mistake that the Bucs will pay for dearly. John is not just a loss for the defense, but the entire team has lost a dedicated leader whose passion for winning will not be easily replaced. This football team and the city of Tampa are much worse without a quality human being like John Lynch. - Ryan, St. Petersburg.
I am deeply saddened and angered that this has occurred! In fact, my enthusiasm for high hopes for our team after our Super Bowl winning season has gone south. I realize it's a business, but my God! This man deserves to stay here and be a part of our team, the team of his heart. - Laura A., Tampa.
Shame on you, Gruden and Allen! This is the worst thing you could have done to your fans. John Lynch IS the Bucs, not just a part. You failed to realize that, and we fans will never forget this day. I tried to defend Gruden every time that people pointed out that Gruden looks for the lowest quality people, and that he has sold his soul for a Super Bowl and he definitly has at least mortgaged part of it today. Shame on the Bucs today. Where is Monte Kiffin today? Does he agree with this? how could he. Bucville will never be the same. - Debra Prezkop, Spring Hill.
John Lynch is and always has been the epitome of what an athlete should be. He is going to be missed by the fans and ultimately the team. - George Anderson, Sarasota.
This is very upsetting, one of our most dedicated players ''not in the team's PLAN?!?!?!'' This 'plan' better be good, Gruden! We love you John!! - Tara Flood, St. Petersburg.
I have been an avid Bucs supporter since day one. Was very excited to see Gruden come to town. Today I am very dissapointed. I do not know if I can support the Bucs any longer. - Darlene Shelton, St. Petersburg.
Once again we are reminded the "business" side of sports has no room for class. Here is a guy who bled orange and now pewter & red. Great football player, but more than that, great human being. I really want to hear the Bucs "brass" justify this. Even if they get a player to replace him who is equal on the field, they will never replace the leader they had in the locker room. This is a sad day in a franchise that has seen many. - Carlos Boothby, Bradenton.
What is Gruden doing? It looks like he is destroying my favorite team in the NFL. How the heck can he let Lynch Go. Lynch is one of the best there is. - Ray Brown, Dover.
What a shock and disappointment. He is one of the greatest football players this team has ever had and it is heartbreaking to think that he will not be with us anymore. Thank you John for taking us from losers to SuperBowl Champions. We will never forget you and everything you have done for the Tampa Bay fans and community. Good Luck to you! - Lori Murias, Tampa.
Being a life long Buc fan, it's hard to fathom this happening. But progress and moving forward sometimes brings other difficult challenges. That said, I understand change, but like others, I don't want to see a second rate sub-Dungy class cast of Raider-Rejects either. Hey Big Wigs, better plan another logo change or something to distract us from this misery! - Kevin Smith, Austin, Tx.
This truly is ArmaGruden. It is sad to see Lynch go. Tony Dungy built this team and built a feeling of respect. Does anyone still feel the same solid pride in how this team operates and what is happening with this team? - Rick Hughes, Atlanta, Ga.
This is an outrage! What are they trying to do to our team? Maybe we should send Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen back to Oakland. John Lynch was not only good for the team, but was good for our community. - Joan Smith, Tampa.
Bruce Allen has become "Public Enemy No. 1" in Tampa. Again I say, "He should be run outta town on the rails." - Gregory L. Donoghue, New Port Richey.
I thought this was a bad rumor! I can not imagine the Bucs without John Lynch. He is still an awesome player and right in the middle of everything on the field. Gruden must be out of his mind to do something like this and Kiffin is allowing this? I can understand the cap issues, but I cannot understand cutting a player that is willing and able to give his all for the team and his community. I sincerely hope that the powers that be rethink this distgusting process and bring him back. I am not sure that I am now as enthused about next season as I was a few hours ago. Busines is business, but to what extent? John Lynch you will always be in my heart!! - Patricia Cloud, Brooksville.
Where do I find out what they are smoking at One Buc Place? John Lynch could run for Mayor of this city and without campaigning, beat Pam Iorio without a run off. I think that the Bucs front office should work with one of the local TV stations and give us a class on salary caps, free agency, strategy, fan loyality, and invite some outsider to present the block on integrity. John Lynch, Mike Alstott, Ronde Barber, Brad Johnson, Martin Gramatica, and a few others are not only marqee football players, but involved in the community and people you would be proud to invite into your home. - Don Cammel, Auburndale.
This is a very sad day. We have been season ticket holders for a long time. It very sad to see strong players released who have been leaders on the team and in the community. It is to bad money is bottom line and not loyalty. I hope Jon Gruden realizes breaking a team apart will not help win but just line his pockets. - Lynn Clarke, Englewood.
Losing a player of his character is tough. He will be remembered as one of the core that took the team to the Super Bowl. This is a business though and JL has been in the league 11 years. 4 mil. is quite a bit for a safety in his twilight years. The Bucs will endure just as they did with Nickerson, Cullpepper and just as they will when it comes time for Sapp, Brooks ect to leave. - Bret Jones, Odessa.
