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Posts Tagged ‘Plaxico Burress’

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Giants Suspend Burress For Remainder of Season

In New York Giants, Plaxico Burress on December 2, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Plaxico Burress most likely has played his last game with the New York Giants.

Plaxico Burress most likely has played his last game with the New York Giants.

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list by the team effectively ending his season.

Burress was suspended without pay for four games for conduct detrimental to the team for multiple and repeated violations of club rules, according to The New York Times.

The report indicates that the team physician believes that Burress would have been unable to play for at least four to six weeks in any event as a result of the gunshot wound that the wide receiver sustained.

Even without being placed on the non-football injury list, the earliest Burress would have been able to suit up for the Giants would have been in the divisional round of the playoffs and perhaps as late as the Super Bowl.

This is the second time this season the Giants have suspended Burress. He was suspended for 12 days, including a game against Seattle, because he missed team meetings without explanation.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin held him out of the first quarter of the Oct. 26 game against Pittsburgh because he missed treatment for an injury the day before.

Burress pulled his hamstring in the Giants’ win over Baltimore on Nov. 16. He aggravated the injury in the opening series the following week against Arizona and sat out the rest of that game.

The Giants, as required by league rules, listed Burress as inactive because of the hamstring injury the Friday afternoon before the game against Washington on Nov. 30.

Between the late evening hours of that Friday and early morning on Saturday, Burress’ gun incident occurred at a Manhattan night club.

Where Will The Giants Go From Here?

Domenik Hixon, Burress’ replacement throughout the season, has made the most of his opportunity. Hixon has made major contributions on offense in the four games in which Burress was out or missed significant playing time. He also has continued to make a significant impact on special teams.

Hixon was one of the keys in the Giants defeat of Arizona on Nov. 23.

Before this season, Hixon had started all but one game. This season, he has started two games. He will most likely be in the starting lineup for the rest of the season.

Quarterback Eli Manning has had stronger performances without Burress in the lineup this season. Against Washington last week, Manning completed five passes each to three different receivers and six receivers in total had a least one pass reception.

The Giants will rely more heavily on 13-year veteran Amani Toomer. In the game against Washington, Toomer was sometimes lined-up in the split end position which Burress usually occupies as the deep-threat.

Without Burress, Manning has completed more passes into the flat, the area of the field between the hash marks and the sideline near the line of scrimmage, to running back Derrick Ward. Tight end Kevin Boss has also been more involved in the passing game in the intermediate and middle area of the field.

Burress’ unavailability this season has not proved detrimental to the Giants passing game. In fact, the offense has performed more efficiently.

It remains to be seen what the long-term affects will be for the Giants without Burress on the field. As a deep-threat, Burress faced consistent double-teams, which provided single-coverage to other receivers.

So far this season, the Giants have able to maintain their offensive output. The team currently ranks No.4 in the league in offense.

Did The Giants Do The Right Thing in Suspending Burress?

As the Giants look to secure the No. 1 playoff seed in the NFC, the team’s swift and immediate suspension of Burress will allow the rest of the players to return their focus to football.

Injury, retirement, trade, and suspension has failed to slow down the Giants’ momentum this season.

The team has compiled an 11-1 record with injuries to Osi Umenyiora, Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and James Butler, the retirement of Michael Strahan, and the trade of Jeremy Shockey.

Will Burress’ suspension prove to be too much to overcome for the Giants? The team’s continued success in the face of adversity would indicate otherwise.

As much as he was a distraction off the field, Burress connected with Manning for more touchdowns than any other quarterback-receiver combination in the NFL from 2005-07.

Will Manning miss the 6-foot-5 Burress, who was his favorite target, who would jump ever so high into the sky to pull down passes in the end zone? Maybe late in the playoffs, Manning will miss his reliable receiver.

The only thing more certain is that Burress most likely has played his final game in a Giants uniform.

