Rex Ryan Blamed For Taser Attack During Jets-Cowboys Game

The son of the man, arrested for firing a stun gun into a crowd of fans sitting in MetLife Stadium on Sunday night, blamed Jets coach Rex Ryan for creating a confrontational environment before the New York Jets-Dallas Cowboys nationally-televised game even started.

According to a report in the New York Daily News, Leroy McKelvey's son, Charlamagne tha God, claimed Ryan stirred things up by saying in a press conference before the game that "It's probably not recommended that you wear Cowboys stuff" to the Jets home stadium.

"He shouldn't have had a Taser on him," said the son about his father's arrest.  "But I really feel he took a risk because he felt threatened."

Charlamagne tha God, a local radio DJ, said the attack could have been provoked because his dad was wearing a Cowboys hat and jersey and has tattoos of Cowboys stars on his shoulder and right forearm.

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Witnesses say otherwise.  They say the brawl erupted after a Marine became annoyed that McKelvey and some friends  would not stand or remove their hats during the national anthem and for talking during "Taps" and "Amazing Grace."

The witnesses claim the fight escalated when the Marine, who was sitting at the end of a row of seats in the upper deck wouldn't move when McKelvey, 59, of Monck's Corner, S.C., tried to get past him to go to the restroom during halftime.

McKelvey pulled the stun gun and fired a shot into the Marine's neck, knocking him down six rows, according to police reports.

Authorities are still baffled as to how McKelvey was able to sneak the weapon inside MetLife Stadium, especially with heightened security for 9/11 and the high-profile presence of former-President George W. Bush in attendance at the game.

The suspect's son claimed his father is a devout Jehovah's Witness and doesn't stand for the national anthem or Pledge of Allegiance, but would never resort to violence.

"He's not a violent guy at all.  He just likes to have fun," Charlamagne tha God said.  "I would hope that an altercation didn't happen because of him not standing for the national anthem."

Police said three men suffered minor injuries, including the Marine, during the scrum and McKelvey had his nose broken.

"He got jumped by Jets fans when the Cowboys were leading by two touchdowns, so he was just defending himself," the son said.

The incident comes just weeks after brawls broke out all over Candlestick Park during a San Francisco 49ers-Oakland Raiders preseason game.  The NFL came out and said teams were going to crack down on fan violence by curbing drinking and tailgating.  The 49ers banned shirts with anti-team statements written on them.

The Jets-Cowboys game was the highest rated week 1 primetime game in 15 years according to numbers released by Nielsen.  The Jets won the game, 27-24, after mounting a fourth quarter comeback.

McKelvey was charged with felony aggravated assault, felony possession of a stun gun and illegal possession of a weapon.  His son posted the $22,500 bail. 

It was a solemn day that should have never ended with violence at such a prominent game.  The blame should be put squarely on the stadium security who fumbled the ball on this one.

NFL Will Not Fine Players For Wearing 9/11 Tribute Gear On Anniversary

The NFL players who wear special cleats and gloves to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks this weekend will not have to shell out a fine for breaking uniform rules according to Yahoo! Sports.

Players from Redskins tight-end Chris Cooley to Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who had tweeted photos of the colorful Reebok gear, expected to pay fines for wearing the special cleated shoes and gloves in Sunday's games.

On Friday afternoon, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said that the players would not be fined for wearing the tribute gear, despite breaking the league's strict uniform policy.

"We have extensive plans for Sunday to respectfully recognize the significance of the day," Aiello said.

All NFL players, coaches and sideline crews will be wearing special 9/11tribute ribbons on their apparel during the opening Sunday of the season.

The colorful equipment was spotted inside the New York Jets locker room this week and center Nick Mangold and tight end Dustin Keller said they plan to wear the cleats and gloves.

Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs posted on his Twitter account about the possibility of having a fine levied against him for donning the red, white and blue gear.

"So once the breast cancer game is played, players can wear pink gloves and shoes as much as they like," Briggs tweeted.  "For the anniversary of 9/11 game, why is it if I wear shoes and gloves that are the colors of our nation's flag...I will be fined by the league."

"Reebok did a great job on these gloves and shoes...looks like I'm getting fined this week.  Lol!"

All the players who chose to wear the gear in honor of the day won't have to worry about getting fined this week, but let's see what happens after all the ceremonies and tributes are done.

