Video: Carl Banks Talks NYG to ESPN
Carl Banks talks to ESPN about the NY Giants. Topics covered include Strahan’s retirement, Plax’s hold out, and Shockey’s antics.
Archive for the ‘Jeremy Shockey’
Shouting Match Between Shockey and Reese
Vinny DiTrani of The Record reported that Jeremy Shockey and Jerry Reese got into a huge shouting match during the tight end’s “visit” to minicamp. DiTrani recalled that, ”Shockey said last week he was upset the Giants did not allow him to stay on the field during Super Bowl XLII and instead sent him up to coowner Steve Tisch’s luxury box. He also blamed the Giants for spreading the rumors that he was upset and wanted a trade.”
First of all, I would like to thank Vinny for bringing this to the forefront. Giants.com is not leaking these types of stories, and they should be. I’ve been complaining about what a spoiled brat Shockey has been for a few years already. I’ve been writing that he needs to go since a year ago when we created Die Hard Giants Fan. The Giants just won the Super Bowl without you. Give it up chump. Right now, Jeremy should be kissing all of the players who made it happen where the sun don’t shine. Show some damn respect already. They’re the Champs, and you’re the Chump so make amends and kiss their rings. Instead, this dude comes in to mandatory mini camp and pretends he cannot participate. Then he starts shouting at JR. JR should have told him he’s fired on the spot and told him ‘don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out’. What a classless bum. I’m done with him. I never want to see him wearing blue again, that’s for damn sure.
Friday’s Giants News: Will Plaxico Get Suspended?
Apparantly, Chad Johnson is doing the same thing in Cincinnati as Plaxico Burress is doing here in New York. The only difference is the reason why they said they haven’t been participating. Ocho Cinco claims he is injured like Jeremy Shockey rather than saying he wants more money. Mike Florio of SportingNews.com wonders if these tactics will backfire and if either one of these players will get suspended. Florio pointed out that:
Though the NFL’s club discipline schedule does not expressly allow teams to fine players for refusing to practice, the collective bargaining agreement permits a team to fine or suspend a player for engaging in conduct detrimental to the team. Surely, refusing to practice when otherwise healthy constitutes detrimental conduct.
Refusing to practice is, in fact, the essence of conduct detrimental to the team because it defies the entire concept of “team,” in which each member has a job to do and does it.
Under Article VIII, Section 1 of the CBA, the maximum permissible fine for conduct detrimental to the team is one week’s pay. The maximum permissible suspension is four games without pay.
In addition to (and separate from) any fine or suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, refusing to practice also jeopardizes the player’s signing bonus, if the player’s contract contains appropriate forfeiture language. Though recovery under contracts signed after February 2006 is limited to 25 percent of the current year’s signing bonus allocation, it’s still a significant amount of money.
Regardless of how the Giants and Bengals deal with their rogue players, any failure by teams to take a stand against such disruptive behavior will result in more of it, and players who want more money will look for more ways to pressure teams into caving.
Now that was a very intersting article by Florio. It seems like only the stars are trying to pressure the organization they work for to give them more money. Since the stars are producing at a higher level than the rest of the team, the team’s record will suffer if the organization takes a stand. The organization doesn’t have as many options now as they did when Free Agency began. Who is the best receiver that the Jints can obtain now if they have to suspend Burress? They won’t get anybody who is nearly as talented as Plaxico right now. If Big Blue caves in then it says that they will cave in to others which isn’t good either. If you remember from yesterday then you will remember that Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger wrote that Shockey could get suspended also. The Giants do not have enough talent to have a successful season if they suspend both of them. That’s for sure. So which one do they suspend, the disgruntled one or the greedy one? I say Shockey because his issues have been going on for years.
Giants.com:
centerXchange w/ Shaun O’Hara (Video) - John Schmeelk has an exclusive sitdown interview with Giants Center Shaun O’ Hara.
Mini Camp Report - Day Two (Video) - John Schmeelk and Michael Eisen report on yesterday’s Mini Camp.