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New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg Jumping the Gun

In Michael Bloomberg, National Football League, New York Giants, Plaxico Burress on December 2, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Michael Bloomberg should withhold comment until the facts come out.

Michael Bloomberg should withhold comment until the facts come out.

Is there really a genuine reason why New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg had to get in front of the television cameras about the Plaxico Burress accidental gun-shooting incident?

He’s let everyone have a mayoral tongue-lashing—Burress, the New York Giants front office, the National Football League, the hospital, doctors, and nurses that treated Burress’ injury, the guy selling roasted nuts in front of City Hall, and just about anyone within arm’s reach.

Where was Bloomberg on his soap box when his Wall Street pals and cronies were shafting and bankrupting America with their bad mortgage-backed securities?

Bloomberg got in front of the TV cameras to score political brownie points.

Nothing speaks louder to John Q. Citizen walking the mean city streets than the big, bad mayor standing up to one of the many out of control and spoiled athletes that all the denizens happen to adore.

Burress needs to be prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law.” Burress is “a sports hero.” Burress is “both a public figure and a role model.”

“If we don’t prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law, I don’t know who on Earth we would,” Bloomberg said.

“It makes a sham, a mockery of the law. And it’s pretty hard to argue the guy didn’t have a gun and that it wasn’t loaded. You’ve got bullet holes in and out to show that it was there.”

Mayor, can we wait for all of the facts to come out before you speak your piece less than 24 hours after the incident?

A little more than 72 hours after wards, we still don’t know all the details.

What’s wrong with doing the mayoral thing and calling for reason, calm, to not hastily rush to judgment?

The New York Giants and the NFL are working with the proper authorities and conducting a fact-finding investigation.

Meanwhile, the mayor’s office is playing ringleader to the media’s circus (that of course, includes the mayor’s very own Bloomberg media company).

Today, after a moment to reflect, he’s not contrite whatsoever. In fact, he’s quoted as saying, “I don’t have nothing to apologize for. The law is the law.”

The mayor is obviously right about that, and no one deserves special treatment. But, Burress will have his day in court.

This shouldn’t be played out on television without all the facts. Last I heard, people aren’t formally tried in the court of public opinion.

Investigators need to do their jobs and not feel pressure from the mayor’s office to draw conclusions as they investigate.

This isn’t just harmless tough-talk from Bloomberg, his verbosity can actually jeopardize the case against Burress.

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Domenik Hixon: The Anti-Plaxico Burress

In Domenik Hixon, New York Giants on December 1, 2008 at 3:14 am
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon has come up big in the absence of troubled star Plaxico Burress.

New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon has come up big in the absence of troubled star Plaxico Burress.

In the face of the latest controversy surrounding the team’s star wide receiver, the New York Giants dominated the Washington Redskins less than 48 hours after Plaxico Burress shot himself accidentally in a Manhattan night club.

This is why the Giants are the reigning Super Bowl champions. This is why they will be difficult to stop this season.

No team is better at handling adversity—whether it’s controversy or injury.

No team is steadier in the face of difficulty or success—whether they’re down by a score late in a contest or building a three-game lead in the division.

The Giants are made up of players that embody the team’s collective ethos.

During college, Giants wide receiver, punt returner, and kickoff returner Domenik Hixon accepted a position switch from safety to wide receiver because it helped the team. It was that type of attitude that attracted the Giants to him during the NFL draft.

He would be selected in the fourth-round by the Denver Broncos, but when he was waived after only four games last season, the Giants immediately picked him up.

While Burress has tried his best to get kicked off the team, Hixon has made the most of the vacancy and has excelled.

When Burress was suspended for a game against the Seattle Seahawks, Hixon had a game high 102 yards receiving on four catches, including a touchdown and a 41-yard pass reception.

When Burress was sidelined due to injury early in the game against the Arizona Cardinals, Hixon racked up 269 all-purpose yards, including 180 yards on three kickoff returns.

This Sunday, Hixon came up big again in place of Burress, catching five passes for 71 yards against the Redskins, in a pivotal game against a division rival on the road.

