Jeff Faine “Tired” Of Barrett Ruud’s Pouting

August 3rd, 2010

Irked Bucs middle linebacker Barrett Ruud has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with his contract, specifically since the Bucs saw fit to reward left tackle Donald Penn with a handsome new pact.

But it seems the constant attention and whining over Ruud’s contract is wearing thin with center Jeff Faine.

Speaking to Chris Harry of Fanhouse.com, Faine, though he understands Ruud’s plight, believes his defensive teammate needs to man up and clam up about his status and just worry about football.

“I understand, but at the same time, [Rudd]’s under contract,” said Faine, who hit the free-agent lottery after the ’07 season, his last with the New Orleans Saints. “If you’re going to have issues with the last year of the contract, don’t sign the contract. I’m really tired of [that]. … This is me, as a player — and we’ve been taught [by the union] not to talk about the league and guys around the league — but as a player in that position [last year of his contract] , I came to camp, I did everything. I could have easily done the same thing and held out for an extension and wanted a new contract … but I signed the contract as a rookie and that was the last year of my contract. If I didn’t want a five-year contract, I should have signed a four-year contract.”

Wow! Joe wasn’t aware Ruud’s stomping of his feet is becoming an issue in the locker room. And if this wasn’t an issue in the locker room, then why is Faine so pointed in his remarks?

Joe’s starting to wonder if this soap opera will fester and infect the locker room even more?

51 Responses to “Jeff Faine “Tired” Of Barrett Ruud’s Pouting”

  1. Gary Says:

    This is not good. I didn’t realize it was this serious, you know a player never calls someone out like that.

    But, the good thing is he might have meant those things in a more general sense, not directly to Ruud.

  2. Joe Says:

    Gary:

    Joe was very surprised to read this.

  3. CalicoJack Says:

    Faine too easily dismisses that Ruud, when he signed his first contract, had no indication that an extra year was going to be tacked on to the end of it by the owners opting out of the CBA…

  4. Javier n Wimauma Says:

    Barret Ruud needs to stop showing up to camp now.

    He needs to start his hold out now because its clear that Dom and the Glazer boys only react to actions, not signs of loyalty.

    There too many people around Tampa who doubt Ruud. It’ time for Ruud to give payback and give the Glazers, the divided teammates and the naysaying fans payback.

    Sitout now Barrett!

  5. Shields Says:

    Gotta say I feel for Ruud here. You can’t help but think Buc’s said no RFA’s are getting deals because of the CBA so there is no point in holding out…then they turn around and reward Penn after holding out. Now to top it all off Faine, who has already cashed in huge, comes out saying he should shut up and soldier on. That’s like the President of your company telling you to stop complaining about not getting your Xmas bonus when he drives a new Porsche to work everyday. I’d be pissed to, and even more so after this.

  6. Jesse Says:

    This is seriously not good for us as a TEAM.

    And about what he said (if indeed he is referring to any contract disputes in the league) I agree with most of the time. In some cases, holding out is necessary. Case and point, Revis. Of course he wasn’t going to be payed the money he deserves now coming out of College. One of the best players in the league, set to make like a million dollars? He deserves a new contract. Ruud deserves a contract too, but at least he’s getting payed. Hopefully, since money will never be an issue when making the Bucs a contending team, he gets payed soon and it can just be over with.

  7. Sander Says:

    You know what’s really odd about this remark? That Faine apparently doesn’t get that Ruud’s been tendered instead of having signed a 6 year contract. And he got tendered because of the CBA, something he couldn’t have seen coming in ’05.

  8. McBuc Says:

    He may not have seen it coming, but it is wording in the contract. I agree he should get an extension, and maybe one is coming during the year once the D starts looking better. The way to get it is not talking in public though. Faine probably should have stayed quiet as well.

  9. Derek 'OldSchool' Fournier Says:

    Keep it in the locker room. I like Faine but he needs to get out of Ruud’s pocket. When Ruud signed the tender he made his decision. If he did so after being told nobody was going to be extended, that would suck and the FO has to handle it.

    IMO, Ruud has not done enough to be making this kind of stink. That being said, there is no heir apparent being groomed so Ra better get on that if Ruud is going to raise hell.

