NFL FanHouse

Plaxico Burress: People Talked About Kordell Stewart Being Gay, I Don't Know If He Is

Michael David Smith — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, Steelers, NFL Media Watch, New York, Pittsburgh

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress has a new book out in which he addresses the rumors that his former teammate with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kordell Stewart, is gay.

Burress says that while he doesn't personally know or care if Stewart is gay, he does think that the rumors affected Stewart. From Pro Football Talk:

"People were talking about [Kordell] being gay," Burress writes in Chapter 5. "The players heard that, but we never talked about it. I don't know if Kordell is gay or not. It was none of our business. If ever we would have talked about it, it would have made everybody uncomfortable. If some player was gay, I don't think he could come out while he was still playing. It would be real hard. It would mess a team up mentally and it wouldn't be good for that person."

If Burress is right that a player couldn't come out while he was active in the NFL, that's a sad commentary on the NFL. I'd like to think that we're enlightened enough as a society that in most workplaces, coming out to a co-worker wouldn't be a big deal. Burress seems to think NFL locker rooms are among our society's least-enlightened workplaces, and I fear he's right.

Plaxico Burress: People Talked About Kordell Stewart Being Gay, I Don't Know If He Is originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just in Case You'd Like Visual Proof That Joey Chestnut Really Loves Hot Dogs

Ryan Wilson — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Action Sports, Outdoor Sports, ESPN, NFL Fans

It's the Fourth of July, which for many Americans, is a wonderful excuse to get drunk and stuff your face, all under the guise of celebrating freedom.

And if you're a competitive eater, you can actually make a few bucks in the process. It's not exactly glamorous, but, hey, everybody's good at something, and for Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi, it's all about chugging hot dogs (video proof here).

Ah, yes, the ol' "cannonball technique." (Actually, what I know about competitive eating consists of the few seconds each year I tune into the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, before puking and changing the channel. Maybe the cannonball technique is banned in many states.)

By the way, I love how ESPN has an on-scene reporter quizzing the contestants after the Chestnut pulls out the overtime victory (this seems like an event tailor-made for Heidi Watney; I'm guessing Jerry Remy agrees), and even better, Kobayashi has his own interpreter.

In case you're wondering, Kobayashi says he wasn't quick enough in the five-dog overtime eat-off, but he plans on being back in '09. Oh, and with the victory, Chestnut is still the No. 1 ranked eater. Don King would be proud.

Previously on FanHouse
Joey Chestnut Beats Takeru Kobayashi at Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest
Kobayashi vs. Chestnut Hot Dog Live Blog

Just in Case You'd Like Visual Proof That Joey Chestnut Really Loves Hot Dogs originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joey Chestnut Beats Takeru Kobayashi at Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest

Michael David Smith — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:53:00 EST

Filed under: New York

American Joey Chestnut retained his world hot dog eating title today, beating Japan's Takeru Kobayashi in the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island.

Kobayashi had won the event every year from 2001 to 2006 before Chestnut dethroned him last year. Now Chestnut is the champ again, after an epic battle that had to go to a five-dog eat-off after they were tied at 60 hot dogs apiece following the 10 minutes of regulation time.

"It's just incredible," Chestnut said afterward. "It was a little bit messier than I wanted it to be, but I got them in me and I got them down. That's what I wanted to do."

Chestnut added: "I love to eat, I love the competition. It's the Fourth of July."

Joey Chestnut Beats Takeru Kobayashi at Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Osi Umenyiora Rips Mario Williams

Michael David Smith — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:47:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, Texans, Houston, New York

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports came out with a list of the top 50 players in the NFL last week. Some of it was predictable (Tom Brady and Peyton Manning first and second), some of it was surprising (Kevin Williams in the top 10), and all of it was designed as a springboard for off-season arguments.

One of those arguments took place on ESPN Radio this morning, where Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (No. 42 on the list) was a guest. When asked what about that list surprised him, Umenyiora said, "Mario Williams at No. 6." He then added, "This guy right here at No. 6 is just absolutely ridiculous."

It's easy to see why Umenyiora feels that way. Williams, the Texans' 2006 first overall pick, did have one more sack than Umenyiora last season, but is he really so much better than Umenyiora that he deserves to be 36 spots ahead?

Maybe, maybe not. But, again, these lists are really nothing more than conversation-starters, and if the list got Umenyiora to express a strong opinion, it did its job.