He returned kickoffs for the first time last week and he’s been a solid punt returner this season. Hixon has been a standout on special teams coverage as well. He made two tackles on punt coverage last Sunday and leads the team with nine solo tackles on special teams.

Hixon has accepted all of his roles on the team.

Until this season, Hixon was remembered for a collision with Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett, which nearly killed Everett. The experience left him deeply shaken. His production suffered and he was released by the Broncos. He was in danger of never playing football again.

And now Hixon is making the most of his opportunity with the Giants.

It’s unclear what the future holds for Hixon or Burress this season. Or next season for that matter.

Right now, Hixon is a starting wide receiver on the best team in football.

For a team known for its resiliency, Hixon is right at home.

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Plaxico Burress’ Last Shot With The New York Giants

In New York Giants, Plaxico Burress on November 30, 2008 at 4:54 pm

New York Giants star receiver Plaxico Burress' days with the team may be numbered.

New York Giants star receiver Plaxico Burress' days with the team may be numbered.

Unfortunately for the New York Giants, Plaxico Burress has made more of a blast in the New York tabloids than on the football field this season. As we all know by now, Burress sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a Manhattan nightclub.

It can turn out to be the star wide receiver’s last shot with the Giants.

New York’s gun control laws are the strictest in the country. Charges will almost certainly be filed.

As the Giants noted in a press release: “This incident could become a matter for law enforcement officials, and because of that, we have no comment on any of the details.”

The Giants have maintained an understated focus this season. In light of several distractions, injuries, and changes in player personnel, the team has put together an impressive 10-1 record going into Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins.

The Giants are an organization that is historically conservative, that looks to keep clear from player controversy.

Burress has been the exception.

This last off-season, he was fined $25,000 for not practicing during a mandatory mini-camp.

He was suspended for the game against the Seattle Seahawks and fined $117,500 for missing a team meeting.

He was fined $45,000 by the NFL for his conduct during the game against the San Francisco 49ers for verbally abusing an official.

How will the Giants handle this?

The players are saying they are more concerned about Burress’ health. The team has won without Burress this season. Right now, these diversions don’t seem to matter.

Burress had an outstanding performance in the Giants’ NFC championship game win against the Green Bay Packers. He caught the pass for the winning touchdown in the team’s Super Bowl victory against the New England Patriots. All of this despite playing on an injured ankle.

Burress signed a five-year, $35 million contract hours before the season began. His production this season has been disappointing. Now his troubles have reached beyond football and has caught up to him in his personal life.

The Giants have dealt with all of the distractions. The team has rid itself of players that do not fit its philosophy of a team concept in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When a player generates negative attention, it undermines the integrity of the team.

It’s very likely that Burress’ playing career for the Giants may have sustained a fatal self-inflicted wound.

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Jeremy Causing Shockey Waves

In Eli Manning, Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants on November 25, 2008 at 9:56 pm

New Orleans Saints players Jonathan Vilma and Jeremy Shockey, left, share a laugh during the morning practice session at the New Orleans Saints football training camp at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, July 26 2008. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

New Orleans Saints players Jonathan Vilma and Jeremy Shockey, left, share a laugh during the morning practice session at the New Orleans Saints football training camp at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, July 26 2008. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Can’t really say I told you so.

The New Orleans Saints will continue to pay the price for trading for tight end Jeremy Shockey.

They’re paying the price because they’re stuck with a malcontent player who’s quit.

What’s worse is that this trade will send shock waves into next season, as well.

What happened on the sidelines this past Sunday is the least of the worries for Saints fans.

The Saints can lose their first-round pick in next year’s draft to the Giants. And not even have Shockey playing for them next year on top of that.

Trade Rumors Intensify

Back in July when the Saints acquired Shockey for a second and a fifth-round draft pick in ‘09, many New York Giants fans, including myself, weren’t sure about the trade.

