Jeremy Shockey cries Blues, might miss minicamp Wednesday

Jun/09/08 01:05 PM Filed in: Jeremy Shockey
JeremyShockey
Jeremy Shockey does not sound like a happy camper. And the disgruntled tight end might not make it to the Giants' minicamp on Wednesday.

Making his first public comments since breaking his leg last December, a defensive Shockey pointed the finger at the Giants for all the offseason speculation about his future and reported unhappiness. And, perhaps indicating a rift with the only pro team he has ever played for, Shockey left the question of whether he would attend the mandatory minicamp up in the air.

"The statement I would like to make about the Giants and the speculation in the offseason is that whatever happens between the upper management, lower management, the owners, any management, is going to (stay) between ourselves," the six-year veteran said yesterday at a promotional appearance at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. "Unlike the Giants, I am going to be quiet. They have released multiple things about myself, and if you look back into the media (reports), there is always a source. Well, I would like to know who the source is.

"I haven't said one negative thing towards the Giants in the newspapers," he added. "I have never expressed the feelings of the things that you guys (the media) made up. You guys will be able to talk to me (more) if I make it to minicamp."

Ownership, management and coaches have repeatedly said that the Giants want to keep the 27-year-old Shockey, who was a no-show at the team's Super Bowl parade, its visit to the White House and last month's championship-ring ceremony.

Still, the team has listened to offers for the emotional tight end and turned down one from the Saints that would have given the Giants a second-round pick this year and a fifth-rounder next year.

Shockey has told friends that he is unhappy with his role, his contract and the notion that the Giants were better without him after he broke his leg in Week 15 because Eli Manning didn't have the burden of having to pass the ball to Shockey to keep him happy.

Yesterday, Shockey, who was rarely seen around the team during its Super Bowl run, seemed to be irritated with the idea that he is a disruption.

When told by one reporter that the team has repeatedly said it wants him back, the tight end shot back, "Why wouldn't they want me? Of course they want me. I just spoke to the owner an hour ago."

Shockey, who just finished the first season of a five-year, $26.3 million extension, didn't say which co-owner he spoke with - John Mara or Steve Tisch. However, he twice made it clear that the Giants should want him back at least in part because he is not a troublemaker who has had numerous run-ins with the law, perhaps counteracting the perception that he is a negative influence.

"I want him here," said linebacker Antonio Pierce, who sported his gaudy Super Bowl ring at the event in Flushing. "What he wants to do and what the organization wants, you have to ask them that question. Antonio Pierce wants Jeremy Shockey."

But does Shockey still want to remain with the Giants? When asked if he is going to stay in town for a bit, Shockey replied, "Who knows? I might go to see my mother in Texas. I have no idea.

"I feel like I am getting better," Shockey said, referring to his broken leg. "Obviously I am not 100%. And if I do show up to minicamp, it's going to be ... I wouldn't imagine me doing much, just getting treatment on my leg. This is the only statement I am going to make. Like I said, it's going to be between the Giants and myself. That is really about it."

(nydailynews.com)