Plaxico Takes Aim at Coughlin and Manning But Shoots Himself Again

Plaxico Burress, the ex-con who put a bullet into his own thigh, spent almost two years in a jail cell and was given a second chance to get on with his life keeps firing away-- only this time with his mouth.

The New York Jets receiver now lambastes a former teammate, coach and fans in a revealing article to be published next week.

Burress even rips into New York mayor Mike Bloomberg for using him as an example in his crusade for gun control.

Does this moron understand that no one owes him anything.

According to the New York Post, Burress whines about New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning for not showing more support after he was arrested for gun charges in the October issue of Men's Journal which comes out next week.

Now we know why Manning didn't attend the dinner with Giants owner John Mara and Coughlin when Burress was scrounging  for an NFL job this summer after his release from the joint.

Say what you will about Eli, but at least he didn't suck up to the ungrateful and self-entitled Burress.  He refused to kiss the ass of an ass.

The Jets receiver saves his harshest criticism for Coughlin, his coach with the Giants over a four-year span.

"After my situation happened, I turned on the TV, and the first words out of his mouth was 'sad and disappointing,' Burress complained.  "I'm like, forget support-- how about some concern?  I did just have a bullet in my leg.  And then I sat in his office, and he pushed back his chair and goes, 'I'm glad you didn't kill anybody!'  Man, we're paid too much to be treated like kids.  he doesn't realize that we're grown men and actually have kids of our own."

First thing Plax, you're right about the being "paid too much" part and second...let's see... a person actually says you're lucky you didn't kill someone because of your stupidity.  What a horrible statement.

The 34 year-old Burress lays into Coughlin by suggesting he doesn't relate to his younger players.


"He's not a real positive coach," Burress said.  "You look around the league, the Raheem Morrises and Rex Ryans-- when their player makes a mistake, they take 'em on the side and say, 'We'll get 'em next time.'  But Coughlin's on the sideline going crazy, man.  I can't remember one time when he tried to talk a player through not having a day he was having."

Maybe if you didn't blow off practice or disrupt the team, you would have had less of those bad days, Plax.  It's called discipline.

Burress says he was disheartened by the way Manning avoided him in prison.

"I was always his biggest supporter, even on days he wasn't on, 'cause I could sense he didn't have thick skin," says Burress.  Then I went away, and I thought he would come see me, but nothing, not a letter, in two years.  I don't want to say it was a slap in the face, but I thought our relationship was better than that."

If any one is an expert on skin it's you Plax, you put your own bullet through yours.

The interview was done right after Burress was released from prison in June and not long before he met with the Giants when he was a free-agent in July.

From the tone of the article, a second go-round with the Giants was never in the cards as many fans were hoping-- and led to believe.  The same fans Burress rips in the interview.

"I was a human pin cushion; they were like, ''Yeah, we finally got you, mother[bleeper]," he said.  "On the cover of the New York Post, it said 'GIANT IDIOT'! and I'm thinking, 'Damn, I went and gave 'em what they wanted.  I'm just another gun-toting, famous black athlete'."

No Plax, you're just a famous athlete who shot himself.

Asked yesterday by the Post about why he secretly attacked the Giants only weeks before he met with them for a job, Burress replied, " There comes a time when you get things off your chest and speak about it at that time and put it behind you.  I met with everyone over there and I think everything went well."

How well would that meeting have gone if Coughlin knew the hypocritical Burress' true feelings about the coach or if Mara found out the former-Giant thought management "let the media tear me apart, saying I was dogging practice, that I wasn't a team player, all this (bleep)?"

Burress still hasn't owned up to his own foolishness.  In the article he calls his sentence pointless.

"They charged me with criminal possession of a gun--that I own!--Charged me with a violent felony-- on myself."

It looks like all of Burress' feel-good talk about making a fresh start and moving on after life in prison was short-lived.

Man up Plaxico.  Take the high road like Michael Vick.

You will always be remembered for your game-winning catch in Super Bowl XLII, but now is no time to tarnish that memory.

A lot of Giant fans were rooting for you to make it on the outside-- not any more.

Rex Ryan To Dallas Fans: Don't Wear Cowboys Stuff In Our Stadium

It looks like New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has put his foot in his mouth once again.  After being asked if he expects to see Dallas Cowboys fans in the stands during Sunday's game, Ryan gave a subtle warning to folks planning to wear ten-gallon hats.


