Video: ESPN Talks to Plaxico Burress’ Impact in Locker Room
ESPN talks to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News about the impact of Plaxico Burress in the Giants locker room.
Archive for the ‘Plaxico Burress’
Plaxico Burress Testy at Press Conference
Plaxico Burress held a Press Conference today to talk about why he was suspended. I heard some audio clips, and Plax sounded very edgy which doesn’t necessarily mean anything. A couple things he said caught my ear. Usually, the Giants don’t put articles about negative events that take place on their website. For example, the Giants never put an article on their website, Giants.com, about Ahmad Bradshaw when he went to jail. This time they did.
Here are some of the questions and answers…
Can you shed any light as to what happened two Mondays ago when you didn’t show up for work?
I ran into some family issues as far as taking my son to school and things like that. It was not like I purposely missed out or that was my intention. It just seemed to happen that way and I didn’t feel any reason to explain to them what happened or why I missed because I don’t feel it is really anybody’s business. It is like I told them, if I had a decision to make as far as my family and my son and things like that, I wouldn’t change anything about it and I would still make the same decision to do that. Maybe I would have put a phone call in, but that probably would have been the only thing. As far as things like that, I am going to always put those things first and I think that is one thing that people have to understand, but I don’t have any regrets for it.
Didn’t you feel a responsibility to let your employer know why you wouldn’t be showing up for work?
It is like I said, maybe I could have put a phone call in, but the fact of the matter is that they told you guys that I didn’t speak to them, which is not true. They called my house Monday night, they talked to my wife, I talked to them on the phone, I talked to Jerry Reese on Tuesday, so if I didn’t talk to them then how did I know that I had to meet with them on Wednesday? So them talking about how I didn’t talk to them at all that is not true and they know that. I guess that sheds a little bit more light on the situation, but the idea that I didn’t talk to them at all, that is not true at all.
There have been reports that you have been fined 40-50 times during your time with the Giants. How accurate would you say that is?
I really don’t know the amount of times, but I do know that I have been fined quite a bit and some things and some of the demands that they ask me to do, I just don’t meet. Do I have an excuse for them? No. Maybe I have a problem with time or something, I don’t know. I haven’t been able to quite put my finger on it, but yeah, I have been fined quite a few times. It hasn’t really bothered me or affected me though. Like I said. when I step on the field it is time to play and that is what I do. If I don’t do things the right way as far as getting there on time or treatments so to speak, I deal with it and get over it and concentrate on my job.
The media continued to ask the same questions over and over to get more out of Burress, but they were not successful. Plaxico acknowledged that he should have picked up the phone and called the team. In the second question, he said that the team is lying. In the third question, he said that he hasn’t been able to put his finger on why he’s been suspended so much. He is definitely a shady character. The situation raises some eyebrows because not everybody is on the same page.
Video: Michael Strahan Breaks Down NFC East
Michael Strahan talks about the NFC East and Plaxico Burress’s suspension.
Giants and Plaxico Burress Coming to Terms on Suspension
We knew that the Giants hit Plax with a two-week unpaid suspension, and we knew that Burress filed a grievance against the Giants. ESPN.com reported that Plaxico Burress and the Giants nearly came to an agreement on the terms of the suspension yesterday so it seems like it will end up somewhere in the middle. It may turn into a one-week suspension instead.
ESPN wrote…
If the settlement is reached, Burress will still miss the Giants game on Oct. 5 against the Seattle Seahawks but he will lose just half of the $235,294 he is being docked for a two-week suspension.
As a final condition, sources said, the Giants would agree not to pursue action against Burress seeking any bonus money he could owe under a forfeiture clause in a $35 million contract extension he signed just before the regular season opener.
The Giants decided to not let Burress play against the Seahawks even though they reduced it to a one-week suspension which is a little surprising. I guess they are making a point. Like I said in the last post about this topic, I wasn’t there to say who is right or wrong. I only know what the media reported. Based on the infrequency of the organization suspending players historically, I would say that I’m leaning on the side of the Giants. This incident is a little embarrassing as well because it sort of puts Burress into that prima donna wide receiver group like Keyshawn Johnson and T.O. who got suspended for conduct detrimental to the team for the remainder of the season. It is a bit different, but I can easily see the national media portraying this story in a similar manner, and I have heard plenty of it already.
