Rex Ryan Shows Off Plaxico and New Tattoo in Jets Training Camp

Plaxico Burress made his big debut in New York Jets green today, but his arrival in training camp was not as big as the prominent new tattoo gracing head coach Rex Ryan's right leg.  It looks like Ryan used his down time, during the lockout this summer, to get his calf inked with what looks like Japanese artwork-- maybe a dragon or a serpent.

Burress, the ex-New York Giants Super Bowl hero appeared on the sidelines of the Jets Florham Park training camp this afternoon.  The ex-con, who signed a one-year $3.017 million contract with Gang Green on Saturday, cannot participate in practice until Thursday due to the new labor rules.

The controversial Burress, who always expressed a desire to play under Ryan, must have really meant what he said.  The wide-out appeared at the facility three days before he can even run drills.

It's been over two years since the 33 year-old Burress has touched a football in an NFL surrounding but says he is in good shape.

Burress, who will wear his old No. 17-- Braylon Edwards' number-- was even given an additional $17,000 by the Jets because of his connection to the number.

Eli Manning's Silence About Plaxico Burress Spoke Volumes

It looks like Plaxico Burress found a fly in his soup during last night's dinner meeting with Tom Coughlin-- and that fly's name might be Eli Manning.

Burress can cook up every reason in the book to explain why he spurned the New York Giants for their Meadowlands cellmates--I mean stadium-mates--the New York Jets, but the absence of any public support from Manning down the stretch might have swung Burress's decision from Big Blue to Gang Green.

If the Giants quarterback is still blaming Burress, and his arrest for gun possession, for costing the team the 2008 season and Manning's chance to get back-to-back Super Bowl titles, he's barking up the wrong goal post.  Ironically, Manning's lack of vocal support for the return of his one-time favorite target could cost him this season as well.

The Giants team is getting old and, now that the Philadelphia Eagles have buffed up their defensive backfield-- with the signing of DB-extraordinaire, Nnamdi Asomugha-- and the uncertain return of receiver Steve Smith to the Giants, the loss of Burress may have just given a huge advantage to the Eagles in their two division game match-ups.

 Coughlin seemed friendlier than a flair-covered waiter at Bennigan's, leading up to his dinner with Burress, while Manning played the snobby waiter at a French bistro.

All week Roethlisberger openly campaigned for Burress' return to the Pittsburgh Steelers.   Manning only mumbled a few standard comments.

"You just don't want distractions," said Manning.  "Distractions, whatever they may be, can hurt a team.  If you're spending your time concerned about something else, bringing your attention away from the opponent on your preparation, that's considered a distraction."

I tell you what distraction is Eli.  Distraction is being asked 'Why didn't you lobby harder for Burress' about five-thousand times this week and looking for a top-notch wide-out in the fourth quarter this season.

Make no mistake, Manning supports Burress' second chance and even made a call to his former wide-out while he was in prison, but hasn't bothered to jump on the "We Want Plax" bandwagon.

By all accounts, the meeting with Coughlin went swimmingly.  The head coach was smiling yesterday and put it bluntly, "The meeting went well."

Not well enough, as Burress's "fully-guaranteed," one-year deal for $3.017 million with the Jets the next day will attest.

Let's give Manning the benefit of a doubt.  Maybe the silent treatment wasn't such a bad idea.  I don't remember Jets quarterback, Mark Sanchez, standing in Times Square singing a tribute to the ex-con and look where Burress ended up.

"I never really lobbied for anybody," said Manning before the meeting.  "So if this is the right spot for Plaxico, if the Giants and Coach Coughlin are pleased with his attitude and after talking to him, then [I'm] happy to have him."

In the end, here's what Manning's silence about signing Burress said.

No distractions.  Burress' return to the Giants will disrupt an already shortened training camp.  It's about the team, not one player.

Why all the fuss over a soon to be (August 12)  34 year-old receiver who hasn't played a down in 2 1/2 years?

How is a guy who was never a fan of Coughlin's discipline and structured system going to feel about  routine after almost two full years in lockup?  Does the prison stint help Burress cope with Coughlin's Captain Bligh act?

Finally, Manning doesn't want to insult his current group of receivers.  After all, he threw for over 4,000 yards last year and has two Pro Bowl-caliber wide-outs in Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks.  Joined by Mario Manningham, Manning believes he has the nucleus of a solid receiving corp.