"I don't know why they'd be here," said Ryan.  "They're coming into our stadium.  It's probably not recommended that you wear Cowboys stuff, I would think."

It wasn't the first time Ryan has called out visiting team fans but, this time, his joking couldn't have been more ill-timed-- considering the recent fan violence in Los Angeles and San Francisco this summer.

Last week, a soccer fan was beaten outside Wembley Stadium and died.

Ryan made the off-the-cuff comment while talking to reporters on Wednesday.  While it wasn't intended to incite trouble but, as usual, the outspoken head coach's words were controversial and couldn't have been more poorly timed.

The Jets meet the Cowboys on Sunday night for a prime-time game that will include a remembrance ceremony to the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  The opening game for both teams starts at 8:20 p.m., so there will probably be plenty of boisterous Jets fans on hand.

Last October, Ryan told Green Bay Packers fans to watch their backs if they ventured out into the streets of New York wearing Cheesehead hats and green and yellow jerseys before a game in the Meadowlands

"I wouldn't want to wear Green Bay stuff coming to our stadium," Ryan warned.

Many cheese-wedge hats and Aaron Rodgers jerseys were spotted at the game, and there were no reported incidents.

Ryan has been quiet all week.  It's a somber week in New York leading up to September 11 and Ryan said it was an honor to be chosen as New York's home team on the 10 year anniversary of the attack.

"This week, I can't stand Dallas," said the head coach.  "But I'm a big fan of their next 15 games in the regular season, but I don't like them right now."

A silent Rex Ryan-- you knew it was too good to last.  Cowboys fans, remember to leave your chaps in Texas.

Since When Did Eli Manning Owe Plaxico Burress Anything?

Since when did Eli Manning become the villain when it comes to his relationship with Plaxico Burress?  There was a lot of talk criticizing the Giants quarterback for not reaching out to his former-wideout after Burress was released from prison and looking hook up in the NFL again.  Get over it, Manning owed Burress nothing.

Last night, the New York Giants and New York Jets played for the first MetLife trophy at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands, although most fans were billing it as The Plaxico Bowl as if the former-Giant is the real prize.

The MetLife Trophy has cute Snoopy wearing an old-school helmet on top of it.   The comic strip seemed appropriate because the game was as flat as Charlie Brown on his back after trying to kick the seductive football yanked away by Lucy.  It's like a Matt Dodge punt.

Manning threw two interceptions and Burress was a non-factor while being held to zero catches.

The Plaxico Comeback Tour stalled against his former team.

Final score of the game, Jets 17-3.  Final score of The Plaxico Bowl, 0-0.

Even Jets coach Rex Ryan tried to hype the yawner afterwards.

"It was a fun game, man.  It was two good football teams going at it," he said of the game after his team was outgained 239-113 in total yards during the 17-3 win.  "Obviously, it's a preseason game, but it's good competition."

Much was made of what the first face-to-face between Manning and Burress, leading up to the game and since the latter was sprung from the joint, would be like.  Well the meeting last night was anti-climatic.

Funny thing, they unexpectedly reunited two days earlier outside a movie theater where Burress was coming out of "The Smurfs" (no Big Blue there) with his family and he ran into Manning and former-Giants center Shaun O'Hara.  Burress said they laughed about the coincidence last night.

The highly-publicized preseason tug-of-war for the services of Burress was ultimately won by the Jets. Many Giants fans faulted Manning for not reaching out to Burress when he was a free-agent.

Sure, it's easy to make fun of Manning's "Aw, shucks" interviews, his less than flashy play on the field and how he tucks his jersey into his pants, but don't lay the blame on him.

So Manning didn't visit Burress when he was in stir or call him once he got out.  Some Giants fans thought that Manning's cold shoulder contributed to the former-Giants player to jumping over to the Jets.  He had no obligation to guide Burress.  That's what parole officers do.

Plax went to the Jets was all money--plain and simple.  A guaranteed paycheck, after you haven't worked in almost three years, will do that to a man.

While Manning represents team play and character, Burress is the prototype of how fans perceive pro athletes these days-- and it ain't all good-- unless he's pulling in touchdown passes.

Burress was Manning's favorite go-to guy leading up to their Super Bowl XLII upset victory over the New England Patriots and the wideout  caught the game-winning touchdown, but a lot of bumps came on that ride.