The Star-Ledger:
Drew is in the ‘haus - Mike Garafolo pointed out that Drew Rosenhaus is at Giants Stadium today. He believes that Rosenhaus is there to try to smooth things over with the organization about Jeremy Shockey and Burress.
Shockey’s spot still has spark - Mike Garafolo provides the latest status on Shockey and discusses the current TE position.
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.
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
Monday’s Giants News: More Strahan Articles
NFL.com put together a video clip on Strahan’s retirement. In it, Giants players react to news of Michael Strahan’s retirement after an offseason practice. To view this video, click here.
A little while ago, GM Jerry Reese joined the ‘Mike and the Mad Dog’ show to talk about the latest Giants news including Michael Strahan’s retirement. To hear the interview in it’s entirety, click here.
Giants.com:
Michael Strahan retires - John Mara had this to say about Michael Strahan’s retirement announcement,
Michael called me earlier this morning to tell me he had decided to retire. I told him I was disappointed and that I knew he could still play at a very high level and we were hoping to have him back. But I certainly understand his decision. I told him he’s been a great Giant. He thanked me for everything the organization has done for him. I said, ‘I think you’ve done more for us than we can ever do for you.’
Various other players had quotes in the article as well.
Eisen’s Insight (Video) - Michael Eisen and John Schmeelk discuss Strahan’s retirement.
DE Osi Umenyiora (Video)
DE Justin Tuck (Video)
LB Mathias Kiwanuka (Video)
WR Amani Toomer (Video)
QB Eli Manning (Video)
OTA Report: Wide Receivers (Video)
New York Post:
SHOCKEY’S MINI-DRAMA - Paul Schwartz wonders if Jeremy Shockey will attend mini-camp.
The Star-Ledger:
Runyan, McNabb say goodbye to Strahan
Correction: Presser at 11:30 tomorrow - Michael Eisen announced that the Giants will hold a press conference for Michael’s retiredment at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.
Strahan’s new team? Probably FOX
Strahan’s decision not about money
Umenyiora on Strahan: ‘He’s going to miss us’
Shockey Speaks, Probably Shouldn’t
Jeremy Shockey finally spoke publically since breaking his leg in Week 15. As speculated, he was in Flushing Meadows Corona Park yesterday participating in the Powerade Pro Challenge. Shockey began with the statement below, and you can sense how bitter he is just by reading his statement.
The statement I would like to make about the Giants and the speculation in the offseason is that whatever happens between the upper management, lower management, the owners, any management, is going to (stay) between ourselves. Unlike the Giants, I am going to be quiet. They have released multiple things about myself, and if you look back into the media (reports), there is always a source. Well, I would like to know who the source is.
I haven’t said one negative thing towards the Giants in the newspapers. I have never expressed the feelings of the things that you guys (the media) made up. You guys will be able to talk to me (more) if I make it to minicamp.
All I recall the Giants ever saying is that Jeremy Shockey is their starting Tight End. The fans may be split on the topic, but the organization only stated one thing. So Jeremy blamed the media for making up his discontent with the team. Classless? I think so. Every article during the offseason that reported ’friends of Jeremy Shockey’ said this were made up. And so many of them. I’m not buying what he’s selling. Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News got this out of Shockey’s statement.
I do love it when an athlete says “I’m going to be quiet” and then proceeds to speak out anyway. Rather than express a desire to put the whole affair behind him and get back to work and be a good teammate, Shockey chose to let everyone know that he’s got some bitter feelings towards the Giants, that he thinks they’ve been the leak for all the reports of his unhappiness, and that he might not show up to the mandatory mini-camp that begins on Wednesday.
Hey, great. Thanks for not being a distraction.