Osi Umenyiora Rips Mario Williams originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jet Fan's Lawsuit Against Bill Belichick and Patriots Given More Time

Josh Alper — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Jets, Patriots, NFL Fans, Boston, New York

Monday loomed as a deadline for a Jet fan to show reason why his lawsuit against Bill Belichick and the Patriots should go forward. The lawsuit had languished with no movement for nine months and the U.S. District Court in Newark said the plantiff had until June 30th to make progress or have the whole thing thrown out. Carl Mayer wrote a letter asking for more time, however, and a judge has given it to him.

Mayer claims that his co-counsel was sick and that new revelations coming to light have forced him to amend the lawsuit. He didn't specify what the revelations were but it seems that Arlen Specter's involvement in the case has sparked some litigious ideas in Mayer's head.

Mayer has not specified what other defendants or issues might be included in an amended lawsuit. But he has said the new allegations relate to the efforts of Specter, the Judiciary Committee's ranking Republican and a critic of the National Football League's response to what has been called "Spygate."

Mayer now has until August 30th to amend the lawsuit and serve notice on the defendants. The suit is seeking $184.8 million in damages under federal rackeetering and New Jersey fraud statutes. He filed the suit on behalf of all jets ticket holders because the Patriots taping of signals deceived customers who thought they were seeing an honest competition.

Jet Fan's Lawsuit Against Bill Belichick and Patriots Given More Time originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chris Snee Gets a New Contract, Giants Who Aren't Tom Coughlin's Son-in-Law Don't

Michael David Smith — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:09:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, New York

Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress wants a new contract. Tight end Jeremy Shockey wants a new contract. Running back Brandon Jacobs wants a new contract. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora wants a new contract. More Giants than you know want new contracts.

One Giant just got a new contract: Chris Snee, who signed a deal worth about $7 million a year, which will make him one of the five highest-paid guards in the league.

Snee is a good player and an important part of the defending champion Giants. He's also head coach Tom Coughlin's son-in-law. (That's Snee with wife Kate Coughlin Snee and son Dylan, the coach's grandson.) There must be a few Giants wondering if being the coach's son-in-law helped Snee get his deal done first.

Wouldn't that be an issue where you work? If the company dramatically out-performed expectations, and a lot of employees thought they deserved a raise, and most of them didn't get those raises but the boss's son-in-law did, wouldn't that raise eyebrows? I wonder what Burress, Shockey, Jacobs and Umenyiora think.

Chris Snee Gets a New Contract, Giants Who Aren't Tom Coughlin's Son-in-Law Don't originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fox Hires Ex-Giant Michael Strahan

Michael David Smith — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, NFL Media Watch, New York

Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated is reporting that Fox has hired former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan as an NFL studio analyst.

Strahan will join the cast of FOX NFL Sunday, where he'll spar with analysts Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Jimmy Johnson, along with host Curt Menefee. Also on FOX NFL Sunday: reporter Jay Glazer, who got the exclusive scoop when Strahan retired.

Strahan was one of the smartest and funniest players in the NFL over the last 15 years, and he'll no doubt be a good addition to the Fox pregame show cast. My biggest concern with the Fox show is that Strahan won't get a word in edgewise with Bradshaw, Long and Johnson around. Strahan is at his best when he simply sits down in front of a microphone and starts talking spontaneously. Let's hope Fox gives him the freedom to do that.

Fox Hires Ex-Giant Michael Strahan originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Jets Want You to Know That Selling PSLs to Their New Stadium Is a Favor to You

Josh Alper — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:35:00 EST

Filed under: Jets, AFC East, NFL Fans, New York

As fans of football teams with new stadiums from coast to coast are well aware, the personal seat license is here to stay. Owners see how much money their brethren bring in through PSLs and feel they owe it to themselves to juice revenues as much as possible. Argue about it if you like but they aren't going anywhere so long as fans are willing to spend through the nose to get them.

I just wish teams could be more up front about their desire for the money. John Mara of the Giants made it seem like he needed the money from PSLs to pay for emergency surgery for his daughter, for example. There must be something about the Meadowlands because now the Jets are playing the same game. Erik Boland of Newsday got his hands on a "survey" the team sent to "help the Jets determine the best way to sell tickets to the new stadium." It reads more like a PR piece for PSLs.