"I like our receivers here, I think we have a great crew, very talented, they work hard," he said.  "Can you have too many good receivers?  No, I don't think so.  I'm going about my business and preparing for myself.

Hey, everybody wanted little Eli to man up and be more assertive--so there you go.

Maybe Burress would have picked the Giants if Manning took the time to drop a dime or, just maybe, Coughlin put that fly in the soup.

Tony Dungy and Justin Tuck Think Giants Would Be Good Fit For Plaxico

It looks like Plaxico Burress' two former teams, the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers, are the front runners for the talented wideout's services this season.  Former Colts head coach, Tony Dungy,  said New York would be a " great home" for Burress' new start.

The New York Daily News reported that Dungy believes, if Burress and Giants head coach Tom Coughlin can put aside their past differences, New York would be the ideal fit for the 33 year-old Burress second go-round in the NFL.

Dungy, acting as Burress' mentor, said his charge needs a "good support system" to get back on track and the troubled wideout already has built a strong foundation with the team owners, Steve Tisch and John Mara.

"I think Mr. Tisch, Mr. Mara, he has a good relationship with them," said Dungy.  And he has a great, great relationship with a lot of the other players that are still there."

Giants defensive captain Justin Tuck agrees. He believes the two men can hammer out their differences.

"Anytime you have a dispute between two people, both people need to talk it out like men," said Tuck.  I think that's what we have on schedule, so we'll see what happens."

It looks like Burress' affection for Rex Ryan and the Jets has faded and now Burress is set to meet with the Giants tomorrow night before heading to Pittsburgh for a meeting with Mike Tomlin and the Steelers.

"I think [the Giants] would be a great kind of family organization for him," said Dungy.

The Giants have already reached out to Burress, even after he was let go by the team for his 2008 arrest for gun possession, subsequent conviction and stint in prison.

Mara drove up to the upstate New York correctional center to pay Burress a visit behind bars and quarterback Eli Manning was one of the first players to welcome his former-favorite target back after his release this spring.

Manning must be drooling at the prospect of throwing to Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and possibly Burress.  Can you say Air Eli?

Now Burress has to bury the hatchet with his former coach and antagonist, the disciplinarian Coughlin.

I can only imagine how Friday's night meeting will go.  It's hard to imagine how Burress, just released from almost two years in stir, is going to thrive under the strict Coughlin.  It's like going from life under one prison warden to a head coach who is sometimes called one.

Forget the steak and potatoes, the real main dish on Friday night's dinner table is the thousands of dollars in fines, benching and two-week suspension for a rules violation handed down to Plax by Coughlin in the past.

Can Burress abide by Coughlin's tough love rules and avoid the suspensions and fines he accrued in the past?  Until last week, there was a perception that Coughlin didn't even want Burress back, now they are breaking bread together.

The "mellower" Coughlin just signed a one year extension to his contract and the Giants are notorious for not releasing a coach during the final year of a deal so, if this relationship gets stormy again, the old man isn't going anywhere.

The post NFL lockout has left teams scrambling for stability.  The Giants are familiar with Burress and Burress still has a veteran's knowledge of the Giants playbook. 

To Dungy, familiarity will be important to Burress' comeback.

"People need to understand that it is a little bit different," said Dungy.  "It's not just kind of like a free-agent coming into your team.  He has to regrow and redevelop.  You just want that support there, and I think the Giants would be one of the good teams for that."

Whether or not the Giants become Burress' halfway house to resuming a life on the outside remains to be seen.  Maybe the Giants just want to keep Burress' slim chance of hooking up with another "second-chancer," Michael Vick and division rival the Philadelphia Eagles at bay?

It won't be easy for Burress in New York.  You'll probably see more photos of Burress on the street than on the field and night out at a restaurant will be in every gossip page in New York.  Even if people don't hit the floor every time he reaches into his sweatpants pockets, every paparazzi will hit their camera shutter release.

How those scenarios fit into Dungy's theory is speculative at best.  Maybe New York isn't he best place to quietly return to society. 

The Giants team leaders don't think so and have given Burress a vote of confidence.  Manning confirmed speaking with Burress about coming back.

"I don't know what's going to happen with that," said Manning.  "I know he and coach Coughlin might meet sometime.  We'll just see what happens after that."

Tuck says Burress would be welcomed back by everyone.

