LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) -- An entertaining Simeon Rice held court for more than 20 minutes, reiterating his belief that he doesn't get his just due for being one of the NFL's best pass rushers.
"You know what irritates me? ... If you're going to have Defensive Player of the Year awards and not even mention me," the Tampa Bay star said Thursday. "Not even a mention."
The three-time Pro Bowl selection is heading into his 11th season with 119 career sacks, second among active players behind Michael Strahan's 129 1/2 . Rice's 56 1/2 over the past four years are tops in the league, and his career average of 11.9 per season ranks first.
Impressive statistics or not, however, Rice is better known for being a free spirit whose nonchalant demeanor is often mistaken for indifference.
"Camouflage wearing, boxing shoes wearing, throwback jerseys, you know what I mean?" he said. "My own speak, my own way of doing things. Sometimes I'm right. Sometimes I might be a little wrong. Little off-beat."
Rice was once sent packing from the Pro Bowl because of a run-in with Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid. He ruffled feathers two years ago when he said a lack of discipline under Jon Gruden was hurting the Bucs, then last season was sent home from San Francisco before a game for missing a team meeting.
Rice was once sent packing from the Pro Bowl because of a run-in with Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid. He ruffled feathers two years ago when he said a lack of discipline under Jon Gruden was hurting the Bucs, then last season was sent home from San Francisco before a game for missing a team meeting.
Sent to the pro bowl then sent home. Players that get these awards generally have to be outstanding on and off the field. Being arrogant doesn't help matters either.
__________________ Bears always have and always will need a quarterback!! But not a MLB.
10-7-07 Bears 27,Packers 20
12-23-07 Bears 35, Packers 7
Then Brett Favre became a Jet...
I don't care for Rice, i have made that very clear everywhere I have gone. Thanks for taking down the opposing QB for my defense, but You couldn't pay me to take your autograph.
I know one buccs fan that can't stand rice and that guy is abuccsfan, rice is kid in an adult's body, he throws tantrums and thinks that he is above the team. what a jerk.
I know one buccs fan that can't stand rice and that guy is abuccsfan, rice is kid in an adult's body, he throws tantrums and thinks that he is above the team. what a jerk.
Another T.O. in the making Ellis?
__________________ Bears always have and always will need a quarterback!! But not a MLB.
10-7-07 Bears 27,Packers 20
12-23-07 Bears 35, Packers 7
Then Brett Favre became a Jet...
He's not that bad. But I see something even a lot of other Buccs fans don't see. I have been torn limb from limb over on PewterReport.com's forum for my opinion on Rice. He walks on water to most Buccs fans. His stats are great, there is no denying that. I have no argument. He is one of the best DE's ever. But he picks and chooses when and where he gives 100%.
I have asked my biggest opponents on this issue to answer a question for me. So far no one has. Buccs fans who fight with me on this issue say Rice is one of the greatest defenders of all time.
My question to them is....show me another player who is also considered one of the greatest of all time at their position who has been completely left off the stat line while playing 60 minutes. Sure guys have come in, and gotten hurt early and left before they recorded any stats. But to play wire to wire and have 0 tackles, 0 assist, 0sacks for an entire game? He has done that 3 times in his career. The latest was last year against the Panthers....who started a 2nd string LT that day.
Bucs' Rice craves attention
Bucs' Rice craves attention
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