"The Jets are surveying different types and terms of Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs) as one of the ways to help achieve this requirement. A PSL is an asset, like a taxi medallion, that is purchased in addition to the ticket that gives the holder ownership of the seat. This holder can then sell the seat license in the future, including for any profit, to someone else if the holder no longer wishes to purchase season tickets."

To quote The Outlaw Josey Wales, don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining.

A PSL isn't an asset, it's a surcharge for the right to buy tickets, nothing more and nothing less. Most people buy tickets because they enjoy football and not because they are planning to sell them down the road, especially when they root for a team with the Jets feeble history.

Imagine being held up at gunpoint and told by the thief that, rather than taking money you'd prefer not to lose, he was doing you a favor. You'd probably go buy a steak with this money and, over time, that could clog your arteries and cause a heart attack so I'm actually doing a good thing and you should thank me.

The PSL is the only option being discussed and it will be the route the team chooses to go. Fine, it's what everyone expects. Just don't try to make it sound like you're doing people a favor.

The Jets Want You to Know That Selling PSLs to Their New Stadium Is a Favor to You originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-New York Giant Michael Strahan Promises: 'I Would Never Do Dancing With the Stars'

Michael David Smith — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:14:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, New York, TV and Movies

Michael Strahan is such a charismatic guy that despite announcing his retirement from the New York Giants and walking away from a 2008 salary of $4 million, he'll undoubtedly find a job on TV that pays him almost as much as he made in the NFL.

But whatever that TV job is, it won't be following in the footsteps of other NFL players Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith and Jason Taylor on Dancing With the Stars. Strahan made that clear to the New York Daily News:

"I would never do 'Dancing with the Stars,' " Strahan says, trying to stifle a laugh. "I just picture Emmitt Smith as a football player, and he was a tough player. Then I look and he has some freakin' tassles around his biceps. It's not the same, it's just not the freakin' same."

My first inclination is to agree with Strahan there: It does nothing for the tough image of an NFL player to see him dancing around on TV.

And yet, Dancing With the Stars is such a popular show that does so much to help players reach a broader audience that really, can you blame a guy for doing it? I'm sure there will be an NFL player on Dancing With the Stars every year, even if Strahan refuses to appear.

Ex-New York Giant Michael Strahan Promises: 'I Would Never Do Dancing With the Stars' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Giants' Geoffrey Pope Arrested, Accused of Hitting Man Over Head With Champagne Bottle

Michael David Smith — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:44:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, New York

Geoffrey Pope, a cornerback who played in two playoff games for the New York Giants this year, was arrested and faces felony charges after he was accused of hitting a man over the head with a champagne bottle in a Detroit club Friday night.

The victim was the son of longtime Detroit newscaster Carmen Harlan. The assault opened up a gash that required 28 stitches to close.

Pope, a Detroit native, attended Howard University and had an unexceptional career, but he became a pro prospect with a blazing 4.29-second 40-yard dash. He spent time on the Dolphins' and Giants' practice squads in 2007, but never played in a game until he got on the field for the Giants in the divisional playoffs against the Cowboys.

He returned home this weekend to show his Super Bowl ring to his grandmother and celebrate his 24th birthday, which is today.

Via PFT.

Giants' Geoffrey Pope Arrested, Accused of Hitting Man Over Head With Champagne Bottle originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chris Baker Parked in Jets' Team President's Space, Wouldn't Move His Car

Michael David Smith — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Jets, New York

It's been well established that the New York Jets' front office and tight end Chris Baker aren't seeing eye to eye over everything from Baker's contract to his participation in off-season workouts to his absence from treatment sessions with the team's medical staff.

But The Jets Blog has the best example yet of how personal it's getting between Baker and the Jets' brass:

During minicamp, Baker, who wants a new contract, angered the organization by parking his red Bentley in the "Team President" parking spot and refused to move it.

I'm amazed Baker didn't get towed. In any event, seeing as the Jets just added their third new tight end of the off-season, the chances seem pretty good that he won't ever park in the team president's space -- or anywhere else at the team facilities -- again.

Chris Baker Parked in Jets' Team President's Space, Wouldn't Move His Car originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw in Jail

Michael David Smith — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, New York, NFL Police Blotter

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, whose surprisingly effective rookie season provided a major boost to the Giants' offense during its Super Bowl season, has held in a jail in Virginia for the last four days because of a probation violation, USA Today is reporting.

