The Bucs released the 10-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year today. They also cut bait on three-time Pro Bowler and former Man of the Year Warrick Dunn as well as Joey Galloway, one of two players in NFL history to have three 1,000-yard seasons with two different teams (the other being Terrell Owens).

The great thing about sports generally, and the NFL in particular, is that it's about merit. Brooks was no longer good enough, so he's gone. The Bucs can honor him, and he'll be further honored by his admission to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a few years, but thankfully the team will not overpay him just because he's an institution in Tampa. It's seems cold-hearted, but really it's not. Here's what new head coach Raheem Morris said about Brooks:

There is no way to adequately thank Derrick Brooks for his years of dedication and service to this team and community, or for his impact on me personally. He is a once in a lifetime kind of player and man, and I am very fortunate to have had the chance to work with him and learn from him. Those who played with him and coached him are better because of it.

If every business in America were run this way, the economy would be in a lot better shape.