Rain, trash bags and other assorted items from Report Day
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- July
- 24
Greetings from Albany, where it’s gray and awful outside. Perfect football weather, no?
The players were filtering in this morning and will be taking their conditioning tests this afternoon. A large group of reporters waited outside the dorms where the players will be staying on the campus of SUNY-Albany, and Rich Seubert got the proceedings off to a nice start by dropping his cell phone as he got out of his truck, sending the battery flying.
Most players stopped to take questions, but one player who didn’t, however, was Plaxico Burress. With Jeremy Shockey gone, Burress’ contract situation is now the biggest off-field distraction hanging over camp; after explaining his feelings on the matter last month at mini-camp, the wide receiver wasn’t interested in an interview today.
After getting out of his SUV, Burress opened the trunk and began unpacking his stuff … which was stuffed into several large trash bags. Seriously. Burress carried the bags inside to his room (dropping a few items along the way), and it’s not entirely clear why he chose to use plastic instead, say, a regular suitcase.
Maybe he’s trying to make a statement about how his contract is so bad that he can’t afford to buy regular luggage? Burress has three years and about $10.5 million left on his current deal and, while I know Tumi is expensive, you’d figure he could at least pick up a second-hand TravelPro or something …
In other news, Brandon Jacobs said he’s done negotiating for a new contract and is content to play out the rest of his current deal. Jacobs wants to show he’s healthy enough to play 16 games this season and knows that if he does, a big payday could be waiting for him at the end of the year. “It is a very motivating thing, for sure,” he said. “I had 1,000 yards in 11 games (last year), if I play 16 games, I’ll lead the league, that’s my take on it.”
Other players who stopped were Eli Manning, TE Kevin Boss, David Tyree, Justin Tuck and Sean O’Hara. Michael Jennings rolled up in his smoothly-detailed Chevy Caprice with 22-inch rims. He also had No. 15 shaved into his head. Looked good.
One theme that several players harped on was how they relish the notion that it will be difficult to repeat, particularly since the Cowboys have spent so much money this offseason in upgrading their roster. When asked why observers would write off the defending champs (some people are picking the Giants as low as third in the division for this season), Tuck said, “Maybe because Dallas tried to buy a Super Bowl this year. Maybe because everyone’s made these blockbuster deals moves. I guess we’re not that flashy team everyone thinks we should be.”
A moment later, Tuck was asked if he felt the Giants were still the best team anyway. He smiled and said, quite simply, “Yes.”
This entry was posted
on Thursday, July 24th, 2008 at 11:32 am by Sam Borden. 
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Ernie Palladino
Sure wish Ernie was sharing his thoughts with us.
You and me both, my friend. I’m sure we’re all hopeful he’ll be back very soon.
No Shockey,NO drama!! Welcome Kevin Boss!! Justin, it’s your turn to step it up!!!
OH and that’s BIG BLUE To all of you cowgirls fans!!!
I’m back!!! First of all, I am only back out of respect for Ernie! You da man, bro! I could care less about all you other winners! That said, I have to hand it to the Giants, they ended the season great and I pulled for them all the way from the moment they beat us down here. I feel that by giving eli a chance (go to hell old miss) I finally came to appreciate a player of character. I also hate Tom Brady so felt I had no choice. All in all, I am proud to be a closet Giant supporter (not fan). I will still be cheering against them and hope they have a horrible season (not likely) in order to prevent an upset in dallas come december. However, I think Tuck misspoke about dallas buying a superbowl. So we took a chance on a thug and it appears to be working out. Jerry is smart paying pennies for quality players of low character. Tank came in last year for little money and kept quiet and out of jail. Rumor has it that T.O. paid for a stripper pole in Pacman’s new pad in order to keep him home and out of jail. So that situation is looking up. Other than that, they drafted decent but still are lacking receivers. TO and Crayton will be back as will Witten. All of you saw that horrible (great for y’all) drop that Crayton had in the playoffs so he is still unproven. How is that trying to buy a superbowl? I like justin tuck, but he seems a bit confused. Maybe he is lost with out mother hen around.