SAN DIEGO, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Oakland Coach Bill Callahan removed starting center Barret Robbins from his team's Super Bowl roster Sunday because he missed the Raiders' final team meeting the day before.
There were reports after Oakland lost to Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl that Robbins was so distraught at being unable to play in the game that he was hospitalized.
Raiders officials did not know where Robbins was throughout Saturday after he missed both a walkthrough at Qualcomm Stadium and a meeting. He was not located until 8 p.m. Saturday and Callahan originally told team members that although Robbins would not start, he would play in Sunday's game.
By Sunday morning, however, Callahan had changed his mind and decided Robbins would not be allowed to suit up for the game.
Six-year veteran Adam Treu started in his place.
"I agree with everything Bill has done all year," said Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon. "I really don't know all the facts. But the focus should be on how well Tampa Bay played and how poorly we played."
Robbins, who had been listed as questionable for the game with a foot injury, has played in the NFL eight seasons. He was a key cog in helping give quarterback Rich Gannon enough time to throw for 4,689 yards and direct the NFL's best offense this season.
Robbins was selected to his first Pro Bowl.
The 6-5, 350-pound Treu started the final 14 games of the 2001 season after Robbins suffered a knee injury.
"The Barret Robbins situation was irrelevent," said Oakland defensive back Rod Woodson. "One player does not win or lose a football game."
