September 12, 2007

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Receiver David Boston was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday, two days after police released results of a urine test that showed the eighth-year pro had a depressant in his system when he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence last month.

The Bucs said Boston, who hurt his foot during pre-game warmups and did not play in last Sunday's opener at Seattle, was let go after reaching an injury settlement. Receiver/kick returner Mark Jones was signed to replace him.

"I'm very disappointed. ... For two years, it was a Cinderella story, and we had hoped he could come back and rejuvenate his career," said Bucs coach Jon Gruden, who also brought Boston into training camp in 2006. "Unfortunately it did not work out."

Boston was arrested Aug. 23 in nearby Pinellas Park after police said he was found slumped over the steering wheel of a red Range Rover with the SUV running and in drive.

A breath test taken at the scene was negative for alcohol, however the receiver also submitted a urine sample that was tested for other substances.

Police said Monday that an initial positive reading for GHB, or gamma hydroxybutyric acid, was verified by a second independent lab. GHB is a central nervous system depressant often called the "date-rape drug" because it leaves people groggy and powerless. Among other things, it is also said to have body-building effects.

General manager Bruce Allen said the injury Boston suffered before Sunday's 20-6 loss to the Seahawks was "something unusual, except we lost someone for the whole season in a similar incident."

Asked if Boston would have been released had he been healthy, Allen replied that was a hypothetical question he couldn't answer.

"That's a serious charge to make and we talked to David on that and there's obviously two sides to the story. David has said he's innocent and we'll let him defend himself on that, but we take that very seriously," Allen said. "I think the courts will determine his innocence or guilt, and we'll let it go at that."

Last week, the 29-year-old receiver issued a statement through the team saying he had done nothing wrong and was not impaired when he was arrested.

Boston, who has also played for Arizona, San Diego and Miami, missed most of the past three seasons because of knee injuries. He also was suspended four games in 2004 for violating the NFL's steroid policy.

Two days after the receiver's arrest, Allen released a statement saying the Bucs had looked into the case and had not found any evidence to support the charge against Boston.

"I will continue to back our players. I believe in the young men on this team, and we get to know them very well." Allen said.

"At the time we made that statement, all of the evidence was pointing in his favour. Obviously, something came out three weeks after that and that obviously doesn't look favourable on David."

Allen said he didn't feel Boston tried to deceive the Bucs.

"I believe David was being honest. I believe David is thoroughly convinced he's going to prove he didn't do anything wrong," Allen said. "It's something only he can talk to and the courts can decide."