Texans running back Derrick Ward said this week that he doesn’t even count the 2009 season he spent with the Buccaneers as a part of his NFL career because the Bucs aren’t really trying to win football games.
Bucs coach Raheem Morris was told of Ward’s comments by reporters in Tampa Bay, and declined to take the bait.
“We don’t want to talk about players that have nothing to do with the game this week,’' Morris said, per the Tampa Tribune. “We’re not going to comment about guys who are no longer here. I just wish Derrick Ward the best.’'
Ward signed a four-year, $17 million contract with the Bucs in 2009 but didn’t have much of an impact, carrying just 114 times for 409 yards as Cadillac Williams’ backup. He was cut this year at the end of August.
For his part, Williams doesn’t understand why Ward says he has already forgotten about playing in Tampa.
“How the heck can he forget about the Bucs?’' Williams said. “He should thank the Bucs for the way they paid him.’'