Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Martin Gramatica underwent surgery last week to fix tears in his right lower adductor and lower abdomen, problems that has been bothering him the last 2-? years. ``It has been a problem for him for about 2 1/2 years,'' said Gramatica's brother, Bill. ``But you've never heard Martin complain, and he never used it as an excuse. People knew he was hurt, though.''

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Larry Brackins has been hampered by an injured hamstring which has kept him out of training camp. Brackins says the time off will not affect him, however, coach Jon Gruden does not agree. ?Yes, it hurts him,'' Gruden said of Brackins' absence from workouts. ``You've got to practice. They might tell you different, but Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh - they're always hitting balls. And this kid, he's raw. He needs the work.''

The Tampa Bay Bucs excused fullback Mike Alstott and offensive tackle Todd Steussie from their 3-day mandatory minicamp that began on Tuesday. Alstott had to attend to a personal matter and was expected back for the afternoon session. Steussie is likely to be released and is not expected to participate in minicamp.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released former University of Oregon standout and #3 overall pick from the 1999 draft Akili Smith on Monday. Smith was a member of the heralded 1999 quarterback draft class, which included Tim Couch, Donovan McNabb, Daunte Culpepper and Cade McNown, all of whom were among the top 12 picks that season. Only McNabb and Culpepper, starring for Philadelphia and Minnesota, remain in the league.