  10. admin Says:

    Joe here,

    OldSchool, you’re becoming a JBF addict. Joe is pleased

  11. T in Orlando Says:

    Sander has a point about what Faine said, this is not the last year of a contract Ruud signed as a Rookie, this the first and last year of a 1-year tender.

    That being said, Faine does have a point that if Barrett didn’t like the deal, he didn’t have to sign it. He could’ve take the same approach that Penn did, plan not to show up to camp (and if not signed, he wouldn’t have penalized), and maybe he would’ve been rewarded the same, or perhaps maybe he would’ve been left out.

    Ruud could’ve just waited until Week 10, sign his Tender then (so this year counts toward UFA), and try to cash in next year, if there’s football.

    All these players have choices and courses of actions to take if they’re not happy with their offers. All of these options, including signing the offer or sitting, involve some risk, so it’s just a matter of which risk they want to take. But once you make a decision, don’t lament over it, bringing your team down with you.

  12. CalicoJack Says:

    How many of you wouldn’t be upset if you were told something that turns out costing you $Millions ? That $3.whatever doesn’t look nearly as big if there’s no football (and no paycheck) next year… and there’s only so many years a player can play…

  13. Bucnjim Says:

    “Ruud has not done enough to be making this kind of stink.” That’s a fact Old School not just an opinion! Well stated! I also agree with the fact that the Bucs don’t have another option at MLB. He’s not going broke with that one year tender he signed. I would think that if he lights it up for the first half of this year the Bucs would have a new contract in the works before years end. If he plays remotely close to last year then we’ll be drafting a LB early next year….

  14. Bucnjim Says:

    Faine may be just looking at this as a distraction to the team and wants Ruud to keep it between his agent and the Bucs.

  15. McBuc Says:

    Calico, of course he is ticked, but he needs to take the 3 mil and prove it one more time. I like Ruud and think he will have an outstanding year, but he signed the original contarct that stated if there is no CBA in place UFA become RFA, and then he signed the tender. Was it fair that Penn got paid and Ruud did not, maybe not but that is life and business. Ruud seems like a good teammate, so I am sure he blew off some steam and now is ready to play.

  16. Joe Says:

    Bucnjim:

    Simply put, Joe doesn’t believe the Bucs defense will be made or broken if Ruud comes to play/sits out.

  17. ZeroExpectations Says:

    Its Christmas in August for JBF!

    Joe didn’t even have to fabricate this story! The quotes are more than enough! Whoooo hoooaaaaaa.

    Expect some heavy traffic Joe 🙂

  18. CalicoJack Says:

    @McBuc

    The original contract was also sign under the premise that there would be no strike or lockout. Now, that’s a very likely scenario. So, that $3M is, in essence, $1.5M per year if they don’t play in 2011…

  19. BamBamBuc Says:

    This is ridiculous….. Ruud went through the first couple days of camp walking off the field saying “no comment”. Reporters kept hounding him for a comment until he finally stopped and let them know how he really feels… now everyone is coming down on him for saying how he feels???

    Faine should understand what restricted free agency is. He should understand that Ruud was also a restricted free agent last year and did hold out of OTAs. He wasn’t given the contract last year, but eventually signed the tender in hopes of earning the new contract. The whole team sucked last year, so it’s virtually impossible to earn the big payday that way. Ruud realized this and signed his second one year RFA tender this year under the assumption that no RFA was getting long term deals this year. Then Penn gets a long term deal doing exactly what didn’t work for Ruud last year.

    There have been reports that Ruud is considering walking out of camp at this point, and I wouldn’t blame him. He only wants what Penn got, the security of knowing that he is under contract for more than one year. Just like Penn, what if something should happen and he gets hurt this year? He doesn’t have the security of knowing he and his family will be taken care of like Penn now does. I wouldn’t blame him one bit for walking out.

    I think the team could offer him an “extension” to his existing tender, which wouldn’t pay him any more money this year than he’s already making other than some guaranteed money he’d receive for signing the deal. He may not be the best MLB in the league, not even close, but nobody is saying he’s asking for top MLB pay, just an extension that gives him more security…. after signing a rookie contract and 2 RFA tenders….