There were too many instances, with the Giants, where Burress boycotted practices over contract demands, didn't show up on Monday or answer his phone for days at a time.  It all culminated with the self-inflicted gun-shot incident outside a Manhattan nightclub in November 2008.  After 20 months of three squares and a bunk, Burress was ready to make his comeback and the MetLife Stadium roommates were first in line.

Suddenly, it was up to Manning to do what head coach Tom Coughlin and owner John Mara's little dinner party couldn't do-- convince Burress he was coveted by the Giants.

Maybe Manning didn't want the 34 year-old Burress and the baggage he drags along.  Even though the Giants lost All-Pro receiver Steve Smith right after Burress' defection, Manning seems happy throwing to his youthful and talented receiving corps of Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks and Domenik Hixon.  Burress, so far, seems like a good decoy for Santonio Holmes.

Manning has to back up this boast of being in Tom Brady's class and prove he isn't the 25-interception quarterback of last season.  He has done little this pre-season to prove or disprove any of that so far this summer.

Meanwhile, Burress has to keep on the straight and narrow and the Jets hope he doesn't revert back to his gangsta persona.  Michael Vick's second chance $100 million contract has to be a good incentive.

The "real" MetLife Trophy will be awarded when the two teams meet on Christmas Eve.  Hopefully, all the hype about Eli vs. Plaxico will have passed by then.

"I don't know if there are any tickets available for that Dec. 24 game," said Ryan.  "But I think we just sold them because that was typical Jets-Giants slugfest right there."

Nick Mangold Photo Bombs Mark Sanchez Once Again

Nick Mangold gave broadcast networks another reason you'll never see an offensive lineman being interviewed in post-game wrap-ups.  The New York Jets center photo bombed his quarterback Mark Sanchez while being interviewed on live TV by an NBC reporter after last night's game against the New York Giants.

It seems like the only way that the 300-pound Mangold can get his Grizzly Adams beard in prime-time is to crash Sanchez's interviews.  He is making a habit of it.  This is the second week in a row Mangold has done it and he is proud of his new-found face-time.

Mangold tweeted about the photo bomb on his Twitter account: "Got another one!  I'm 2 for 2."

The camera-hungry Mangold pulled the same stunt last week after a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

He was joined, for a moment,  by another O-lineman, teammate Wayne Hunter,  in acting like giddy spectators when the Jumbo tron Fan-Cam is turned on them-- lots of hand waving and silly faces.  It's a lot worse when annoying fans do it.

It almost looked like Sanchez was expecting the interruption and didn't break stride in his conversation.

The Jets defeated the Giants, 17-3, in the thrice-scheduled "Battle of  MetLife Stadium" in the Meadowlands, so there was a good reason to goof around.

Afterwards, the prankster Mangold made nice with the reporter Bruce Beck by tweeting him: "All in good humor of course."

Giants-Jets Postponed Until Monday Night Because Of Hurricane Irene

The New York Giants vs. New York Jets game originally scheduled for tomorrow night at 7 p.m. has now been postponed until Monday night at 7 p.m. because of Hurricane Irene.

The Battle for MetLife Stadium had already been shifted to an earlier time (2 p.m.) on Saturday because of the massive storm.  Forecasters are predicting Irene will have passed over the NY/NJ area by Sunday night.

"Along with the NFL office and the Jets, we have closely monitored the hurricane and the forecast and its potential impact on our area for the past several days," said Giants president and CEO, John Mara.  "After conferring with (NJ) Governor (Chris) Christie, (Jets owner) Woody Johnson and NFL Commissioner (Roger) Goodell, we have determined the best course of action for the safety and well being of all is move the game to Monday night."

Giants and Jets Staying Sort of Calm Before Saturday Night's Storm

In New Jersey, the two biggest forces of wind which are beyond control come from two sources-- Mother Nature and Governor Christie.  This weekend, one of those hurricanes is expected to pound the Jersey shore and the other will be hunkered down trying to keep surfers and "bennies" off the same beaches.

There is one more storm headed to the Meadowlands and its name isn't Irene.  Its tropical storm Rex.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan has looked like a comparative summer breeze to Irene in the days leading up to the Jets-Giants game at MetLife Stadium this Saturday.  The normally brash Ryan has just been downgraded to a Category-1 storm.  Call the National Weather Service for a sound bite.