In Shockey’s statement, by the way, he neglected to mention a few things. First, he forgot to say that he’s had all offseason to clear the air and say “The reports are wrong. I want to be with the Giants. I’m happy here.” He chose not to do that for several months, allowing plenty of time for the flames to grow. Second, his own agent - Drew Rosenhaus - added gasoline to the fire when he went on ESPN in mid-April and also chose not to clear the air either. In fact, Rosenhaus fogged it up by admitting to “conversations” with the Giants about Shockey’s situation and, rather than say “Shockey is very happy,” he said “In terms of Jeremy’s feelings as relating to the Giants, that’s something we’ve communicated to the Giants and the ball’s going to be in their court.”
Tom Rock of Newsday wrote, “Shockey hinted that he might be so peeved as to skip the team’s mandatory minicamp this week.” This is because Shockey stated, “”Obviously. I’m not 100 percent and if I do show to minicamp, it’s going to be, I wouldn’t imagine me doing much, just getting treatment on my leg.” Following this, Shockey was asked if he would be in the New York area for a few days and said this, “Who knows? You know me, I might go back to see my mother in Texas. I have no idea.” What kind of answer is that? Why would he not attend mandatory minicamp?
Last, Rock said that Shockey was, “pointing out that he’s never been arrested or caused the organization other headaches.” He shouted, ”Why wouldn’t they want me?” Shockey not a headache, what kind of answer is that? It is very clear that Jerry Reese needs to remove the cancers of his team: Shockey and Strahan. The team will be much better off without all of the ‘headaches’ that these two players bring the team. This is what happens when these players are told how great they are since they put on their first helmet. The ego grows and grows until they live in another world which we don’t understand. Why can’t he just shut up and play football?
Shockey Expected in Flushing Today
On Thursday, Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News wrote that Jeremy Shockey is expected to be in Flushing today. He is supposed to show up for the Powerade Pro Challenge at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. I just wanted to remind you guys in case you wanted to go ask him why he’s such a punk. If you don’t then the media will. The bigger event today is at the Belmont as Big Brown will attempt to win the Triple Crown so I’m not sure how many of you are going to check out this Powerade Pro Challenge, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Jeremy is expected to arrive between the hours of 1 and 2 according to Vinny DiTrani of The Record. It is supposed to be 95 degrees today so be careful if you attend either of these events.
Thursday’s Giants News: Shockey Expected to Return to NY
NFL.com put together a list of the ‘Top 10 pass rushers in NFL history’. Before I opened it, I thought about how many Giants were on the list. Obviously, I thought of LT and Michael Strahan. I wasn’t sure of how many there could be before my time, which isn’t long ago. When I opened up the list, there weren’t any more Jints than the two I assumed. Taylor was 3rd which doesn’t make sense to me, and Strahan was 7th. They have Deacon Jones 1st, but I’ve never seen him play. The late Reggie White is 2nd, and I always though LT was better than White. Plus, LT has 2 rings and White has 1. At the same time, I’m comparing a LB to a DE. The article contains three videos for each member of the Top 10 list if you want to check them out.
Mailbag for June 4 - Michael Eisen fields questions posed by Giants‘ fans. Here’s a good question because the last thing I want to watch this year is the Super Bowl hangover:
Michael,Tom Coughlin was on the staff the last time the Giants won the Super Bowl. They didn’t make the playoffs after the 1991 season. What will he do, and how will keep the team focused, and not have the team letdown during this upcoming season?Dear Russell:The Coach is well aware of the pitfalls that claim the repeat aspirations of most recent Super Bowl champions. He has reminded the players that the hard work they put in last offseason led to their championship and the importance of not letting up this year. In fact, as he handed each player his Super Bowl ring last week, Coughlin said, “Let’s get back to work so we can do this again.” The coach is not letting up one inch or ounce. He is demanding the same dedication to effort and detail that proved so successful last season. The ring ceremony was the last event of the 2007 season. Everyone’s energy is now committed to making 2008 a successful year.
Fan’s Take - A Giants fan wrote their perspective on the improbable 2007 season.
OTA Report: O-Line (Video) - Giants.com takes a closer look at the Giants O-Line during the OTA workouts.
