The Tampa Buccaneers have deactivated wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson for the rest of the season, reports ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli. Losers of the three straight games, the defending champions are 4-6 and in danger of missing the playoffs.

The rest of the season???? Can't wait to find out what he's done to deserve this one!

He had put his house up for sale last week anyway.

Bucs to deactivate Keyshawn for rest of season
Nov. 18, 2003
By Jay Glazer
SportsLine.com Senior Writer


Keyshawn Johnson's tumultuous relationship with Jon Gruden has reached its boiling point and now Johnson won't be getting the damn ball again this season.

SportsLine.com has learned the former Pro Bowl receiver has been informed by the Buccaneers he will be deactivated for the remainder of the season, thus benching him for the rest of the 2003 campaign.

When contacted by SportsLine.com, Johnson sounded shocked and added he didn't know anything about such a move.

"I'm not even in town right now," he said. "I'm traveling. For what? What are they doing that for? What have I done?

"I didn't do anything. I haven't done anything, like I've always done, but play with passion when I step in between those white lines."

Phone calls to Rich McKay have not been returned.

Johnson has privately stated to friends it is his desire to play elsewhere next season. Earlier this season he battled with Gruden over his lack of balls thrown to him in the offense. He also gave Gruden a shot by boasting how far he has to go in order to be on the same level of Bill Parcells.

The two have had a torrid relationship since Gruden first came to Tampa a year ago. There were blowups on the sideline, recent rips by Johnson's agent of the coach and even an embarrassing moment on TV when he was caught belittling fellow Pro Bowl wideout Marvin Harrison.

It is unclear if the Bucs will make the announcement official Tuesday or wait for the players to return Wednesday.

Joe Jurevicius will likely start in Johnson's place.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/6844026

Walk the plank Key! I am curious if any other team will have any interest in him. I am not sure how it works by just "deactivating" him.

[ November 18, 2003, 11:11 AM: Message edited by: Kenny ]

Nov 18, 2003

Bucs To Sit Keyshawn Johnson
By ROY CUMMINGS
rcummings@tampatrib.com

TAMPA - The Bucs apparently have decided to part ways with wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson.
In what appears to be a precursor to a release, the Bucs have told Johnson they intend to deactivate him for the final six regular-season games. The Bucs cannot release Johnson now because they do not have enough money under the salary cap to accept a cap hit a release would provide.

When reached by telephone by the Tribune, Johnson said he could not comment at this time.

The Bucs will make the announcement at 3 p.m. General Manager Rich McKay is expected to address the media to discuss the team's decision.

Johnson has expressed displeasure through most of the season with Coach Jon Gruden's usage of him in the offense.

Last week he was saying privately that he probably had only 11 more weeks with the Bucs. The Bucs apparently have decided that his tenure will be much shorter.

Weren't you guys defending this guy just like 2 months ago when a certain person chimed in with MEEE-shawn? Jackass or not, by sittin this guy gruden has given up on the season.

Do ya'all tote the company line all the time? I'd be pissed, i'd feel ripped off. They just gave up on the season folks. What's next ya'all turn on Fat-Sapp?

You might want to go back and read again, I never DEFENDED Key, I did and still do respect his playing ability however, and that is what you heard me speak of him.

I do not think Gruden is giving up on the season(which who knows if this move will cost that), but rather you have a player who has actively expressed that he does not want to be a Buc after this season. So why play the rest of this one? Like I mentioned last week about him putting his house up for sale.

What uniform do you guys predict him to be in next year?

P.S. - PF, I know you thought you were original when you chimed in with MEEEE-Shawn, but you were FAR behind with that!

[ November 18, 2003, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: Kenny ]

Bingo! This move was an organizational proclamation that the season is, in fact, over. Despite how much I detest the guy, he is a better wide receiver than what they have behind him on the depth chart.

In my opinion, organizationally, this was a dumb ass move. By sitting him down, Tampa significantly reduces their trade leverage with potential Keyshawn suitors. Since those opponents now know Tampa is desperate to rid themselves of this cancer, they can offer less for the guy. The question isn't where he goes, but how little Tampa will get for him in trade value after the season ends? No way they get anything lower than a fourth round pick.

I think they flat out release him at the end of the year, and take the cap hit.

However, dont forget all of the draft picks that were given up for chucky. Now is when depth will come into question with this team

hmmmmm, wonder what AZ castoffs the cardz have for the yucks to pick up for next year.

I"m not saying this is a bad move at all, infact i applaud it. Infact, it's rare that the team will stand up and do something like this. meeee-shawn is washed up anyway... no more big paydays for him.

[ November 18, 2003, 01:47 PM: Message edited by: PhillyFan ]

I wouldn't be terribly upset to see him become a Viking. The Vikes still need a good second-threat receiver, but I don't know if Keyshawn could check his ego to play aside the best receiver in football.