Even Ryan's offseason remarks that the Jets (1-1) are no longer the little brothers of New York football have done nothing to turn this game into anything more than it is-- an exhibition game.  The two teams meet in a regular season game on Dec. 24.

It's not to say that the outspoken Jets head coach is going be welcomed with open arms by the "home" team-- the Giants.

Ryan still resents the Jets being considered squatters in the new MetLife Stadium and living under the shadow of the Giants (1-1) for the past three decades.

After two straight AFC championship games, Ryan believes the Jets are the superior team and he is ready to paint the two-year old stadium Jets-green.

In his book Play Like You Mean It, Ryan stressed that the Jets are now the "big brother" in New York and "are going to remain the better team for the next ten years."

"When people ask me what it's like to share New York with the Giants," Ryan wrote.  " My response is always 'I'm not sharing it with them-- they are sharing it with me.'"

Even the new name at the old New Meadowlands Stadium has a Giants' tint-- literally.  The MetLife logo is the same color as Giants blue.

This whole stadium brouhaha  has been a thorn in the Jets side since they took residence there in 1984. It came to a head last year after the teams argued who would get to host the first game in their shared home field.  It didn't help when NFL commissioner Roger Goodall allegedly had a "secret' coin toss-- with out any team representatives-- before awarding the first game at the $1.7 billion stadium to the Giants.

Jets fans claim the toss was rigged.

Giants fans gave their little brother a nougie and said quit bawling.

"I'm glad MetLife came forward as a sponsor," Giants captain Justin Tuck said yesterday.  "But to me it'll always be Giants Stadium."

To Tuck and any fan over the age of seventeen who grew up in the area.

It seems like revenge ought to be more of a theme for this week's game than city supremacy-- even though the players say it isn't so or they just won't admit it.

Plaxico Burress, the former Giants Super Bowl hero who snubbed the G-Men and signed with the Jets after a 20-month prison stay, blew off the notion he was seeking the Big R.

"There's nothing extra, no added incentive, juice or whatever you call it," Burress said.  " I'm more concerned about me going out, playing better, getting better."

Maybe Giants quarterback Eli Manning will go the eye-for-an-eye route.  After all, he was the one who wobbled off the field during last year's pre-season meeting sporting a gash on his forehead that required 12 stitches to close up.

The second quarter hit by Jets linebacker Calvin Pace sent Manning's helmet flying and his exposed mug into safety Jim Leonhard's facemask.  Manning's Y.A. Tittle moment was the result of a clean hit, miscommunication with Brandon Jacobs and looked worse than it was.

"I don't think about it to bring back good times," joked Manning yesterday.  "I can deal with it...it didn't hurt too badly."

Okay, no animosity there either.  I guess we'll leave it up to Mother nature to wreak some kind of havoc.

The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST and Irene is expected to bring wind gusts of up to 70 mph.  In the Meadowlands that's a light breeze.  Com' on Irene.

The Giants VP of Communications, Pat Hanlon, said the game will go on as scheduled.

"Based on everything we've seen and heard, it sounds like the brunt of the hurricane isn't expected to hit our area until Sunday," he said.

"I go about it just like I would any other game," said Tuck of the exhibition game.  "Is it more intense than what the rivalry was with the Jets before Rex got here?  In a preseason game, no.  But come that game right before Christmas, that might be a different story."

No hurricane until Sunday, no Rex Ryan bombast and no revenge.

Can't wait for the regular season.

Mark Sanchez Was Ready To Lay Down His Own Brand Of Hard Knocks On Rex Ryan

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez admits there was a time last season when he wanted to lay down his own version of Hard Knocks on his coach Rex Ryan-- with his fists.

Last year, after Jets head coach Rex Ryan came close to benching Mark Sanchez, the quarterback said the incident nearly caused him to come to blows with the outspoken Jets coach.

According to the New York Post, Sanchez-- he of movie-star looks and lifestyle-- told GQ magazine, in the new issue featuring the NFL, he wanted to throw down a beating on his mentor and coach.

"I wanted to fight him.  I was really mad," opened up Sanchez in the revealing article.

According to Sanchez, he had not been playing well during consecutive losses to division rivals, the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, causing the never-shy Ryan to openly speculate about sitting down his signal-caller and replace him with back-up quarterback Mark Brunell.

Brunell was instructed by Ryan to start practicing more with the other starters.