Plaxico Burress Suspended 2 Weeks Without Pay
I was listening to WFAN at work this morning, and they stated that Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com reported that the Giants suspended Plaxico Burress for two weeks for skipping practice and avoiding phone calls which took effect immediately. The Jints have their bye week this week so Burress will only miss one game against the Seahawks.
I wasn’t there so I don’t know exactly what happened. I don’t know if the punishment is too harsh. Off the top of my head, I can’t even remember the last player that was suspended by the Giants so it doesn’t happen often. Plax must’ve done something wrong, in their minds, if he actually got suspended. Maybe he partied too hard, maybe he was depressed for not having a good game, maybe he had family problems, who knows. If you have followed this blog since the beginning then you would know that I was never a fan of his until last season. I was not impressed at all with Plaxico in ‘05 and ‘06 because he gave up on plays all the time. Last year is when I started to actually like him when he had a great year on one leg. I was very skeptical when he was making a big deal about wanting a new contract because he only had one good year out of three so why should he get a raise. If I performed to less than my capabilities at my job for two years then I wouldn’t even have a job in the third year to be able to have a great year.
Once the news came out about Dick Lynch passing, John Mara was on WFAN and confirmed that Plaxico was suspended.
In the afternoon, NFL.com reported that Plaxico Burress filed a grievance against the Giants for docking him two weeks of pay and suspending him one game.
ESPN discusses Burress’ two week suspension.
My Thoughts On Giants Victory Over Bengals
The best part of yesterday’s game between the Giants and the Bengals was the simply the fact that the G-MEN won by a score of 26-23 in overtime. The Road Warriors won their second home game in as many games in the early 2008 season. These are the Road Warriors that could barely win at home in ‘07.
Offense
Eli Manning did not have a good game statistically. He went 26/43 which is a 60.47% completion percentage and threw for 289 yards and 1 TD. Even though Eli may not have helped out your fantasy team, he was able to counter every scoring drive that the Bengals had. If not with touch downs then with field goals. The Bengals played a much better game then I thought they were going to play, but I guess that’s how NFL teams are going to come to play the Champs. The Giants did not score on their opening drive in OT, but they did not go 3-and-out either. Manning was able to move the chains a bit before they were forced to punt. Eli also marched the Giants down the field when it mattered most during their second possession in overtime which set up the game winning field goal. Steve Smith and Amani Toomer both were key contributors in the Giants aerial attack as they combined for over 120 receiving yards. Manning hooked up with Kevin Boss for a TD to give the Giants the lead before the Bengals tied the game at the end of regulation. In OT, Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer made huge catches for gains of 30+ yards which allowed the Giants to attempt the game winning field goal. Earth, Wind, and Fire had a decent outing as they combined for 115. Derrick Ward had 80 yards on only 9 carries. The Giants’ offense put up 14 of the 26 points.
Defense
Big Blue was able to apply pressure on Carson Palmer all day, but Palmer kept on fighting to get the Bengals points and stay in the game. Fred Robbins was the beast of the day and finished the day with 3 Tackles, 2 Sacks, and a few batted balls at the line of scrimmage. Corey Webster, Barry Cofield, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Dave Tollefson were all able to get to Palmer as well. The Giants defense had 6 sacks for the second game in a row which is sweet. Antonio Pierce was all over the place as he ended up with 10 tackles. Even though the Giants were able to get to Carson all game, the Bengals were able to put up a bunch of points. Palmer took the hits and kept on going kind of like Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLII. The Big Blue Wrecking Crew were able to make some keys stops at the right time which made it easier for the Giants’ offense to keep pace with the Bengals. The Giants did not allow the Bengals to score in the 3rd Quarter, but you can see how hard they were trying to force the Bengals to punt. The Giants’ defense put up 0 of the 26 points.
Special Teams
John Carney was 4/4 in Field Goal Attempts. Reuben Droughns was effective on kickoff and punt coverage. Domenik Hixon was solid returning Kickoffs and Punts. The Giants’ special teams put up 12 of the 26 points.
