GRUDEN MAD AT CLAYTON FOR DECLARING HIMSELF A STARTER
Posted by Michael David Smith on September 19, 2008, 11:43 a.m.
Buccaneers wide receiver Michael Clayton said on Wednesday that hes ready to enter the starting lineup in place of the injured Joey Galloway.
Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden would like Clayton to know that the coach is the one who determines whos playing and whos not. Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times reports that when Gruden addressed reporters, he took a swipe at Clayton for speaking too soon.
A couple players have already spoken that [Galloway is] not going [to play], but Ill make that decision, okay? Gruden said. Ill decide who starts, too. As long as I have the title here as head coach, Ill do that.
This is the second straight week weve seen indications that Gruden wants his players to shut up about injuries; last week linebacker Derrick Brooks said Gruden gave him a gag order about his hamstring injury. In Claytons case, it wouldnt be at all surprising to see Gruden keep him out of the starting lineup on Sunday, just for spite.
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