This breaks my heart. Lynch was one of my favorite players. I am not sure I will even watch the Bucs next year. I understand decisions are made, Keyshawn they should have gotten rid of long ago but not our beloved John Lynch! He is by far the classiest football players of all time. I am shocked and so disappointed. - Terri Ford, Lakeland.
I honestly don't know how to feel about the Bucs right now. I don't understand these decisions that management are making. Lynch is a first class player and citizen in Tampa and to give him the boot is a disgrace to the Bucs organization. Lynch deserved to go out with respect and dignity. You will be missed, remembered, and endeared in the hearts of Bucs fans John Lynch. - Chad Lewber, Burlington, Vt.
No player in Bucs history has a heart as big as John Lynch. What is Bruce Allen thinking??? We need a player like Lynch on this team. I am disgusted with this decision. - Mark Sperling, Clearwater.
As a Tampa native I am disturbed by the release of John Lynch. I thought the Bucs were headed in the right direction by releasing selfish players like Keyshawn. Character and ability are hard to come by these days in a game of egotistical players. John Lynch is well worth the 4 million dollars and will be missed. - Chris Carlsen, Phoenix, Az.
Lynch, Brooks, and Sapp are to the Bucs what Aikman, Smith, Irvin were to the Cowboys. The Bucs front office should be ashamed of themselves for callously dismantling this D without seriously negotiating the contracts and roles of these men. They were the mind, heart, and soul of this team. All good things do come to an end, but the Bucs front office has allowed this end to come without regard to the fans. - Matt Morrow, Frederick, Md.
What the hell is Bruce Allen thinking? John Lynch was willing to negotiate just to stay in Tampa. HELLO Bruce....this is our town. Now...there is no chance in hell he will ever be back. He is one of the greatest, if not the greatest safety in the NFL. The man was here for eleven years of dedication and no desire to play anywhere else. This is not Oakland and there is no Al Davis.....don't give up the core guys who want to stay. - Teresa Worthley, Clearwater.
Well, I guess we will go into next season without Sapp and Lynch. Does the anti-Dungy (Gruden) know we have to have some D left - at least 11 to start? - James R., Rock Hill, S.C.
This makes absolutly no sense at all. No one hits like John Lynch. - Chris English, Oklahoma City.
John Lynch was one of the best players on the team. I would much rather make room for Lynch than Sapp. He is a better player and has a better attitude. - Tracie Ferguson, Tampa.
I cannot believe they are letting Lynch go! He is one of the heroes for the Tampa Bay Bucs and one of the most beloved players we've ever had! Gruden - you're wrong on this one! You will have a lot of very unhappy fans in the Tampa area!!! - Jan Griffin, Lutz.
I have faithfully followed the Bucs through all their losing years. I was proud to support them even when their was little to support. With the changes that Gruden and Allen are making, I don't see my loyalty being with the pewter and red any longer. How could they do this to someone like John Lynch, who gives his heart and soul in every game? - Bonnie Hyde.
What's happening to our beloved Bucs? John has been a major part of the team for several years. I have loved having Gruden, but now with all these changes, I dont even recognize our team anymore. I realize that at times fans have to trust the coach, but how are we supposed to react when we are losing a great role model like Lynch? Look at all he has done for Tampa. I can only wish him the best. - Courtney H., Tampa.
This is a sad day in Buccaneer history. - Laurie Holm, Largo.
Lynch will be missed. Wish it didn't have to end this way. Was really hoping he would retire a Buc. But this is how the game goes. I am sad to hear him leave. - Wesley Seay, Clearwater.
I hate to see this happen. Lynch was always one of my favorite players. He was a class act and fierce competitor. But I understand this is a business and he is not the player he once was. Hopefully the cap room it clears up can be spent to help take us back to the Super Bowl. I'm just sad Lynch won't be able to go along for the ride again. Maybe we can re-sign him for a more cap friendly amount. Although his play has diminished somewhat, the intangibles he brings to the locker room and the fans is hard to replace.
-- William Linero, Coral Gables
I am thoroughly disgusted. It is truly a sad day for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the entire community. One Buc Place will never be the same.
-- Stefan, Tampa
I have been a Bucs fan since the beginning. I have kept quiet thru all the mistakes and changes over all these years. However, after hearing John Lynch, a PRINCE of a man, the perfect football player, say goodbye, I will no longer support the Bucs. He was the Bucs. I survived the loss of Doug Williams, and Tony Dungy, but losing John Lynch is unforgivable.
-- Gail Cunningham, St. Pete Beach
I am in total shock. I am so disappointed in the direction that the Bucs are headed in. No wonder Rich McKay left town. If this is how they are going treat our players, I don't think I will remain a fan. What for? They keep getting rid of everyone.
-- Debbie Stewart, Tampa
John Lynch is a great player and a stand up guy. Is Gruden and Company trying to build a team of thugs? He's succeeding!
-- Debra M., Tampa
