Giants GM unsure of Plax's future with Team

In the last four weeks of the 2008 season, the New York Giants were 1-3, losing two games to two division rivals. Then with one week bye before their first playoff game against the Eagles, they lost in a bad showing, with no offense at all. During those last 4 regular season games and the one playoff game, the G-men were without their # 1 wide receiver Plaxico Burress. Burress was suspended by the team for an incident where Burress shot himself on his right thigh (accidentally) at a night club. It was clear that without Burress, the G-men had no real air threat because defenses had them all locked up and disrupted Eli Manning (throwing only 3 TD’s in the final 5 games). Their running game was there (Ward ran for 215 yds against the Panthers), but you can’t always rely on the run. Overall, Plaxico Burress was a real threat for all defenses and when he was suspended, the team suffered losing their last 3 out 4 games in the season. Then they ultimately lost to the Eagles in the playoffs where the Giants only scored 11 points in the entire game (3 field goals & a safety and scoreless in the 4th quarter). It was clear that without the Plax, there was no real offense for the team. It showed how valuable Burress was to the team.

Giants GM Jerry Reese expressed at the NFL Combine, that he would like to see Burress back with the team, but wasn’t sure if it would happen. “I hope he's motivated, but the legal process is what's most important right now and his health is what's most important right now,” Reese said. “But we'll prepare as if he's not going to be here, and if he is, it's a bonus.” That’s a good message to Burress. It’s a very (if you’re there great, if not…O well, forget you) type of feeling towards him.

Plaxico’s agent Drew Rosenhaus has told the Giant’s that Burress wants to be traded. Really? Why, because he was suspended for his actions by the Giants? Come on, what would a team do if they had a WR who had some brushes with bad incidents with the team. This wasn’t Plaxico’s first “opps” moment. The guy had restraining orders against him in 2008, he owes money to people, and he had some incidents with Coach Coughlin as well for being late and not following team policies. The guy has trouble following him all over. Why do you think the Steelers let him go? On game day, he does his job I’ll give him that, but all his troubles hurt the team’s locker room. It has to suck being asked about Plaxico’s current issue every time after a win or loss. It’s really annoying after awhile being asked the same question by reporter after reporter. It hurts the locker room and the team’s chemistry. I think the Giant’s should trade him away for a draft pick(s) or something. They can draft a WR in the draft in the later rounds (2nd or 3rd) if they see themselves without Burress next season. I think he might not be back. If he does come back I will be surprised. How much more can Coughlin take of this? He’s a no nonsense type of guy.

Do I feel bad for the guy? No, not really. I think when you’re an athlete who has gone to college and have been educated; you can make good decisions on your own. You know right from wrong and are responsible enough in life to see that. The guy can’t even pay for his debts and there simple petty debts not sums of $10,000 or anything. Simple as in around $500 worth, which I think he can afford (don’t know his financial situation, but I think he’s doing fine). The guy had warnings from Coach Coughlin and even had to pay fines more than once for being late to meetings or not showing up at all. When will the message get across to him? If he had only had the safety on, we wouldn’t be here right now.