Sanchez said he took this as a subtle message that the head coach was considering benching him and it made the Gang Green QB see red.

The scorned Sanchez put down his dukes after offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, intervened.

The article reports that Schottenheimer-- as the messenger-- reminded Sanchez of Ryan's order for Brunell to handle more of the first-team practices which made Sanchez want to call out Ryan.

"I was like [Ryan] can come tell me [himself],' recalled Sanchez.

Schottenheimer threw water on the fired up QB.

The coordinator consoled the unhappy Sanchez.  "And [Schottenheimer] is like, ' Come on, man, don't do that,'" he revealed to GQ.

Ryan and Sanchez have always had a father-son relationship-- albeit one that could blow at any time.  It's pretty easy with a no-nonsense-speaker like Ryan, even with the soft-spoken Sanchez, but the head coach has stood by his QB through all of Sanchez's growing pains in the NFL.

"Rex is super honest," said Sanchez.  "I wish he wasn't that honest at times."

In the article, Sanchez delves into his personal life as a rich single man in New York City and the boundaries he has learned to set for himself outside of the game.  He acknowledges that the rock star life style has its limits.

"You have to be a 24-year-old bachelor with the means to do anything, just about, but with the wherewithal and understanding and life skills of a 45 year-old Supreme Court judge," he said.

Even a 45 year-old Supreme Court judge has probably felt like giving the loud-mouth Jets head coach a pop on the snout at one time or another.

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.

Jenn Sterger Will Be Bowling For Dollars On Spike TV

Former New York Jets game-day/sideline reporter/hostess, Jenn Sterger, is close to getting another television gig once again.  According to the New York Post, Sterger recently filmed a pilot for Spike TV called "Spike's Spare Time," a show where Sterger will interview celebrities while bowling.

Hopefully, the only balls that she will see now weigh 14 pounds and have three holes in them.

Stergen is hoping to put the whole Brett Favre texting mess behind her and get on with her career after a short stint hosting a show on Versus.

She told the Post, "It's [bowling] probably the one sport I'm pretty awesome at."

"I've bowled since I was six," said Sterger.  "I was in all of the youth leagues and a bunch of traveling leagues in Florida."  She claims her average was 189, with an all-time high game of 289.

Sterger also said life has been easier and work is now more attainable since the story of the Favre drama broke last year.

Favre, the former Jets quarterback, was accused of texting photos of his private parts to the sexy brunette.  It was followed by a controversial interview questioning her accountability on ABC television.

"I'm in such a better place," she said.  She hopes her new show puts those rumors to rest that ABC got the interview in exchange for finding her a job.  Sterger claims the allegations were all false.

"Do you see me having a show at ABC?" she asked.  "Nope, not at all."

Osi Umenyiora Has Packed His Bags & Wants Out Of New York

If it's spring, it must mean another demand to be traded by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora.  In what has become an annual grind in the Giants rumor mill,  Umenyiora is making allegations and mandates once again.  Only this time it seems like Osi really means it.

In a sworn affidavit to be filed in Minneapolis next month, Umenyiora makes it clear why he wants to leave New York by stating Giants general manager, Jerry Reese,  has failed to honor a verbal agreement to renegotiate Umenyiora's current contract.

According to ESPN,  Umenyiora met with Reese during the off-season after the 2008 season and the GM promised that, in two years, the Giants would reevaluate the two-time Pro-Bowler's contract.



"In early 2008, approximately two weeks before the start of the New York Giants off-season conditioning program, I, Osi Umenyiora, had a meeting with the general manager of the New York Giants, Mr. Jerry Reese," testified Umenyiora last April.  "If I was playing in the National Football League at a high level, we'd either renegotiate my current contract so it would be equal to the top five defensive ends playing or I would be traded to a team that would do that."

Umenyiora claims Reese has amnesia when it comes to the meeting.

"He [Reese] told me that he was an honest, church-going man and he would not lie."

The Giants defensive end has led the team in sacks in five of the last six seasons.  Umenyiora's last contract extension in December 2005 was for 6-years at $41 million.  He has two years left and he will be paid $3.5 million if the 2011 ever season starts.

This has been an ongoing drama between Umenyiora and the Giants for a long time and, frankly, Giants fans are getting a little ticked at the pushy 280-pounder.