  20. Derek 'OldSchool' Fournier Says:

    While a bitter pill, this is a business. The reason I was ardently behind Penn’s contract is that I felt without him, we were screwed. So from a business perspective, he had leverage. I believe that there is enough depth at LB that Ruud does not have that leverage. Nothing personal. He just does not have it. Had he come out last year and despite a miserable squad blown the doors off everyone, he may have had it.

    Does it suck? Yup. Does it happen to everyone at every job? Yup. Most everyone is replaceable. Just a matter of how hard it is to find the replacement.

  21. big papa power Says:

    Just sign him long term…why keep pissing him off?

  22. McBuc Says:

    I agree with oldschool on this one.

    Calico, you are correct, but the language was still in the contract. It has been a possibility for a long time as well. The players, owners, and agents have most likely known about the situation longer than we have. I am not saying it is right, but like oldschool said, it makes sense from a business point of view. If everything is about Freeman, they have to protect him at all cost. Now, I really thought they would not extend Penn until half way through the season or later, but I am glad they did. it will make a much greater difference than Ruud.

  23. Mark Says:

    Did anyone actually read the story? It isn’t about Faine vs. Ruud. It is about Faine’s business acumen.

    Seems to me like they are handling business like men. This kind of reaction is what happens when you have a bunch of reality-tv junkies trying to make a man’s game into The Real World.

  24. CalicoJack Says:

    @McBuc

    Ruud signed his contract in 2005. The CBA, where all this stuff is really spelled out, was done in 2006…

  25. sunrisejeff Says:

    If Ruud shows up and plays to the level of a high end MLB this year he’ll be rewarded as such plain and simple. If he continues to rack up tackles but a majority of them being 5 or 10 yds down field and forces a minimal number of turnovers then he won’t be.

  26. eric Says:

    Impossible to have anything but peace and harmony with the great motivator as head coach.

    These reports cannot be true.

  27. RahDomDaBest Says:

    It is crystal clear that Ruud isn’t part of Raheem’s plan. In fact, no whitey is part of the plan.

    Barret Ruud
    Sabby Piscatelli
    Jeremy Trueblood

    Are not part of Raheem’s plan, because they are white.

    Remember last year when Raheem had to ship off McCown (whitey) to annoint Byron Leftwich the starting job? Even though McCown won it? This also got Jags fired (whitey) because he wanted McCown not Leftwich to start.

    Raheem then proceeded to blame Sabby (whitey) as early as the second game of the season! What coach calls out a player in game 2, of HIS FIRST YEAR COACHING? Or fires an OC before his first game as a HC???

    Then Raheem blamed Jim Bates (whitey) for the violent defense falling apart. Raheem listened to his mentor Ronde Barber and re-implemented the cover-2 and took over the defense at years end. Barber doesn’t like Sabby (whitey) and has been chirping in the ears of his teammates about it all along.

    During the off-season, the scrutiny fell flat on Barret Ruud, as if he was totally at fault for the piss poor run defense. Raheem doesn’t want Ruud part of his long term plan.

    But the bias is the bias held by Raheem Morris and in his eyes, in his followers eyes who relate to Raheem, Barret Ruud, Sabby Piscatelli, Jeremy Trueblood and even Greg Olson will become the scapegoats all season long. All because they are white. Face the Music and realize that this coaching staff is ignorantly racist towards white people. If you ignore this, then you are purposely turning your heads.

  28. admin Says:

    JOe here,

    RahDom – this is ludicrous, but Joe must respond. Raheem The Dream has had nothing but love for Ruud. Joe even reported them dining out in the offseason several times, and Raheem The Dream has expressed tons of love for his “quarterback” of the defense.

    As for Trueblood, the guy had a second round RFA tender on him this offseason. Not a team was interested. …As for Sabby, Rah’s love for him might be the only reason he’s still here.

  29. tampa2 Says:

    It’s a proven fact that Dominick is a liar. And I’d bet that he told Ruud no other FA will ever get more than the tender offer that Ruud signed. When you lie to or about your players the way Dominick does, then he can expect a little discord when those players find out about it.

