Giants OT Shane Olivea injured in camp

[tomkent53]

OT Shane Olivea's biggest issues were supposed to be off the field and in his head, not on the field and in his back. But Olivea, who battled an addiction to painkillers that led to his being released by the Chargers, was injured early last week during camp and couldn't get healthy quick enough for the Giants' liking.

So yesterday, the team placed him on injured reserve with the intention of releasing him with an injury settlement when he's healthy again.

"We had an extended amount of time here where we tried to improve his situation and it didn't seem like we were getting very far," coach Tom Coughlin said. "It's very unfortunate because we thought when we first brought Shane in it would be something where both parties would benefit. You add a veteran and you have a guy that's going through some things and was anxious to really start his career over."

Olivea, 26, was once considered one of the league's best young linemen, but his drug addiction affected his play on the field and his attitude off it. Earlier this year, after an intervention, he spent time in rehab and was trying to rebuild his reputation with the Giants.

Now, he'll have to get healthy and find another team. Once released by the Giants, he will be free to sign with another team and play immediately.

"We thought this was the right situation," Coughlin said. "We worked him out, he was in outstanding shape, we didn't think there was going to be any down time whatsoever. And the unfortunate thing is, on his best practice, that very evening he couldn't come back to practice. It's unfortunate, but we wished him well and hopefully he'll get himself back to where he feels good about having an opportunity."

Source: http://www.nj.com/giants/ledger/inde...900.xml&coll=1

[nyG]

He was released yesterday. Could have been a nice depth guy in an emergency, but it's clear he wasn't gonna start anyway. too bad i guess...