During the 2009 season, after the second-round draft pick lost his starting job and threatened the Giants with trade demands.  The following spring he was stroked the wrong way and threatened to leave again.

The 29 year-old Umenyiora has been bothered by injuries over the past few seasons and played through some pain, but his song-and-dance routine is getting tired.

He missed the entire 2008 season after tearing up his left knee in an exhibition game against the New York Jets and is recovering from hip surgery from a lingering hip injury.  Umenyiora says his hip is fine right now and he is ready to bring it on.

This time, it looks like the tempestuous Giant is sticking to his guns about leaving the Meadowlands before--or when--the 2011 season begins.

Umenyiora has packed up his bags and moved his personal belongings to Atlanta, his home of six years, according to reports.

The New York Giants have not publicly commented on the situation, but it is unlikely they will back down.  Maybe they know something.

The current NFL lockout prohibits teams and players from discussing any disputes during litigation.

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."

NFL Players Asking For Lower Alimony Payments; NBA Watching Closely

While NFL players lose paychecks, and the lockout continues to be stuck at a stand-still, the repercussions of a trickle-down effect could reach the littlest and most innocent of victims--player's children.  Out of work NFL players have now reached out to lawyers in hope of having their alimony and child-support payments modified to lower amounts.  The NBA, with their contract expiring in two months, must be watching this scenario closely.

According a report in the Bloomberg Business Report, a number of unidentified NFL players are preparing for the worst and looking into modifications of financial support if the dead lock between the NFLPA and team owners shuts down the 2011 season, leaving many players with no income.

The report said if the NFL players are unable to reach a collective bargaining agreement with their union, many more players will be looking for modifications in their support requirements.

The poster-child for child support, New York Jets defensive back Antonio Cromartie, already has his 2 year-old son's mother a little nervous and she is probably not alone.  Cromartie is reported to have sired nine children with eight different women.

Tina Julien, a 33 year-old nurse from California, said she is worried about being able to afford child-care for Cromartie's son if the NFLPA and team owners don't shake hands.



"The money I get from him [Cromartie] is definitely important," she stressed.  "Something would have to give."

Julien did not disclose how much support she receives from Cromartie.  The Jets defensive back made $1.7 million last season.

Raoul Felder, the well-known divorce lawyer with a history of famous clients, said it is not uncommon for the unemployed to make support modifications to ease their situation.  He said many Wall Street executives made the same moves during the recent crash.

"The NFL is an industry, and the industry is in trouble," said Felder.  "The men can't meet their obligations."

NFL players earn an average of about $1.8 million a year.  NBA players earn close to $6 million and are expecting a lockout when their basketball contract expires on June 30.

Judges usually allow modifications for child support during times of financial stress but, only after checking the athlete's outside income and selling off of assets including real estate, autos and even championship rings.  The players are not covered by their teams during the lockout and must now pay the added expense of up to $2000 a month for health insurance.

Most pro-athletes can usually afford the hit on their lifestyles during a loss of income, but it is their children's mothers and ex-wives who get clobbered when offered financial modifications.

The players are surrounded by an army of lawyers and agents bent on spreading butter on their own bread, while the women are left holding the licked clean knife unless they cut back or sell their self-esteem to some tawdry reality show.

Even if the NFLPA and team owners hug it out with an agreement, the players won't get their first paychecks until September.

Jets 7th-Round Draft Pick & Sanchez BFF Has "Saw" Screenwriting Credit in Future

The New York Jets, who were already drowned in criticism about drafting a couple of players with violent backgrounds, added a third draftee with a scandalous past. 

According to the New York Post, the team's 7th-round pick and Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez' longtime friend, Scotty McKnight, was suspended for the final eight games of his senior high school football season because he penned threatening and vicious words directed at his High School English teacher.

In a 2005 school assignment McKnight handed in to his teacher, the then-17 year-old wrote " I am planning coming in your room late one night while you are still working," he wrote.  "I will smother you in gasoline and light your head on fire..."

In another entry, according to court records,  McKnight sounded like Freddy Krueger by indicating he would glue the teacher naked to a wall, chop off her feet and kill her family while she watched.

The foot reference must have bothered Jets head coach Rex Ryan just a little.

McKnight, who later played college ball and broke receiving records at Colorado, said he and his high school teammate Sam Smith wrote the gruesome journal as a challenge to see who could write the most bizarre scenarios.