  30. Joe Says:

    RahDomDaBest:

    Remember last year when Raheem had to ship off McCown (whitey) to annoint Byron Leftwich the starting job? Even though McCown won it? This also got Jags fired (whitey) because he wanted McCown not Leftwich to start.

    This is simply outrageous if not irresponsible.

    Mark Dominik found a sucker willing to part with a draft pick for Luke McCown, who is an unquestioned stiff. If not for Sean Payton’s stupidity, McCown would still be looking for his first win as a Bucs quarterback.

    So Joe guesses that Jack Del Rio is also anti-“whitey” because McCown is not even talked about in Jacksonville despite David Garrard hardly having the starting quarterback job locked up?

  31. Gatorbuc15 Says:

    Jeff makes a very good point. When you have a problem with your contract, you need to try and find a way to fix it, not cry about it.

  32. tampa2 Says:

    Joe,
    RomDom’s assessment was pointed out last year by TBO poster’s after that rigged QB battle between McCown/Leftwich, which “was” pretty obvious. Then he demanded that Matt Bryant kick in game, even though he was hurt, or be cut. There were other things too. But whether Morris is a racist or not only Morris can say. I’ve been called a racist just for saying Morris was an amateur and not qualified to be a coach. Racism is not just one way. Both blacks & Whites are guilty. But I don’t think we should use the race card just because of someone’s skin color.

  33. McBuc Says:

    Rahdom…You really are showing your ass today my friend. This is the worst I have seen you post, and you are pretty bad. Not only did you call the coach a racist, but you also called Ronde a racist. It sounds to me like you may be the guilty party here.

    Tampa2…All kickers must kick to keep their jobs, should the Bucs have just taken his word for it? I am also pretty sure they hired another white kicker. The QB comp was pretty equal, so they went with experience.
    I never thought you were a racist for calling the coach an amateur, just misinformed on the use of the word.

  34. McBuc Says:

    @Calico, I did not know that, but I am sure he received the updated version with the changes. I am just saying that it is business, fair or not does not matter.

  35. McBuc Says:

    Calicojack…I posted to you seperate, as not to lump you in with the other two guys above. Good point about the timing, I still say it is just business though.

  36. Bucnjim Says:

    RahDom; I thought you were leaving for good? Please go through with your threat of never coming back and take Tampa2 with you. There has been a minimum IQ standard set to post and neither of you qualify.

  37. Joe Says:

    Tampa 2:

    There’s absolutely no basis for such a reckless charge.

    Mark Dominik put a load of cash in Mike Nugent’s lap. The Matt Bryant move was more financial than anything though Bryant did himself no favors when he unloaded on Dominik just days before he was cut.

    Last Joe talked to Dominik, he didn’t have that deep of a tan.

  38. Radio Mushmouth Says:

    I have no problem with a player lobbying for money if he deserves. I supported Donald Penn when he was doing the same thing.

    However , Rudd sucks. He doesn’t deserve an extension because he’s a softie. He avoids collisions with lead blockers , and because of it never makes a play anywhere near the line of scrimmage. All he’s really good at is zone coverage.

    So in short , STFU Rudd…be glad you even have a job.

  39. BigMacAttack Says:

    Barrett should not be airing his dirty laundry in the press. We have younsters on offense so why not let the kids do it on defense too. I’d just as soon see the Bucs show Ruud the door. And take Michael Clayhands witcha.

  40. Gary Says:

    RahDom and Tampa2,

    Its people like you 2 that give all of us a bad name. Injecting race into this situation is sad and pathetic. You have posted some serious garbage before, but this takes the cake.

    You mention white players, but look at them you MORONS! Sabby (sucks), bates (sucks), trueblood (sucks)… as so on.

    Please just do us all a favor and go away!

  41. BigMacAttack Says:

    RahDomDaBest Says:
    August 3rd, 2010 at 10:45 am

    It is crystal clear that Ruud isn’t part of Raheem’s plan. In fact, no whitey is part of the plan….

    Well, Ignorance has become an official language and you sir, speak it fluently.

    C’mon Man!

