Plaxico Burress Refuses to Practice w/o New Deal

[nyG]

Originally Posted by ESPN.com

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Star wide receiver Plaxico Burress is refusing to practice because the New York Giants haven't renegotiated a new contract since winning the Super Bowl. Burress reported to Giants Stadium for the mandatory minicamp Wednesday. But he says he told the coaching staff he won't work out without a new deal. Burress, who battled through an injury-hampered season last year, caught the game-winning touchdown in the Giants' stunning 17-14 victory over the undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, tight end Jeremy Shockey showed up for minicamp Wednesday, despite hints he had made last weekend with the New York media that he might skip it. Shockey, who isn't expected to participate in drills, headed for treatment with Giants trainers for the broken leg he suffered last season. On Saturday during a promotional event, in his first public comments since breaking his leg last December, Shockey had made comments putting into question whether he would attend the mandatory minicamp. "Who knows? I might go to see my mother in Texas. I have no idea," Shockey said Saturday. Shockey shared his gripes with reporters event Saturday. "Unlike the Giants, I'm going to be quiet," he said. "They've released multiple things about myself and if you look back into the media, there's always a source. Well, I'd like to know who this source is and we'll go over here and we'll deal with it ourselves, because I haven't said one negative thing toward the Giants in the newspapers." Shockey was a no-show for the team's Super Bowl victory parade in New York, its visit to the White House and its championship ring ceremony. In the weeks leading up to the draft, the New Orleans Saints and several other teams approached the Giants about a trade for the oft-injured Pro Bowler. The Giants listened, but that was it

If the Giants were smart they would do everything in their power to get this done. You can't give him $30 Million guaranteed, because then everyone in the locker room is going to think "hey, I won that championship too, give me a new deal" BUT on the other hand Plaxico has definitely established himself as one of the elite receivers in the league since coming here. (just ask Al Harris, Ellis Hobbs, and pretty much the entire NFC East secondary).

The good news that comes out of this is of course, Shockey showed up. He is no doubt an asset to the team and only makes your team better when he is on it.

[cruzg24]

The good news that comes out of this is of course, Shockey showed up. He is no doubt an asset to the team and only makes your team better when he is on it.

Yea he's a gamer alright, but don't you think its ironic that Eli was more comfortable in the huddle and with his offense when Shockey wasn't there? I think we're a better team with Shockey, but he needs to realize that Eli is the leader of this team now and that Eli isn't trying to show him up by not throwing it to him every play.

[Darius Ali]

If this keeps up there isn't going to be ONE single player in the league that I actually like.... Greedy bastards.

[nyG]

Originally Posted by cruzg24

Yea he's a gamer alright, but don't you think its ironic that Eli was more comfortable in the huddle and with his offense when Shockey wasn't there? I think we're a better team with Shockey, but he needs to realize that Eli is the leader of this team now and that Eli isn't trying to show him up by not throwing it to him every play.

I think it is a misconception that the Giants "got better" because of Shockey getting hurt. There is no way you can lose Pro Bowl talent and get better. Eli had a bad game against the Bills the week after Shockey got hurt, with 2 picks and 5 fumbles (two lost). Something sparked inside him during that Week 17 Patriots game, and he got confidence that he could compete with the best teams. Shockey had the one big game against Dallas (which the Giants lost), but also had plenty of key receptions in earlier victories during the season. He did tend to complain on incomplete passes not thrown his way, but really, if you have Jeremy Shockey open, why wouldn't you want to put the ball in his hands? It was really Eli protecting the ball that made him play better, not losing his star tight end.

As for Burress, he couldn't have come up bigger last year. He missed practice practically every week of the season and still showed up on game day. I gotta respect the guy for that because at times you knew he wasn't running full speed and still blowing by defenders.

[cruzg24]

It was really Eli protecting the ball that made him play better, not losing his star tight end.

Yea, Im not saying that losing his tight end made him better. But it allowed Eli to be more relaxed, he didn't have to say "oh man I haven't thrown it to shockey he's going to be pissed." As for Burress, he came up huge for us in the playoffs, but what do you think wouldve happened if he did play poorly? Do you think giants fans would be on him for missing practice? I think they would and they are giving him a break for doing so good. Idc if he practices or not as long as he is productive on the field.

Plax has shown up big at times for us and before this year he has also been nonexistent at times. I believe he's a top 5 receiver, I just hope we don't break the bank on this guy.

[Chubz]

Burress wants a raise based on what, 2 years of above average seasons? I know he was hurt last year, but comeon, I wouldnt give him more than 20 million on an extension.

Receiving Stats
YEAR	TEAM	G	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	FD	FUM	LOST
2000	PIT	12	22	273	12.4	39	0	13	1	1
2001	PIT	16	66	1008	15.3	43	6	48	1	0
2002	PIT	16	78	1325	17.0	62	7	64	2	1
2003	PIT	16	60	860	14.3	47	4	40	1	0
2004	PIT	11	35	698	19.9	48	5	31	1	0
2005	NYG	16	76	1214	16.0	78	7	49	1	1
2006	NYG	15	63	988	15.7	55	10	44	2	1
2007	NYG	16	70	1025	14.6	60	12	49	0	0

[Darius Ali]

4 1000 yd seasons in 8 years. Only two double digit TD seasons. STFU and Play asshole.

[nyG]

Plax is in a system where he is the primary passing target, but there are always other options. With all the weapons that allow the G-men to spread the ball around, you can't expect 100+ catch seasons. I'll take 15 yards per catch anyday. But if you look at the YPC among receivers with at least 70 receptions last season, he's 5th.

The guys ahead of him? T.O, Braylon Edwards, Chad Johnson, and Randy Moss. And his 12 TDs were 4th. You can't say the guy isn't elite.

[Jerome]

ah, the nfl season will soon be at hand. the start of minicamp, quarterback controversies, and player hold outs.

[Chubz]

Originally Posted by nyGMen3xChamps

Plax is in a system where he is the primary passing target, but there are always other options. With all the weapons that allow the G-men to spread the ball around, you can't expect 100+ catch seasons. I'll take 15 yards per catch anyday. But if you look at the YPC among receivers with at least 70 receptions last season, he's 5th.

The guys ahead of him? T.O, Braylon Edwards, Chad Johnson, and Randy Moss. And his 12 TDs were 4th. You can't say the guy isn't elite.

Im a big Giants homer, but BUrress isn't an elite reciever in this league...he's a good reciever but not elite

[Jerome]

Originally Posted by Chubz

Im a big Giants homer, but BUrress isn't an elite reciever in this league...he's a good reciever but not elite

whil i wouldn't put him among the leagues overall "elite", i would say he's one of the top, if not the best, physical receiver in the entire league. he'll out muscle just about anybody, has great hands, and is an excellent blocking receiver. he's also among the best at running through leg tackles from the safeties.

[nyG]

You're entitled to your opinions, but they're wrong

there isn't 10 receivers in the league better than him