"I can't speak for Coughlin or Plax," said the defensive end.  "It's well documented they've bumped heads in the past.  Hopefully a little time apart has rekindled the love they share for each other."

Wow.  The words 'Coughlin, Plax and rekindled love' in a quote.  I'm going to tear up.

Eli Manning: Giants Would Take Back Ex-Con Plaxico Over Ex-TV Host Tiki

Eli Manning was asked if the New York Giants players had to chose between former Giants wide-out Plaxico Burress or former running back Tiki Barber returning to the team, the Giants quarterback said he believes the recently released ex-con, Burress, would be more readily accepted than the ex-"Today" show reporter.

According to the New York Post, Manning, speaking on the Dan Patrick Show, claimed Barber slammed the door on his Giants career when he bolted the team for a career in broadcasting.

Even though there is little chance either Burress or Barber will return to the team, Manning said at least Plax chipped in by catching the winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLII and the Giants players have long and heartfelt memories of the victory and Burress' part in it.

Manning thinks Burress stands a better chance of joining the G-Men; even after a 20-month stint in the joint.


"Probably Plaxico just because he has fonder memories of winning a Super Bowl and that catch for the touchdown in Super Bowl XLII," said Manning.  "Tiki ended on a bad note and it's really a shame, he should be remembered as a great Giants running back and a terrific player, because he was.  Just kind of the way he went out and burned a few bridges with the fans and kind of went after me a little bit, it's unfortunate.  I'm not happy about it in that sense, so I think Plaxico would probably be welcomed back a little quicker."

Neither former-Giant was ever considered a team player and both players couldn't keep their opinions of head coach Tom Coughlin to themselves.  Burress was mainly prone to missing team meetings but is still dissing the old disciplinarian Coughlin, even after his release from prison.

Barber, meanwhile criticized Coughlin, even though the taskmaster helped the running back with his "fumblitis."  Barber went on to have his best seasons because of Coughlin's adjustments of the running back's flawed mechanics.  Grateful is apparently not in Barber's vocabulary.

Barber's worst transgression was criticizing a young Manning before announcing his retirement in the out of nowhere in the middle of the season.  Barber's self-promoting stunt stunned the Giants players and alienated Big Blue fans from the grinning back for good.

Barber claimed Manning's leadership skills were lacking and called them "comical."  

Manning didn't take kindly to the remarks and called Barber's premature announcement a distraction to the team.  The counter punch at Barber raised Manning's esteem and his profile with the veteran players.

"When I kind of responded, I think guys kind of liked to see that from me, since I've always been pretty quiet and never really tried to create any controversy," said Manning.  " I just felt this was a little different.  This wasn't a media guy or reporter attacking me, this was a teammate coming after me...but I couldn't sit there and do nothing."

After Barber's verbal attack on Manning, the proud QB didn't just do nothing.  He went on to win a Super Bowl that Barber could only watch from his living room.

Plaxico Burress' Custom-Made Chopper Has Philadelphia Eagles Hue

After spending 20 months cooped up in an up-state New York prison, Plaxico Burress, the former-NFL wide-out was probably more than ready to hit the open road on his custom-made motorcycle, yesterday.  Curiously, the green and silver-flamed chopper has an uncanny resemblance to a Philadelphia Eagles helmet.

One day after his release from the Oneida Correctional Facility, Burress spent time with his family at their home in Light House Point, Fla., before getting his Easy Rider on.

A lot has been made about where Burress could end up playing once, or when,  the NFL lockout ends.  Much chatter has Burress joining another convicted felon, Michael Vick, on the Philadelphia Eagles.

When the former- New York Giant walked out of prison on Monday morning , he was sporting a Philadelphia Phillies baseball cap.  It had people speculating about whether or not it was a subtle hint as to what city he wants to resume his football career in.  Burress has said nothing except he is ready to play once again.

Just about every NFL team is in the hunt for Burress's game-breaking services but the front-runners look like the Eagles,  St. Louis Rams or Miami Dolphins.

Burress caught the game-winning touchdown in the Giants 2008 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots nine months before he was arrested for accidentally shooting himself inside a Manhattan nightclub.

Burress looked fit while showing off his fully tricked-out Harley with it's Eagles color-scheme.

Coincidence?  I'd be more comfortable seeing his scooter decked out in Giants blue with red trim.