So the Giants won their first three games. The last time the Giants went 3-0 was in 2000 when they lost Super Bowl XXXV to the Ravens. Do you remember last year when nobody knew if the Patriots got the good Randy Moss or the bad Randy Moss? After the Pats went 3-0, all of that undefeated chatter began. I haven’t seen a Sports Illustrated cover stating that the Giants are going undefeated. Our boys in blue get less respect than Rodney Dangerfield. This game was a back-and-forth offensive showdown that Big Blue was able to pull out in overtime. The Giants have a Bye Week in Week 4 so next on the schedule are the Seattle Seahawks.
My Thoughts On Giants Victory Over Rams
The best part of yesterday’s game between the Giants and the Rams was the final score which was 41-13. The Road Warriors went out to St. Louis seeking their 11th consecutive road win, and 12th if you include the Super Bowl. The G-MEN dominated the Rams in every way except for points during most of the game.
Offense
Eli Manning had a solid game as he went 20/29 which is a 68.96% completion percentage and threw for 260 yards and 3 TDs. Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress both were key contributors in the Giants aerial attack as they combined for over 150 receiving yards. The ‘running back by committee’ had a solid outing as they combined for over 200 yards. Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward wore down the Rams’ defense. In the 4th Quarter, Ahmad Bradshaw ran into the end zone untouched once for a 31-yard TD run. The Bradshaw TD run was beautiful to watch because nobody got a hand on him. With all of that said, the Rams were able to keep the Giants from not getting into the end zone too much until the 4th Quarter when the Giants torched them for 3 TDs, one of which was a defensive touch down. The Giants’ offense put up 28 of the 41 points.
Defense
Big Blue was able to apply pressure on Marc Bulger all day. Justin Tuck was a beast as usual and finished the day with 3 Tackles, 2 Sacks, and 1 Interception that he returned for a Touch Down. Fred Robbins also had 2 Sacks which were his first sacks of the season. Antonio Pierce and Jay Alford also got to Bulger once. I really enjoyed the AP sack also because nobody even touched him as he went right up the middle. The Rams’ offense was unable to stop the Giants’ defense. The Giants’ defense put up 7 of the 41 points.
Special Teams
John Carney was 2/2 in Field Goal Attempts. Domenik Hixon was solid returning Kickoffs and Punts. The Giants’ special teams put up 6 of the 41 points.
So the Giants won their first two games. Big Blue turned this one into a blow out. You would’ve never known how close this game was in the 4th Quarter by looking at the final score. Next on the schedule are the Cincinnati Bengals.
Week 2 PostGame: Giants 41 - Rams 13
The Giants kept the Rams in the game as they only held a 7 point lead early in the 4th Quarter before they put up 21 4th Quarter points giving the Jints their second win of the 2008 Regular Season.
1st Quarter
The Giants scored first on their second possession as Manning marched them 64 yards down the field, and then Eli Manning capped off the drive with a 33-yard Touch Down pass to a wide open Plaxico Burress in the middle of the end zone with 8:51 remaining.
2nd Quarter
The Rams scored on their second possession as well as Bulger marched them 77 yards down the field before Josh Brown made a 54-yard Field Goal Attempt with 14:13 remaining.
With 8:14 remaining, the Giants scored again on their third possession when John Carney made a 39-yard Field Goal Attempt.
Fred Robbins sacked Marc Bulger for a loss of 13 yards on 3rd and 8 with 6:54 remaining which led to a Rams punt.
On the Giants’ next possession, Howie Long’s son, Chris Long, got his first NFL sack when he sacked Eli Manning on 3rd and 8 for an 8-yard loss with 5:21 remaining.
Justin Tuck and Fred Robbins sacked Marc Bulger for a loss of 7 yards with 4:29 remaining.
Antonio Pierce joined the party by sacking Marc Bulger for a 9-yard loss with 3:14 remaining.
With 1:55 remaining, Josh Brown made a 54-yard Field Goal Attempt to cap off an 53 yard drive by the Rams.
When the Giants were in their 2:00 offense, John Carney drilled a 33-yard Field Goal Attempt with 0:02 remaining.
