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Bucs have no interest in Vick

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By IRA KAUFMAN

ikaufman@tampatrib.com

Published: June 13, 2009

Updated: 06/13/2009 12:11 am

TAMPA - The Buccaneers are officially taking a pass on Michael Vick.

Add GM Mark Dominik to the growing list of football executives shunning Vick, the polarizing quarterback who has nearly completed a 23-month sentence for overseeing a dogfighting ring.

Vick was released by the Falcons on Friday, five weeks before his sentence concludes and he becomes eligible for reinstatement to the NFL.

"We weigh every option when it comes to players," said Dominik, "and I can honestly say we've done our due diligence on Michael Vick and we're not interested."

Dominik's remarks came during a Tampa Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where he was accompanied on the stage by new head coach Raheem Morris, veteran defensive tackle Chris Hovan and rookie quarterback Josh Freeman, selected out of Kansas State after the Bucs traded up in the first round.

"Besides, we feel we have our quarterback right here," Dominik said.

As the Bucs head into today's FanFest at Raymond James Stadium and next week's mandatory minicamp, Morris suggested Freeman could potentially beat out veterans Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich for the starting job in Week 1 against Dallas.

"Our starting quarterback has to be decided on the field of play, and I'm not ruling out anyone," Morris said. "I'm not ruling out the guy sitting here to my right. We have a vision and we do have a plan. You cannot be a great team until you have a great quarterback. We want to develop here the same feeling Indianapolis has about a Peyton Manning."

Freeman said his primary focus is soaking up the game plan of new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski before training camp opens Aug. 1.

"There is pressure and high expectations, but I hold myself to extremely high standards," Freeman said. "I'm striving for perfection, and I feel I'm in a great situation to succeed."

Morris bristled when it was suggested the Bucs are retooling after successive 9-7 seasons under former coach Jon Gruden.

"Rebuilding year? I'm not interested," Morris said. "We believe in forcing our will on our opponents. My only fear is letting down my parents."

Entering his 10th pro season, Hovan said the Bucs are determined to prove their skeptics wrong.

"In football, hope is for losers," he said. "We're going to go out there and get this thing done. If your focus going into the season isn't on winning a championship, I don't know why you're playing this game."

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