The NFL lockout prevents Burress from talking with any teams right now, but if he signs with the Dolphins; Burress can tool around on his V-twin ride year round.  Then again, if he joins the Eagles, Burress' two-wheeler won't need a new paint job.

Plaxico Sports New Phillies Cap After Release From Jail And It Means Nothing

Plaxico Burress is planning to play in the NFL, but only after getting to spend lost time with his family.  The former-New York Giant's was headed home to Florida to hold his daughter who was born during Burress' 20-month prison sentence.  Burress sported a brand new Philadelphia Phillies baseball cap when he walked out of the gates of the Onieda Correctional Facility on Monday morning and it got people wondering about it's significance.

The first person to greet Burress was his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who jumped into his client's arms during his walk to freedom.  Rosenhaus told reporters there were a lot of NFL teams interested in Burress' services.

"I just want to thank God for bringing me through one of the most trying times in my life," said Burress.  "It's a beautiful day to be reunited with my family.  I want to go home and spend quality time with them."

Burress has a wife and two daughters living in Florida.

The NFL lockout prevents Rosenhaus from speaking with any teams , but expect quite a few to take a chance on Burress; who was considered one of the top NFL wide-outs before he was sent to prison for a gun charge in 2009.

The 34 year-old was released by the Giants after his November 2008 arrest for shooting himself in the thigh outside a New York City nightclub.

The Giants later reached out to Burress while he was locked up.  Owner John Mara visited his former player in prison last year and Giants quarterback, Eli Manning made a public statement last month saying he would welcome back one of his favorite targets.

Burress, who caught the winning touchdown in the Giants last minute Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots in 2007, will be on parole for two years.  One of the stipulations of parole is getting work.  That should be no problem for a high-caliber wide-out, unless the lockout shuts down the season.  Most teams will be lining up for the services of Burress, even though he is not in game shape.  The lockout means most NFL players aren't in game shape either.

The Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams and Philadelphia Eagles all seem like logical fits and front-runners for a game-breaker like Burress.  Rams coach Steve Spagnuola worked with Burress when they were both with the Giants.

Right now every one is concluding that Burress might be joining another ex-con, Michael Vick, in Philly.  Burress' transition back to football will be a little less controversial than Vick's.  Burress won't face the protests and scorn Vick endured when he rejoined the NFL after his conviction for animal cruelty.  Burress' crime was onto himself.

Burress is anxious get back on the field.  "As far as football is concerned, if and when everything gets settled, when they get back on the field, I'll be ready," he said this morning.

Eagles fans shouldn't get too excited about the symbolism of the Phillies cap.  Remember, LeBron James was spotted many times, and criticized for it, flaunting a New York Yankees hat like it was a Miss USA crown right before he was a free-agent.  Knick fans took that hat as a sure sign that King James was headed to Madison Square Garden. 

Little did they realize, it was just a hat.

Eli Reaches Out To Plaxico: Ex-Giant Goes From Lockdown To Lockout

Plaxico Burress is on course be released as scheduled from an upstate New York prison on June 6 and the former-Giants player has a big supporter in Eli Manning.  The Giants quarterback believes his former-wide receiver has paid his dues and could still be a productive member of an NFL team.

Too bad for Burress the labor dispute between the NFL owners and the NFLPA has dragged on and is in it's third month of stalled talks.  The freed Burress could be going from lockdown to a lockout.

The Giants aren't the only team showing interest in the rangy wide-receiver.  The New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens have also expressed interest in talking with Burress.

Manning, who threw 25 interceptions and had to deal with injuries to his two top receivers Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith, thinks the Giants would gladly welcome Burress back to the Meadowlands.  After all, the Giants owner John Mara paid a visit to Burress while he was in stir last year.

"I think the Giants will still look hard into that," said Manning.  "Obviously, he knows our system.  It hasn't changed."

The Giants' system will be a welcome change from the "system" Burress is getting freed from.

Burress caught the winning touchdown pass from Manning in the 17-14 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.  Later that year, in November 2008, Burress was arrested for accidentally shooting himself in the leg outside a New York City nightclub with a gun tucked in his waistband.

The talented, but troubled, Burress will be released after serving 20 months of a two-year sentence for a gun possession charge.  He becomes an unrestricted free-agent after he is sprung from prison.

Manning, who has been working out with Giants players at a Hoboken high school, is hopeful for the 34 year-old Burress's return to a normal life.

"Obviously, he's served his time, plus some," said Manning.  "To throw him into the mix would be a good thing.  I'm looking for him to get back into football."