  42. ac3 Says:

    rahdom….wtf are you talking about, so they havent signed caddy, davin, peanut, tenard to long term deals so are they not part of the plan? or are they because they are black? you’re a joke

  43. tampa2 Says:

    Bucnjim, gary, & whomever
    I simply pointed out what was said one year ago. If you read my post, though, you would find that I didn’t think anyone should use the race card. Whether a man is capable of doing a job or not has nothing to do with his skin color. Personally, I think Morris is not worth a damn as a coach. But that is based upon his actions, not his color. I also thought that Dungy was a great coach! Does that make me a racist? Racism is not just for the White race. Blacks & Hispanics can be racist too. I thought that RomDom was pointing out last years accusations and applying them once again. But I guess that you guys only allow a Black guy to accuse the White guy of racism. I didn’t see anyone hollering when tugboat.timmie accused anyone that didn’t like Morris of being a racist! Why is that! Seems there is a double standard when using the race card. And there shouldn’t be because “the race card shouldn’t be used period”. I’ve said that numerous times on this site. Sorry if I offended anyone by simply pointing out that Morris has been accused of this before. My apology to you too, Joe.

  44. eric Says:

    signal caller on defense vs. signal caller on offense.

    Great unity.

  45. Gary Says:

    Tampa2,

    You just don’t get it. Anyone with a 1st grade education knows that racism exists and it goes both (all) ways. Anyone who feels the need to point out that black person can be racist too is a complete fool! Of course any person can be a racist towards anyone else, as long as they are different races.

    The fact that you feel a “double standard” in itself proves your ass is a racist POS! Nobody needs to point that out, everyone who has a brain knows that racism knows no color. Complete tools, both of you. BTW, I know what you are thinking right now… and no, I am not Black, or white – Just someone with a 1st grade education and more than 15yrs. of life experiences!

  46. Gary Says:

    Maybe my last post was a little too harsh Tampa2. I read your post again and you tried to calm things down. I apologize, but I am so tired of all this race BS.

    Why does when one side disagree with the other invoke racism as an excuse.

    Finally, trust me, if anyone (including Capt. Tim) called someone out for being a racist without any real reason to, I would call him out on it as well. We have enough disagreements over football on this site, we don’t need it to become personal with race as well.

  47. Capt.Tim Says:

    Gary, as you can see , I called RahDom out as a racist,because he is a racist! The Capt. Makes a living, and life depends, on reading people’s motivations and intentions. While it is a topic that is uncomfortable and embarrassing to us all, it can’t be allowed to go unchallenged. To not stand in opposition, is to allow your silence to misinterpreted as acceptance. Once rahdom was exposed, I thought this ugly topic would not again disgrace the beloved and respected post of JoeBuc fan. I was really sad to see I was wrong. I didn’t ever want to adress this again amongst the people I truely have come to respect, but we must. RahDom, this place is for people who love this team and it’s players. It is not a place to promote an agenda of hate and ignorance. You don’t belong here. .I’m sorry if my adressing this offended anyone, it sadden me to have to it.but I wouldn’t be the man I believe I am if I didn’t:(

  48. Capt.Tim Says:

    Now if someone can explain why a hard ass like me has tears in eyes after having ta write that. . .

  49. BigMacAttack Says:

    Tampa 2,
    I never took exception to anything you have said or had difficulty understanding the points you have tried to make. I think you do a pretty good job and people like to spin things to fit their own personal agenda. I may not agree with all your comments, but you’re a fan, no doubt and like all of us are entitled to your own opinion without crucifixion. Hang in there bro, and nice screen name too.

  50. Patrick Says:

    I think Barrett Ruud deserves a contract extension, but I agree that he needs to just accept the tender for now and play well. Raheem and Dom already said they’re not doing anymore contract talks right now with any players. The last thing we need in the 2nd year of this rebuilding stage is to have Ruud not play.

    And as Capt.Tim posted earlier on another article, Ruud’s 5 yard down the field tackles were because of the lousy defensive line play last year. He should be better this year because of the new DT’s. But Price and McCoy will both be rookies and won’t be playing their best football this year, so I still don’t know if we will see the very best of Barrett Ruud in 2010.

  51. eric Says:

    If they signed Ruud tomorrow, all his critics would suddenly sing his praises and celebrate how great the signing was.

    Just like with Penn.