It's a nice thought though. I think it'd be similar to when Carter played with Moss. Both had good seasons. He would alleviate some of the pressure off of Moss, or have big games. Plus the Vikes may be able to get him cheap...and they always upgrade their offense and do nothing about that horrible defense! May not be so odd.

I dunno man, isnt one scum ball on the team enough for you?

Pick up Fatt Sapp and mee-shawn.. The vikes can build with "character" guys...

I waited mostly to hear what the "BUCS" said in the news conference on my way home at 4 p.m., rather than listen to all the rumors(which btw I think Len P. flat out lied!). Sure enough, it was because 4 weeks ago Key told them(Gruden and Rich McKay) that he did not want to be here next year, and over those 4 weeks he has missed team functions and mandatory meetings, and they did not feel him being here would over the next 6 weeks do anything to help them win ball games. I think they probably did the right move. We will see how it is not having him. Also, I think it is a gutsy move since money or what to do with him after the end of the year doesnt seem to be a factor.

Personally, I like the fact that Keyshawn is getting what he deserves. And I believe I made the “cancer” call some time ago but was ridiculed by some of the Tampa faithful.

From a business perspective, you are right PhillyFan, they probably will have to cut him outright and absorb a cap hit (halfway through a $56 million contract that included a $13 million signing bonus), wonder what the cap hit is on that? From the initial reports online and on ESPN, it sounds like this has been an ongoing problem (missed meetings, a team flight back from SF, lining up in the wrong slot) for some time. Why didn’t Tampa ship him off to Dallas BEFORE the trade deadline??

Getting John Gruden in a trade with the Raiders cost Tampa two 1st round draft picks, two 2nd round draft picks, and eight million dollars. Depth is going to be an issue moving forward for the Buc’s. Reports several weeks ago stated that Fat Sapp would probably have to be moved due to salary. It also looks like the organization is growing tired of Kenyatta Walker’s inability to show improvement. That was Tampa’s 2001 first round pick.

The best receiver in football plays in Indianapolis, not Minnesota.

Keyshawn maybe grabbing the headlines, but another one is that 2 vikings have been charged with DWIs. Apparantly we have enough "character" guys that Keyshawn may feel welcome. The Bucs can keep Fat-Sapp though. We're an offensive team!!

I think it's great that a football team is willing to cut a guy who does not play by its rules in spite of athletic ability. Perhaps this will motiviate other respectible players on the Bucs to step up their game. It seems players like Moss, Owens, Sapp, Keyshawn, etc think they are above basic human decency and immune from a coach's dicipline.

Yes, Tampa gave up a lot to get Gruden; however, they do have a Lombardi trophy. Think of how many teams have toiled for decades without one....

As far as the best receiver in football today, I like Torry Holt because he is low maintenance and a gentleman who leads the league in catches and yards.

You know, people do stupid things all of the damn time... DUI's or whatever....

Here is why Moss is a scum ball... Unless he's getting the ball and the highlights, he could care less.

Meee-shawn and Fatt ass have just never seen a camera they havent fallen in love with. When was the last time fatt ass was an imposing player? Really? I'll take Walker, Simon or hollis anyday over his fat mouth.

I'll put money on it that Key will be a Cowboy next year. He loves Bill Parcells!

Probably when he last visited an all-you-can-eat buffet and fought a little old lady over the last helping of chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes! eek!

Or a Raider.

Then my Raider hatred will be complete.

Oh please! Say what you will about the guy's ego, he had over 1,000 yards, 5 TDs, and helped the Sucks on their road to the Super Bowl. He needs to play for a tough, non-ass-kissing coach who has a topflight QB (like Trent Green, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning) who can throw readily and regularly to him. Keyshawn is not washed up, and Chucky, who benefitted from what Tony Dungy had left him, is now showing his true colors.

Keyshawn cannot play for anyone who's namby-pamby or wishy-washy. I'd say the same thing about Terrell Owens. He's certifiably deranged and utterly self-absorbed, but the man comes out to play. If he doesn't get opportunities to help the team win he goes off. The obverse is a team like the Chicago Bears or the Arizona Cardinals, where the coaches seem not to give a damn about losses, and the players play down to expectations. Barry Sanders recently admitted the walked away from the Lions rather than continue with their lack of passion and utter disregard for winning. Keyshawn isn't one to stay quiet and kiss ass, though. I say, Keyshawn, don't worry, you'll find a slot somewhere next year, so just help your girlfriend Serena Williams get her knee or whatever together and get her back on the court mopping up the competition.

I agree with the comment about Torry Holt, though. Great player, lower maintenance, nice guy. He needs to have a (more) reliable QB throwing to him. Bulger only seems to function well in the second half of close games these days. Unless the opponent is Arizona.

WHERE WILL KEYSHAWN SURFACE NEXT YEAR?

Actually, what team has the worst wide receivers in the league?

Can I get some "brotherly love" MOJO for Keyshawn?