The Giants issued this statement:

"We are aware of the situation and have been in contact with Ahamd's legal representative. This situation is not the result of any recent incident. It stems from an issue that occurred prior to Ahmad being drafted by the Giants. Beyond that, we have no further comment."

Bradshaw was on probation because of a misdemeanor petty larceny charge from his college career at Marshall, when he stole another student's PlayStation. Before that he had been kicked him off the team at Virginia because of an arrest for underage drinking.

Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw in Jail originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Giants Official: 'More People Than You Know' Want New Contracts

Michael David Smith — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, New York

It's been well established that Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey and wide receiver Plaxico Burress want new contracts. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora wants one, too. And it's been suggested that a new contract could have convinced Michael Strahan not to retire.

But it turns out that a whole lot more Giants want new contracts, including running back Brandon Jacobs, guard Chris Snee, and, as one team official told the New York Daily News, "more people than you know."

A player or two wanting a new deal is standard operating procedure around the NFL and not a huge problem. But it's hard not to get the sense, looking at the situation surrounding the Giants, that every other guy in the locker room thinks he's the most important reason that the Giants won the Super Bowl. Tom Coughlin's got a rough job ahead of him keeping this locker room motivated.

New York Giants Official: 'More People Than You Know' Want New Contracts originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 16:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Giants' Jeremy Shockey, Jerry Reese in 'Huge Shouting Match'

Michael David Smith — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:34:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, New York

Although his teammates may want him around, not everyone in the Giants' team facility is getting along with tight end Jeremy Shockey.

Vinny DiTrani of the Bergen Record is reporting that Shockey and Giants general manager Jerry Reese got into "a huge shouting match" during this week's Giants minicamp.

DiTrani apparently did not observe this "huge shouting match," and his item doesn't name a source. But it does quote Giants coach Tom Coughlin as saying, "There is an issue, but it is not something that would prevent him from working."

Whatever the "issue" is, it's clear that Shockey's unhappiness with the Giants is going to remain a story until at least the start of training camp. He's probably not going to be traded, but he's not going to be a happy camper either.

Report: Giants' Jeremy Shockey, Jerry Reese in 'Huge Shouting Match' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unselfish Kevin Boss Wants Jeremy Shockey to Stay With New York Giants

Michael David Smith — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, New York

After Jeremy Shockey broke his leg in December, the New York Giants' starting tight end for their Super Bowl run was Kevin Boss, a rookie fifth-round draft pick from Western Oregon.

The Giants' offense played very well with Boss on the field instead of Shockey, so when I saw Boss at Super Bowl media day, I asked him if he thought he did anything better than Shockey. He looked at me like I was crazy and insisted that he's nowhere near as good as Shockey is.

After four months of speculation that the Giants could trade Shockey and make Boss the starter on a permanent basis, Boss is still repeating that line. Boss tells the Newark Star-Ledger he doesn't want Shockey to go anywhere:

"If I was selfish, you would think that, but I'm not," said Boss, who went from unknown to heir apparent with his 45-yard catch against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. "I have a lot more to learn from him. And to have him back is going to benefit me -- and to be able to learn from him and play off of him and play with him."

I admire Boss for his modest attitude. That's the one thing Shockey could learn from him.

Unselfish Kevin Boss Wants Jeremy Shockey to Stay With New York Giants originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lawsuit Against Bill Belichick and Patriots Could Be Dismissed June 30

Josh Alper — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:35:00 EST

Filed under: Jets, Patriots, Boston, New York

Carl Mayer has made a career of filing lawsuits against high-profile politicians but most of them have gone nowhere. His Spygate-related suit against Bill Belichick and the Patriots seems poised for the same fate.

Mayer, a Jets season-ticket holder, accused the coach and team of violating the contractual rights and expectations of ticket holders. He hoped to make it a class-action suit but has done nothing to advance the litigation since a failed attempt to serve the defendants in October. That's why the U.S. District Court in Newark has told him he has until June 30th to produce a reason for the suit to go forward or it will be dismissed.

Mayer vows to fight on, though, and hints that Arlen Specter's entrance into the fray has opened up new doors for his suit.

