The Bucs's defensive captain is told that returning to the team "is not an option."
By ROGER MILLS
Published March 12, 2004
[Times files (1998) ]
Children at the Central Park Village Boys & Girls Club get some homework help from Bucs safety John Lynch in this 1998 photo. John Romano: A classy guy gets callous farewell
[Times photo: ]
John Lynch fights to control his emotions during a news conference Thursday about his pending departure from the team.
TAMPA - John Lynch did something Thursday he never thought he would do so soon: bid farewell to a team and a community he has served with integrity and passion.
After 11 seasons, 173 games, a Super Bowl championship and countless memorable moments on the field and off, Lynch has played his last game as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
And he didn't want it to end this way.
In an emotional news conference Thursday from his hometown of San Diego, Lynch said he was "saddened and shocked" at the team's decision to cut him loose. He said that he was willing to negotiate a new contract with the Bucs, even if it meant less money, but that general manager Bruce Allen never made him an offer.
"I don't agree with it and I let Bruce know that," Lynch said of Allen's decision, delivered in a Tuesday night phone call. "I think it's a wrong decision.
"I was looking forward to the challenge of trying to lead this team back to a world championship," said Lynch, at times fighting back tears. "All I can say is that my instructions to my representative (agent David Dunn) were to find a way to make this work. I felt it was only right that I retire a Buccaneer. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be given that opportunity."
"This wasn't a decision that the coaches opposed, but it's a decision that is very emotional to a lot of those men as well," Allen said. "My wife heard John Lynch's press conference and she's crying about this. This is a tough time, but that's the nature of the business that we're in and it's not just the NFL, it's every sport."
Lynch was due to earn $4.1-million this season and $5-million in 2005, the final year of his contract. His 2004 salary cap figure of $5.2-million was a heavy burden for a team needing room under the cap to make moves in free agency. Lynch said he knew he would have to restructure his deal and was ready to do so.
"I was willing to do that," he said. "I entered it with the spirit of, "Let's get this thing done.' What went into their thinking? I don't know. I can't speak for them.
"One of the biggest disappointments was that I really felt I had the opportunity to spend my whole career in one spot, which is tough to do," Lynch said. "I'm an idealist. I saw that as a possibility. The fact that I don't have that opportunity hurts, but we're fine. My best days are ahead."
Though the Bucs have not officially released Lynch they have given him permission to shop for a new team, and made it clear that returning "is not an option."
Lynch, 32, vowed to keep on playing and is expected to talk with several teams.
While the decision to let Lynch go has been brewing for some time, negotiations heated up over the last week and came to a head in a conversation Tuesday night between Lynch and Allen.
Asked if he was insulted by the lack of an offer, Lynch responded: "I was never insulted about anything. I was never given an offer. There was nothing there to be insulted about."
Coach Jon Gruden, who routinely professed deep admiration for his defensive captain, said Lynch's departure is the bitter reality of pro sports.
"It's a sad day for me and obviously our football team," Gruden said. "We love John Lynch. He's the reason why you get into coaching and we'll certainly miss him."
How, then, could such a bright light be so easily extinguished? Part of the reason is money, part age and health, and part the team's desire to promote young safety Jermaine Phillips into a starting role.
Allen would not discuss particulars of the negotiations with Lynch and Dunn but said the decision was made "because we couldn't find a common ground in our philosophies. ... Instead of wishing something could have been different or changed, I think it's best just to allow us to step forward into the future."
With the pending release of Lynch, the Bucs will free up about $4-million in cap room and be able to pursue free agents like Warren Sapp or right tackle Orlando Brown.
"Everything is related to the salary cap and everything is related to the team," Allen said.
Lynch said his health should not have been an issue. Though he missed two games last season with a neck injury that required offseason surgery, Lynch said he anticipated a full recovery.
"I'm feeling just wonderful," he said. "I did undergo surgery this year to take some bone spurs out. ... I know from (doctors)that I have healthy years in front of me."
Allen would not say what role the injury played.
"Everything goes into a decision - the ability to play, the person, the amount of money," he said.
Then there's Phillips. The budding star, entering his third season out of Georgia, showed signs last year that he was ready for an increased role. Phillips will earn $380,000 this season.
* * *
Drafted by the Bucs in the third round in 1993, Lynch is one of only five players on the roster (with Brooks, Mike Alstott, Dave Moore and Jeff Gooch) who wore the original orange and white uniforms.
Teaming with Sapp and Brooks, Lynch played a leading role in the transformation of the Bucs fortunes from what used to be the NFL's most laughable franchise to its current elite status, culminating with the Super Bowl championship in 2002.
With plans to take that spirit to his new team, Lynch said he already has had conversations with some other coaches and general managers. The Jets, Bears, Colts and Chargers seem likely first stops.
Rumors have been swirling for weeks that Lynch will be reunited with Jets coach Herman Edwards, a former defensive backs coach with the Bucs. Lynch is the godfather of Edwards' son, Marcus. The Jets recently released two safeties.
"Wherever I go I will be expected to lead and I will lead," Lynch said. "I'm looking forward to that opportunity. ... I can only say, that I will leave the Buccaneer organization with only fond memories. I refuse to have anything but fond memories of my time there."
John Romano: 
