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Bucs On NFL's List For Game In U.K.

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By ROY CUMMINGS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 21, 2008

MOBILE, Ala. - Ever since their owners bought the world's most famous soccer team, the Bucs have been considered a natural to play a game in the United Kingdom. This might be the year they do that.

The Bucs are one of at least four teams being considered to play a regular-season game in or near London, probably in October, Bucs officials confirmed Sunday.

But the very thing that makes the Bucs such a natural to play a game in England might be the reason they get passed over, as security concerns might already be arising among NFL officials.

Last week, the chief executive officer of Manchester United, the soccer team that Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer purchased three years ago, had his home defaced, reportedly by fans still angry about the sale of the team to Glazer.

With angry United fans still venting, even in the wake of reports of a massive increase in profits, the NFL might choose to pass on the Bucs to keep their players, coaches and executives out of harm's way.

Another factor possibly working against the Bucs is the league's desire to feature teams struggling to draw fans for home games. With 84 consecutives sellouts at Raymond James Stadium, the Bucs don't fit the mold.

A better option may be the New Orleans Saints, and they are one of at least three other teams being considered for the game, along with the Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks.

Whatever the league's decision, it is expected to be made in the next two weeks, so that the game's combatants can be named during Super Bowl week in Glendale, Ariz.

In addition to not knowing the combatants, the league also remains undecided on a date for the game and a venue. At least three sites, including Wembley Stadium, are being considered.

Wembley was the site of a regular-season game played this season between the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins, with the AFC's Dolphins choosing to give up a home game to play host.

The NFC's Arizona Cardinals hosted an international game against the San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City in 2005, so it's possible the league once again will ask the NFC team to give up the home game and play host for the 2008 game.

San Francisco, Seattle, Buffalo, Kansas City and New Orleans also agreed to give up a home game to play in England last year, so one of those teams could get the nod over the Bucs, who may not be as eager to either give up the home game or play abroad.

The Bucs played an exhibition game against the Jets in Tokyo in 2003 and Bucs coach Jon Gruden made no secret of the fact he didn't like the difficulties that playing such a game presented.

Neither Gruden nor Bucs general manager Bruce Allen could be reached for comment Sunday.

The NFL does not deny the problems inherent in asking teams to play a game overseas. That's why it has guaranteed that each combatant will have a bye week the following week to recover.

Reporter Roy Cummings can be reached at (813) 259-7979 or rcummings@tampatrib.com.

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