"He (Specter) uncovered additional facts regarding videotaping. We've been working to incorporate those with regard to other defendants," Mayer said. "Could we have pressed on earlier? Yeah, but tactically, we are doing what we need to be doing."

Mayer seeks damages for every ticket-holder for every game that Belichick has coached in the Meadowlands against the Jets. That amounts to $184.8 million in damages under federal racketeering and New Jersey fraud laws. Whether or not it continues past June 30th, it's hard to see the suit succeeding as anything more than a nuisance.

Lawsuit Against Bill Belichick and Patriots Could Be Dismissed June 30 originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jets Fine Chris Baker for Missing Treatment Officially, Ticking Them Off Unofficially

Josh Alper — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Jets, AFC East, New York

There's no end in sight for the bad feelings between the Jets and Chris Baker. The tight end claims the team promised him a new contract, the team claims they promised him nothing but that he'd be treated fairly and both sides are calcifying into intractable positions.

Baker skipped the voluntary workouts but showed up to last week's mandatory minicamp. He then claimed he tweaked his back during warmups. That meant he didn't take part in anything more strenuous than riding the stationary bike and ripping Jets management. Now the Jets have fired back via a $3,000 fine for missing an injury treatment session during minicamp.

Baker's agent, Jonathan Feinsod, was also Pete Kendall's agent during last year's version of this player-team squabble and called the fine petty. It's similar to when the team placed Kendall in the rookie dorm for training camp last year.

"Chris was fined for allegedly missing a treatment session, just like Pete Kendall allegedly was put in the rookie dorm," Feinsod said sarcastically.

It's pretty clear that the Jets have chosen Baker as their line in the sand against players wanting contract renegotiation. Baker's a fairly invisible cog in the Jets wheel, a role he's played well, but he isn't going to create a public outcry about the way he's being treated. With Kendall and Laveranues Coles, the team felt pressured to make a move one way or the other. That doesn't seem to be the case this time around.

Jets Fine Chris Baker for Missing Treatment Officially, Ticking Them Off Unofficially originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Strahan Answers Kelly Ripa's Question: 'What Is a Half a Sack?'

Michael David Smith — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, NFL Video, New York, TV and Movies

After announcing his retirement on Monday, former Giants defensive end Michael Strahan appeared on Live With Regis and Kelly:

After Regis noted that Strahan had 141.5 sacks in his career and the NFL record of 22.5 in a season, co-host Kelly Ripa posed an important question to Strahan:

"Can I ask a stupid question? What is a half a sack?"

Strahan pointed to Regis and said, "If you were a quarterback, and Kelly and I both hit you at the same time, we split the sack." And just like that, millions of American housewives learned what half a sack is.

Michael Strahan Answers Kelly Ripa's Question: 'What Is a Half a Sack?' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Giants' Michael Strahan Will Retire

Michael David Smith — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: NY Giants, New York

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports is reporting that New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan will go out on top, retiring four months after winning the Super Bowl.

From Glazer:

"It was important that my teammates knew which way I was going before they got on the field to start the work to defend our title," the team's all-time sack leader said from California. "It's time. I'm done. ...
"It's a tough decision but I wanted to be fair to the Giants and fair to my teammates," he said.

Strahan retires with 141.5 career sacks. He will join Brett Favre in the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2013.

New York Giants' Michael Strahan Will Retire originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jets' Chris Baker Sits Out Practice With Back Pain, Bristles at Suggestion He's Faking

Michael David Smith — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Jets, New York

Jets tight end Chris Baker is not happy with his contract and has even suggested he might not play for the team this year, and he sat out Friday's mandatory practice after saying he hurt his back during warmups.

NFL players put their bodies on the line 16 Sundays a year, and they justifiably feel it's an affront if someone accuses them of faking an injury. And yet ... Is it possible that maybe Baker didn't really hurt his back? He was asked that, and he pointed out that last year he toughed it out through a back injury, even taking painkilling injections so he could play in games after the Jets were eliminated from playoff contention:

"If anyone questions whether I want to be on the field, that's up to them," Baker said during another post-practice rip session. "I could've easily packed it in last year, but I didn't do that."

Although I basically feel that he's wrong in thinking he deserves more money, I'm prepared to give Baker the benefit of the doubt on this back injury. I wonder if the Jets' front office is.

Jets' Chris Baker Sits Out Practice With Back Pain, Bristles at Suggestion He's Faking originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 09:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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