I get the impression from all of this that Jon Gruden is looking for a scapegoat and he found on with Keyshawmn. He is no angel and I will not defend his behavior. But he does not play DEFENSE and it has been their DEFENSE that has failed them in the most critical times in their losses this season. Thanks Tampa. Keyshawn may wind up playing for Big Bill in Dallas next year and we may get to the Super Bowl.

Not a chance in hell. Andy Reid doesn't want personalities or troublemakers.

I amend previous predictions that I think Keyshawn will end up in Dallas. Right now, I think the Cowboy's receivers are far and away better than Keyshawn. They have other weaknesses to address next year, and unless something happens to the top 3 WR's (Galloway, Glenn, Bryant) in Dallas, there will not be a Keyshawn citing in the metroplex.

I heard on the radio today that the bucs are going to TRADE him NOT RELEASE him at the end of the year...

The cowboys wont take him, they already have 3 WR's and unless meee-shawn can become a RB, just dont see it happening.

As far as the eagles picking him up... hmmmm... a slow, short pass catching, non-td catching, slot receiver playing outside and not getting deep... they already have that, his name is Thrash.

The real question is this... TO in philly. Could that stable team shut his mouth?

The only way TO leaves SF is if Garcia is QB next year. He is loving catching the ball from Rattay.

Garcia goes before TO goes.

So what would you suggest doing with a player who tells them he does not want to be with this team after this year, misses team functions and mandatory meetings, and a flight back with the team with no explanation? How many of us could express this to our boss and still have a job?

[ November 19, 2003, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: Kenny ]

Isnt going to be with the team next year?

Troy Vincent or Bobby Taylor
Duce Staley...

2 of the 3 will be gone next year... but they are playing.

It all goes back to the team chemistry and if you wish to admit it or not kenny, the Yucks are full of me me me guys, they could care less about winning.

How do the two compare? Those guys missing meetings and team practices and functions and telling the coach they do not want to be there next year? I think even I know Andy Reid well enough that they would be gone if they did so.

What a breath of fresh air to listen to the 14 year old soccer phenom Freddy Adu. So mature and so charming for his age. It's a refreshing change from the pro athletes of today. Whiny, bitchy, complaining thugs in professional sports like Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Keyshawn Johnson, etc. can learn a little but from Freddy on how to act like an adult.

What most annoys me is Keyshawn's attitude about being "deactivated." In essence, he was fired & in the interviews since then he has expressed only glee about his situation. I would have liked to see some regret--"I'm sorry the situation got so out of hand & regret any negative affect its had on my teammates." Instead, all we got was the usual Keyshawn arrogance; I wonder whether he's aware of what a privilege it is to be able to make a (very good) living playing a sport--and I wonder if he's at all aware that next season, he'll probably have to sign somewhere for a lot less money than he was making in Tampa?

~Adam

Excuse me, but how is Terrell Owens or Keyshawn Johnson a "thug"? I agree that Adu displays impressive self-composure and maturity, especially for such a young person, but what does that have to do with "thuggishness"? How is Keyshawn a "thug"? He hasn't harmed or attacked anyone; he's just self-obsessed and wants to win games, and he's playing for a team that has forgotten how to do that. The same is true for Owens. Say what you will, but when given the opportunity, both really do go all out. Moss IS a criminal and at times wasn't playing hard, so lumping the three together makes no sense.

But the situation is different. If Gruden was interested in winning and had a competent QB, he'd throw to Keyshawn, who has proved he has the talent to win. What he does next year can be decided once the season is over. That happens all the time. The Red Sox, to give one example, had a good idea that Manny Ramirez didn't want to be there after this season, but they at least let him play all the way till they were knocked out of the post-season. And he demonstrated during the season how valuable his bat was. I see this move as just plain stupid, EXCEPT for the fact that it protects TB from a salary cap hit. Keyshawn is right to gloat, at least he's free now--unless TB goes on a winning tear, which isn't likely.

i guess this is the bucs' way of saying, "shut up and just catch the damn ball!"

Going to have to disagree with you on this one, fanthomas. I think Keyshawn's days are long gone.

There's something to be said for Gruden, who has basically stood up and said (not in these words), "I'm running the show here, not you Keyshawn. You're a devisive force on this team and a cancer" And I applaud the organization for backing their coach and cutting out the cancer.

As of March, Keyshawn will be gone, and it will be interesting to see who takes a nibble. I would venture to guess that there aren't but 1 or 2 teams out there that would want this ME, ME, ME guy on their team. It's just too big of a risk, and most teams are really taking a look at team chemistry over talent these days.

It's hard to argue with that logic...

[ November 20, 2003, 10:55 AM: Message edited by: stinger85 ]

Interesting concept....team chemistry vs. individual talent. I wonder how the Rangers feel about having the MVP?

Stick a fork in 'em... they're done.

They lost to JACKSONVILLE? I guess the Bucs ain't worth a plum nickel.

Boy it's been a tough year for Meshawn! From ESPN.com:

More Key news. He's had a restraining order issued against him.

He's accused of threatening to kill his ex wife's new beau. Perhaps another OJ on our hands?