October 02, 2005
TAMPA BAY, SPORTS CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
Okay, that's overstating things a bit.
But consider what has taken place either in Tampa or to teams from the city:
* World title fight between Antonio Tarver of Tampa and Roy Jones Jr. of Pensacola in Tampa.
* Tampa Bay Devil Rays play the role of playoff spoiler this week to the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians.
* Manager Lou Pinella announces he will accept a buyout on the last year of his contract with the Rays. His departure makes national news.
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers go 3-0 by beating the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wisc., for the first time since 1988. Running back Carnell "Cadillac"" Williams becomes the only rookie rusher to average 100 yards per game for his first three games. His gloves and cleats are displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Bucs take on the Detroit Lions today in an attempt to go 4-0.
* The University of South Florida Bulls stun the 9th-ranked Louisville Cardinals. The Bulls lose Saturday to the Miami Hurricanes, but not before heaps of respect are showered upon the team in the week prior to the game.
* The Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Carolina Hurricanes in Tampa, losing 5-2 in a preseason game.
Pretty heady week, all in all.