Wednesday’s Giants News: Plaxico is Holding Out
Everything should be smooth and calm in Giants land after they are coming off of a Super Bowl Victory. However, the Jints still have some clowns to deal with. The media has been speculating all week as to whether or not Shockey would show up to the mandatory mini camp. He has, but he’s not participating. He’s the only injured player not participating. Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger wrote this, “When asked if there was a reason Shockey wasn’t on the field, Coughlin said, “Well, not really.” Asked if he was supposed to be on the field, Coughlin said it would remain “between Shockey and I.”" It seems like I get more and more pissed off everytime Shockey does something stupid, which is pretty often. He really needs to figure it all out. Even after not playing for a while, he still hasn’t matured. The other clown is Burress who all of a sudden is holding out from mandatory mini camp. Simply put, he wants a contract extension. Does he deserve a raise? It can be justified. He had a great year last season on one leg. He was huge in the NFC Championship game and he caught the game winning touch down in the Super Bowl. At the same time, he was underachieving prior to last season. He had one great year and a couple of subpar years. He’s asking for the extension after the great year. It would be funny if teams asked players for a refund after the subpay years. Anyway, his request can be justified. However, I don’t understand the holdout. You signed the contract so show up and play. Let your agent do his job. Honor your conract whether they grant you your request or not.
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reported that some of the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII rings were stolen some time last weekend. Thieves broke into an E.A. Dion Jewelry store in Attleboro, MA., and took about $2 million worth of merchandise. The police are currently investingating the situation.
Michael Fabiano of NFL.com takes a look at soon-to-be third year wideouts to unearth potential sleepers in the world of fantasy football. Fabiano made a list of 10 receivers, and Steve Smith made the list. This was Fabiano’s analysis:
While he missed much of the regular season with an injured shoulder, the “other” Steve Smith did make his presence felt throughout the Giants’ postseason run. With some NFL experience under his belt and a more confident Eli Manning under center, Smith could develop into one of the better No. 3 wideouts in the league. He will have to contend with Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, but Smith still has the potential to catch 50-plus passes in 2008.
Giants.com:
Reaction to Strahan retirement - A compilation of excerpts from various people in the NFL.
Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Michael Eisen had a Q&A Session with Tom Coughlin about the first day of the mandatory mini camp.
Papa’s Perspective (Video) - Giants Play by Play Announcer Bob Papa will give his latest thoughts on Strahan’s Giants career.
Coach Tom Coughlin Presser - (Video) - Coughlin introduced Strahan in the Press Conference.
Michael Strahan Presser Part 1 (Video) - Part 1 of Strahan’s retirement Press Conference.
Michael Strahan Presser Part 2 (Video) - Part 2 of Strahan’s retirement Press Conference.
Michael Strahan Presser Part 3 (Video) - Part 3 of Strahan’s retirement Press Conference.
Giants GM Jerry Reese (Video) - Jerry Reese answers questions from the media about Strahan.
Giants President John Mara (Video) - John Mara answers questions from the media about Strahan.
In My Own Words: Strahan Part 1 (Video) - Strahan talks about his early childhood memories up through his rookie season in 1993 playing with L.T.
In My Own Words: Strahan Part 2 (Video) - Strahan discusses offensive formations.
In My Own Words: Strahan Part 3 (Video) - Strahan teaches viewers a few of his moves as a Defensive End.
Newsday:
Strahan makes retirement official
Some famous un-retirements - Babara Barker wonders if Strahan is serious about his retirement and made a list of 10 athletes that came out of retirement.
Giants lose a leader in Strahan
Strahan blessed to go out as Super Bowl champ
New York Daily News:
Plaxico: No new contract, no minicamp - Ralph Vacchiano reported that Plaxico Burress is holding out from mandatory mini camp until he gets a new contract.
Michael Strahan retires after Hall of Fame career with the Giants
Without Michael Strahan, road to repeat will be tougher for Giants
Jerry Reese at ready with Giant plan
Michael Strahan gets push for Hall of Fame from co-owner John Mara
New York Post:
TRUE BLUE MIKE ‘A GIANT FOR LIFE’
A STRA DOG, BUT WITH PERSONALITY
WITHOUT NO. 92, SOME ENOURMOUS SHOES TO FILL
RING-ING IN A NEW CAREER - Phil Simms had this to say about Strahan as he heads into his broadcasting career, “Michael Strahan’s naturally a very outgoing guy. He’s a lot of fun. He’s a professional athlete who’s had tremendous success. He’s somebody who can succeed in television, no question. He’ll bring his perspective and I think we all know he’s not gonna be afraid to speak about it.”
ELI: GOAL TO GET BETTER, NOT REPEAT - Eli Manning stated, “We’ve said we’re not going to talk about repeating or doing that, just becoming a better team. We have a lot of work to do. You look at a lot of things from last year that we did not do well. From an offensive standpoint, there’s a lot of things.”
New York Times:
Strahan Flashes a Smile as a Giant for the Last Time
Manning Says the Focus Is on Improving
Super Bowl Ring in Hand, Strahan Says He’s Retiring
The Star-Ledger:
And then there’s Shockey… - The Star-Ledger snapped a picture of Shockey.
Rosenhaus on Shockey and Burress - Mike Garafolo provided the brief conference Drew Rosenhaus just had about Shockey and Burress. As usual, Rosenhaus had nothing to say about either one of them. Think back to T.O.
Burress sitting out in contract dispute
Shockey’s in Jersey, but not practicing
Strahan’s last play: A glittering goodbye
Strahan played for passion, fans