Do Giants Want Plax Back?

By Tony Mangia

BURRESS APPLIES FOR WORK RELEASE AGAIN

Reports that ex-New York Giant, Plaxico Burress, may be released from prison before the NFL season begins could be more fantasy league than reality television. Even if the troubled wide receiver, serving time for felony gun charges, is released on a work release program, chances are slimmer than the 6'5" Super Bowl XLII hero himself that he'll play a down this season. The NFL has stated that if Burress is granted work release with a waiver his suspension from the league would be lifted.

Burress' attorney, Peter Frankel, said he filed a second application for work release a month ago and claims that his client is "hopeful" of an early discharge but the New York State of Corrections stated that the 33 year-old Burress will not be granted any special privileges. Frankel said Burress is hoping to get the work release with the added benefit of a waiver; which allows him to travel with a team on weekends. A spokesperson for the Oneida Correctional facility (Plax's temporary home since September 2009) said that in general, inmates given work release must perform community service type work Monday through Friday in New York. They also made it clear that a waiver is a rare occasion but not impossible. Frankel seems to be soft-stepping the subject and isn't screaming for his client's release. "He still has a year left on his sentence," Frankel affirmed, "It's completely up to the Corrections Department."

Would the respectable and proper Giants, who are looking optimistically at third place in the tough NL East division and an 8-8 overall record, take a shot (no pun) at Burress---the man who caused the club so many headaches in the past? Burress routinely ignored team rules and the veterans have long memories. This upcoming year will be a real test for the Giants and taking back a player they emphatically distanced themselves from might be a stretch although, GM Jerry Reese hasn't discounted the return of Burress. "We leave all our options open," he said.

Too Many Other Giant Problems

There are many questions involving Big Blue's defense...again and the offensive line is getting older and more injury-prone. Running back Brandon Jacobs is slowly morphing into Ron Dayne. He dives under his blockers asses and can't be counted on in short yardage situations like in the past. The running game--once a Giant's strength--is now ordinary and suspect.

Their passing game has become more instrumental to the Giants O, but Eli Manning still carries that befuddled look on his face too many times. Manning misses his once favorite playmaker Burress, but has managed to turn the "other" Steve Smith into his new go-to wide receiver. If Smith can equal his 100 reception season of last year, Plax is fleeting thought. Smith is complimented by capable game-breaker Dominik Hixon and Signorice Moss.

Burress was released by the Giants in April 2009 after accidently shooting himself in the thigh while entering the Latin Quarter nightclub in Manhattan. A year and a half lay-off makes it hard to believe he could play a meaningful season or help the Giants team at all.

Plaxico Burress is a talented and troubled man. He has vowed to play again. Prison time could makes a man think hard and long about his past. Burress is now thinking third and long about his future. There are probably a dozen NFL teams---besides the Raiders, of course---that would snatch him up immediately. They just might have to wait until his official release date of June 6, 2011 to start the Welcome Back Plax circus.

SHORT JABS

No Thanks, I'll Take the Cash

A Yankee security guard caught Alex Rodriguez's 600th home run ball...and gave it back. A-Rod's 500th went for $103,000, so this tainted milestone could have fetched more. In the last few weeks, the Yankee organization was promising the lucky fan who caught the 600th dinger an autographed ball and jersey and...get this...dinner with Mr. Ego himself and Cameron Diaz. I can imagine that meal, A-Rod alternately looking at his watch and admiring his reflection in a spoon while the annoying Diaz sprays chewed up food all over the table as she guffawed and tells everyone she isn't dating the Yankee.

Josh Beckett is Still a Punk

Like to see Red Sox pitcher, Josh Beckett still taking on all comers, especially with a gang of four backing him up. At Monday's Sox-Indians brawl--- Kevin Youklis, Mike Cameron, Dustin Pedroia, and Jacoby Ellsburg all backed the pitcher...and all four are on the DL thus avoiding suspensions--on a technicality-- for players jumping into a fray. All were fined.

He Was Trying to Beat the Shot Clock

The other day in court of law, former Knick coach and current University of Louisville coach, Rick Pitino had to recount in detail about his "15-second" sexual encounter with a woman on trial for allegedly extorting him. Pitino said he didn't use a condom and the woman claims she got pregnant. Maybe, with foreplay, it would have lasted as long as a TV Time Out.