3rd Quarter
With 8:48 remaining, Eli Manning marched the Giants 97 yards down the field prior to throwing a 10-yard Touch Down pass to Amani Toomer who caught the ball with a man hanging on him in the middle of the end zone.
Victor Adeyanju sacked Eli Manning on 2nd and 17 for a loss of 8 yards with 1:49 remaining.
4th Quarter
Marc Bulger aired out a 45-yard Touch Down pass to Torry Holt who had to wrestle for the ball with Phillips in the end zone and came out the winner with 10:46 remaining.
With 7:18 remaining, Eli Manning countered the Rams’ 4th Quarter Touch Down with one of his own as he completed an 18-yard Touch Down pass to Ahmad Bradshaw on the right side, and Bradshaw ran down the right sideline and into the end zone.
Justin Tuck sacked Marc Bulger for a 6-yard loss with 7:09 remaining.
Marc Bulger had his pass batted down at the line by Justin Tuck who then caught it and returned it for a 46-yard Touch Down with 5:30 remaining.
With 3:23 remaining, Eli Manning handed the ball off to Ahmad Bradshaw who ran up the middle and to the left as he went untouched into the end zone for 31-yard Touch Down run.
Jay Alford sacked Marc Bulger for a loss of 7 yards with 3:06 remaining.
David Carr actually took over for Manning after the 2:00 Warning, and Carr took a few knees to wrap this game up.
Wrap Up
Eli Manning went 20/29 and threw for 260 yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTs.
Brandon Jacobs led in Rushing attempts and yards with 15 and 93 respectively.
Amani Toomer led in Receptions with 6, and Plaxico Burress led in Receiving yards with 81.
Ahmad Bradshaw had 1 TD Catch and 1 TD Run, Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress each had 1 TD Catch. Justin Tuck also had 1 defensive TD.
John Carney went 2/2 in Field Goal Attempts.
Michael Johnson led the team in Tackles with 5.
Fred Robbins and Justin Tuck each had 2 Sacks, and Antonio Pierce and Jay Alford each had 1 Sack.
Justin Tuck had 1 Interception.
The NFL.com Game Center: Post Game is attached.
Video: ESPN on Plaxico Burress’ New Contract
John Clayton of ESPN discusses Plaxico Burress‘ new contract extension and Dante Culpepper’s retirement.
Plaxico Burress Deal May Be Close
Ralph Vacchiano over at The Blue Screen pointed out that Drew Rosenhaus was in Albany today along with his brother Jason. Both of them were in town to try and wrap up Plaxico Burress‘ new deal. Drew said, “We’re still in discussions with the Giants and there’s nothing to report at this time. I’m sure we’ll spend the night talking with the Giants and into tomorrow. This is the third time we’ve been up here. We’re certainly working as hard as we can to get this done.” Vacchiano pointed out that, “Rosenhaus doesn’t usually swoop into town until it’s time to close a deal.” Then I can also argue that Rosenhaus thought they were close to a new deal three times already since he said has has been to Albany three times. Ralph also wrote that, “The Giants, wary of all the injuries Burress has suffered in the past year, were not willing to approach the Terrell Owens-like salaries their top receiver was demanding, and as a result the talks essentially broke off.” That took place a few weeks ago, but I believe the Giants have a right to be concerned with Plaxico’s injury. I can also point out that Burress wasn’t very productive in his first two seasons as a Giant. He had an outstanding third year on one leg so he gets tons of credit for that. The Giants could also argue that Burress should have 2 out of 3 good years to deserve a raise. After 3 years, how do you ask for a new contract where you didn’t play up to your capabilities for 2 out of 3 years? That doesn’t happen in the real world. Burress wasn’t the only one not living up to their potential prior to 2007 though. The Giants had a bunch of offensive weapons, and only Tiki delivered. As a fan, Plaxico disappointed me a lot in his first two seasons with the Giants so he had to deliver the way he did in 2007 to get some fans in his corner. If he continued to watch balls get intercepted when thrown his way in 2007 then he may have been run out of town with Shockey. I give him all the credit in the world for 2007, but it is only one year in terms of Giants years. Anyway, he may end up getting his deal tomorrow.
