Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
No huge surprises out of Tampa Bay's mandatory minicamp today. Running back Earnest Graham showed up and quarterback Chris Simms didn't.
Graham had been staying away from voluntary activities because he wants a new contract. But the mandatory aspect of these workouts made it automatic Graham would show up. There have been indications the Bucs aren't opposed to giving Graham a new deal and taking part in practice should only help his cause.
The situation with Simms is different. He wants out of Tampa Bay and it's obvious the Bucs don't have him in their plans. The only baffling thing is why the Bucs still are holding onto Simms (presumably, they're still hoping to get a late-round draft pick in a trade).
But the chances of that happening are slim because the rest of the world knows the Bucs are going to have to cut Simms. It doesn't make a lot of sense for any team to give up a draft pick for a guy destined to be released.
Simms is subject to a fine of $8,000 a day for not showing up at minicamp, but if he elects to fight that, he might be able to put together a pretty legitimate grievance.
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