Are You Shocked?
Yesterday, Jeremy Shockey showed up to the mandatory mini camp but he hung out inside according to Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger. When asked if there was a good reason that Shockey was not on the field, Tom Coughlin replied “Well, not really.” If Jeremy made a cameo appearance on ‘Hans and Franz’ then they would definitely call him a ‘girly-man’, and then they would tell him that they want to “pump.. [ clap ] ..you up!” because he needs it.
We all know how bitter Shockey has been for a long time now. The Giants decided not to trade him for a few draft picks in the offseason. The question is whether or not Jeremy will perform at a very high level this year. Is he too pissed off at management? Is he too pissed off about his role as a Tight End? Is he upset that he missed the Playoffs and the Super Bowl? Who knows what he’s pissed off at, but it doesn’t really matter why. What matters is if he can burry his emotions and concentrate on playing football this season. What matters is if he can show up to mini camp with a positive attitude. What matters is if he can be a great teammate this year. Instead, Shockey decided not to participate on day one of mini camp. You can already see where this is heading. We’re going to have to deal with a whole bunch of drama. Will it turn out as bad as what T.O. did in Philly or what Ocho Cinco has been doing in Cincinnati? Who knows? The difference is that the Giants are the champs, and every other team is beneath them so they shouldn’t have to deal with the classless players in the league.
Shockey’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus stated that, ”He’s not practicing right now because he’s still rehabilitating his ankle. He’s not in a position to practice right now.” However, Garafolo wrote something that I really found interesting because it confirms the seriousness of the issue. Here it is:
According to someone familiar with the latest developments in the Shockey situation, the four-time Pro Bowl tight end continues to insist he will sit out training camp and perhaps the upcoming season if he doesn’t get one of two things: fewer blocking assignments or a trade.
The person, who requested anonymity because of Reese’s “internal business” policy, said the Giants want Shockey in his old role and don’t want to trade him but might be forced to do so. The person said the team might also have to bench him or send him home (a la the Eagles and Terrell Owens in 2005) if he attends camp and continues to be a distraction.
From that, we realize that Shockey is demanding one of two things: less blocking or a trade. Which one of the two options benefits the team? Right, the trade. This is just based on on-the-field work. If he blocks less then the running game and the passing game will suffer, and his receiving skills have diminished a lot as well. I know he doesn’t get as many touches as he used too, but he doesn’t catch what comes his way now either. Add to that the off-the-field issues and the whining, and it’s just not worth it for the team to keep him. Garafolo also stated that the Giants may have to bench him a la Keyshawn or T.O. if he continues to not participate. The best thing that can happen is if Jerry Reese can trade him for a player or multiple players who want to be a Giant and that want to defend the title.