Shockey was one of the most popular players on the Giants with fans—you’d go to a game and half the fans were wearing No. 80 jerseys.

Some players were adamantly opposed to the trade—wide receiver Plaxico Burress said, according to the Newark Star-Ledger, “The guy walks on the field and he demands a double-team. Before he even straps it up and goes out to play, he’s already made the team better. Him going to New Orleans, he makes them one of the best offenses in the league.”

Who couldn’t like the guy after you’d see him dragging defenders along for an extra 10-15 yards after a catch? In six seasons with the Giants, he went to four Pro Bowls, had 371 catches for 4,228 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was a devastating run blocker.

So what if he was a bit of a head case?

Shockey Goes Down, All Hell Breaks Lose

Bear with me as I digress.

He goes down for the season in Week 15 last year against the Washington Redskins. They lose the game and the Giants are desperately needing a win to qualify for a playoff berth. Their two remaining games are at the Buffalo Bills and against the undefeated New England Patriots.

The improbable happens.

A shaky Eli Manning begins to emerge as a leader and his confidence seemingly grows more and more each week. Offensive players not only pick up the slack for the fallen Shockey, they excel. They go on to win a Super Bowl—as a wild card with all their games on the road and as heavy underdogs.

Shockey’s Self-Imposed Exile

Throughout this time, Shockey basically separates himself from the team. He wasn’t on the sidelines during the Super Bowl, he didn’t attend the victory parade, and he wasn’t at the ceremony for the unveiling of the rings.

Shockey grows more bitter with each passing remark that the Giants don’t need him. He doesn’t feel loved.

Things sour. The Saints check on Shockey’s availability during the NFL draft. Despite all the contentious things said in the media, Giants general manager Jerry Reese declines the trade.

I can understand why. The Giants had five young tight ends. With Shockey, you have a proven commodity on the field.

But, things really sour. Four months later, Reese picks up the phone and pulls the trigger.

The Saints Get Their Man, And So Much More

It’s widely considered at the time that the Giants settled—the picks weren’t enough compensation for an all-pro tight end.

The Saints, on the other hand, were now one of the sexy pre-season picks to vie for a Super Bowl.

Oh well.

It just seems like everything’s going right for the Giants.

Not so much for the Saints.

Saints Pay a Steep Price for Shockey

Sitting at 4-5 after a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, they’re looking up at every team in the NFC South standings. The cracks are beginning to show.

During the game’s broadcast, cameras caught quarterback Drew Brees yelling at Shockey on the sidelines. According to reports, Shockey apparently isn’t finishing running his routes and that’s why Brees had a few choice words for him.

Sound familiar Giants fans?

I’m somewhat shocked. The potential for this trade to backfire for the Saints was always present because Shockey is highly volatile and his ego gets in the way. At the same time, because he’s got such a big ego, I thought he’d work hard to prove the Giants wrong.

Reports say that, because Shockey’s price tag will spike to more than $3 million next year, he might not get the chance to stay in New Orleans after this season, as they look to dump the salary.

Suddenly it now looks like the Saints paid a steep price with those two picks. With each Saints loss, the picks move higher up the draft board. Meanwhile, the Giants are arguably the best team in the NFL, have an 8-1 record, and will only get better next year because of the extra selections.

To make matters worse, there’s an outside chance that the Giants could get the Saints’ first-round pick instead of the second.

How the Saints Can Lose Next Year’s First-Round Pick to the Giants

In getting linebacker Jonathan Vilma from the New York Jets, the Saints are required to give up a second-round pick if he participates in 85 percent of the defensive plays and if he’s signed to a contract extension. Since the Saints can’t trade two second-round picks they don’t have, the Giants get New Orleans’ first-round pick instead of the second and fifth-round pick.

Who knew that Shockey’s injury would prove so beneficial for the Giants last year?

Who knew that it would continue to reverberate into this season, as well as, send shock waves into next year?

Maybe, ultimately, Jerry Reese did.