OTA Report: D-Line (Video) - Giants.com takes a closer look at the Giants D-Line during the OTA workouts.
DE Renaldo Wynn (Video) - Giants.com interviews their newest player Renaldo Wynn.
DT Jay Alford (Video) - Giants.com interviews Jay Alford about the OTAs and about his rookie season. Part of his rookie season included sacking Tom Brady in the Super Bowl so they touch on that as well.
New York Daily News:
After Super Bowl grab, David Tyree is hoping to hang on with Giants - Ralph Vacciano believes that the “Giants are overloaded at receiver, which could put Tyree’s roster spot in jeopardy if he suffers any setbacks.”
Giants to see Jeremy Shockey soon - Ralph Vacchiano stated that Jeremy Shockey is actually supposed to make it up to New York next week.
The enigmatic tight end is expected to participate in the Giants’ mandatory mini-camp next week, according to a team source. He is due in the New York area later this week for a promotional appearance on Saturday afternoon.
According to an advertisement on the Internet, Shockey is scheduled to appear at the Powerade Pro Challenge at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, although his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, could not be reached to confirm his client’s plans. If Shockey shows up, it will be his first public appearance since he was stuck watching Super Bowl XLII from a luxury box because of his broken leg.
New York Post:
Tuesday’s Giants News: OTAs
NFL.com had a poll where over 200,000 fans ranked all 32 teams for the 2008 season. Here are the results:
- Patriots - Core of team returns to avenge Super Bowl loss after perfect regular season.
- Colts - Core of Super Bowl XLI team is still intact. Dwight Freeney should be ready for season.
- Cowboys - Talented squad only got better during offseason with Pacman Jones, Zach Thomas.
- Giants - Competition in NFC East should be tough as Super Bowl champs look to go back-to-back.
Who knows how this stuff works? Big Blue is obviously the team to beat. If you want your team to be No. 1 then beat the Champs.
According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, ”Cowboys cornerback Pacman Jones has received permission from the NFL to participate in offseason workouts, training camp, and the preseason. However, he has not yet been reinstated to participate in regular-season games.” It seems like Pacman may make it back into the NFL which is a shame.
Florio also reported that Terrell Owens will remain as a Cowboy because, “Owens, we’re told, will receive a signing bonus of nearly $13 million. In all, he’s under contract for four years, and he’ll earn $34 million.” Now we have to face this moron twice a year for four more years.
Tuesday’s OTA Report - Michael Eisen pointed out that Amani Toomer was one of the more visible players on the field today.
Giants Bolster D-Line - Michael Eisen announced that the Giants signed DE Renaldo Wynn which other media outlets reported yesterday. Eisen included a whole bunch of information about Wynn.
- Michael also reported that the Giants placed linebacker Keith O’Neil on their reserve/retired list.
New York Daily News:
Eli & Amani rekindle their chemistry - Ralph Vacchiano also covered the Giants OTAs. Vacchiano also noted that:
- Jeremy Shockey, Plaxico Burress, Osi Umenyiora, Antonio Pierce and Michael Strahan did not attend. AP is still on his honeymoon, and who knows where the rest of them were…
- David Tyree did not participate, though he was inside Giants Stadium doing rehab work for his knee. “Tyree said his knee feels good and his rehab is right on schedule. He expects to be ready for the start of training camp.”
- Derrick Ward “said he’s 90-95% healed from his broken fibula and isn’t limited at all in what he can do on the field.”
- Mathias Kiwanuka “said he’s getting closer to 100% too and didn’t seem limited on the field.”
New York Post:
The Star-Ledger:
Giants announce Wynn signing - Mike Garafolo included Jerry Reese’s and Tom Coughlin’s thoughts on the signing of Renaldo.
More on the Wynn signing - Mike Garafolo explains why the Giants didn’t sign Wynn until June 1 when Wynn first visited the Giants in mid-May. Garafolo’s conclusion is, “Wynn’s signing on June 1 means he won’t impact the Giants’ chances for compensatory picks in next year’s draft.”
