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Boston Situation Proves You Can't Trust What Allen Says

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By Joe Henderson, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 12, 2007

David Boston was arrested last month in Pinellas Park when police found him passed out in his car at an intersection with the engine running. Barely 24 hours later, Bucs general manager Bruce Allen dismissed the case against him.

'We have investigated the David Boston situation and feel that we have an understanding of the facts,' Allen said then. 'At this time, we have seen no objective evidence to support the charges that were brought against him.'

Well, we've got your evidence right here.

Boston's urine test came back positive for the drug GHB, a highly addictive substance that can trigger hallucinations. It has even been linked to suicides. Possession of the drug is a felony. Remember the tape of Boston stumbling, disoriented and unable to answer questions about how he got to the intersection in Pinellas Park?

GHB wouldn't show up in a sample by mistake. There is a specific test for it and anyone using this stuff in any form could have bigger problems than what to tell the Pinellas Park cops. That's what the Bucs should be saying right now if they're really concerned about this guy.

There are a lot better ways to support your player than unequivocally declaring Boston's innocence, especially in light of his history of substance problems. Why even take that chance?

Probably for the same reason Jerramy Stevens was in the lineup Sunday less than three days after being found guilty of DUI in Arizona. His conviction carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 30 days, based on Arizona's standard of 'extreme intoxication.' And as we know, this was hardly his first brush with the law.

The Bucs knew Stevens was an arrest warrant waiting to happen when they brought him here, but they did it anyway. Just like they always do.

Jon Gruden recently declared of Stevens, 'His problems are in the past.'

Or they could be in the future when they lock the door behind him.

The Bucs' problems, though, are ongoing and will be as long as Bruce Allen draws a paycheck here.

What Investigation?

So Allen 'investigated' after Boston's arrest and decided all was well, did he?

Bruce: 'You do it, man?'

Boston: 'Nope.'

Bruce: 'I'm sold.'

If Bruce Allen had been on the Warren Commission, Kennedy would have been day-to-day with a paper cut. And he'd blame the media for making too much of the whole riderless horse and eternal flame thing.

Good thing he didn't have Ben Bradlee's job at The Washington Post during Watergate.

Woodward/Bernstein: 'We've got a wide-ranging conspiracy involving the highest levels of government, including the president.'

Bruce: 'I checked. Nothing to it.'

Just this summer, Allen mocked a newspaper report about Chris Simms' ongoing physical problems, even ridiculing - ridicule is his favorite tactic - the story's author by calling him 'Doctor.' Seen Simms play much lately?

And when they released Simeon Rice on the eve of training camp, it was allegedly for failing his physical - although Dr. Allen said then he had no doubt Simeon would play again this season. At least he was right about that. Simeon played effectively Sunday for Denver.

We haven't even mentioned Jake Plummer, for whom Allen squandered a draft pick.

Where is the credibility? Where is the accountability?

The Bucs were 15-4, counting playoffs, during the Super Bowl season. Since then, they are 27-39. They are 20-30 during Allen's reign. That would seem to call out for some comprehensive, you know, plan to get things right.

Instead, the parade of characters continues. The excuses and double-talk continues.

Nobody is out of bounds for this regime to pursue.

But this is the same mind-set that led to Darrell Russell getting a shot a few seasons ago - he of the three substance abuse suspensions among his many legal problems. Allen dismissed those concerns. After all, he said, Bill Clinton did worse things and they elected him president.

So It Goes

You saw this team last Sunday at Seattle. It's a mess.

We know. We investigated. We have an understanding of the facts.

They're carrying four quarterbacks (Simms didn't even dress) and apparently no kick returners - hence: Earnest Graham.

They've got Boston and Stevens, who may soon face the wrath of NFL commissioner Roger 'Off With Their Heads' Goodell, and they're waiting for Torrie Cox to finish his four-game suspension for violating the substance abuse policy. And we're one snap away from Luke McCown.

Yet Allen tells us all is well.

This used to be a model franchise.

Now you can't believe a word that comes out of the front office.

Thank goodness Michael Vick didn't play for this team.

Allen might have blamed the dogs.

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