Both students thought the Tesoro (Calif.) English teacher was supposed to keep the journal private and not becoming public.  The teacher, Alyssa Di Somma, took the journal to school officials after feeling threatened by the images it presented.

McKnight and Smith apologized to Di Somma and they were not criminally charged.

"Me and my buddy wrote some crazy stuff, Tarantino-like movie type stuff and we were trying to one-up each other, figuring no one was ever going to read it.  It was for lack of judgment for sure, but we were 17 years-old and not thinking."

Not thinking is putting it mildly.  The one person who would read it was the one you graphically threatened with bodily harm.  Does Columbine ring a bell?

"It was an error in judgment," McKnight said.  " I was 17 years-old and had an assignment to write whatever you want, be creative and no one was ever going to read it."

The "prank" almost cost the honor student and sports star McKnight his football career.  Besides being suspended for the last eight football games of his senior year, McKnight was rebuffed by Boise State, to whom he had committed, and ended up as a walk-on at Colorado.

McKnight doesn't deny writing the vile journal and said the entire event was " a learning experience that ultimately get me to where I am today.  You really see how one small error in judgment can affect your whole life."

The new Jet claims he was forthright about the incident with every team, including the Jets,  who showed interest in drafting him.

"People know that is not me," said McKnight.  "I was 17 years-old and had never been in trouble.  I come from a family of police officers."

Sanchez will now be re-united with Sanchez, his old friend from their football days at Santa Margarita High School in Southern-California.  Sanchez even threw to McKnight at Pro-Day and vouched for his abilities on the field last week.

"He's the best guy who didn't go to the combine," Sanchez said.  "He didn't drop a ball at (Pro-Day).  He'd be a steal for someone."

Is that a little tremble of fear in Sanchez's voice when discussing his new receiver/future slasher-film screenwriter.  McKnight could give the football terms slash, cut and deep threat new meanings in the Jets huddle.

2011 NFL Schedule; Don't Expect 9/11 Patriotism to End Lockout

The NFL announced it's 2011 schedule last night and the first Sunday games of the season will be on September 11--ten years to the day after the 9/11 tragedies.  The NFL is already planning to honor and commemorate the dead and their survivors even if the league isn't even close to snapping a ball due to the lockout.

Optimistic fans may see a silver lining because the planned 9/11 memorial ceremonies may hasten an agreement between the NFL owners and the NFLPA due to deep rooted patriotism.  Realists know the two parties will still only be trying to line their pockets with gold.

A lot of talking heads on sports TV shows this morning brought up the fact that the NFL is adamant about paying tribute to America for that horrible day and that the stadiums will be filled up all the NFL glitz it can muster to honor those who paid the price.

On Mike & Mike, both Mikes said the NFL "highlighted" the date on it's schedule press release and claimed the owners and players would, at the least, be shamed into settling the lockout because of all the bad publicity it would generate if they didn't put their differences aside.  The public outcry alone should bring both sides to their knees.

Don't count on it.  Here in New York--one of the three terrorist attack sites--it took almost eight years to break ground to start rebuilding at Ground Zero, because of political differences, and there is a ongoing stalemate regarding compensation to injured first-responders and their families.  The Ground Zero Memorial was bound in red tape for years and that's here in New York.

It's hard to believe millionaires squabbling about their benefits, salaries and all the other issues involved in the billion-dollar negotiations would let 9/11 influence their decisions.

The NFL ceremonies will include everything we in New York have become all to familiar with over the past nine years.  There will be somber speeches and moments of silence.  Photos of lost loved ones and praises for the heroics that followed the attacks.

The biggest ceremonies will probably be reserved for the New York Jets opening game against "America's Team" the Dallas Cowboys at New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey on national TV that night. 

The NFL will probably be going all out that night.  Expect all the usual pomp and hanger-on politicians for this prime-time tribute.  The sight of former-mayor Rudy Giuliani, families of the slain and first responders will bring the fans and viewing millions to tears. 

The New York Giants game vs. the Washington Redskins at  4:15 ET in Landover, Md.--not far from one of the other terrorist hits at the Pentagon--should provide an emotional group hug, as well.

There was speculation the league would make the Giants-Jets game the season opener to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  Now, the battle for the city will take place on Christmas day.  It is only fitting that Washington gets their moment though.  It's 9/11 tragedy seems to already be a faint memory here in New York.

It's delusional to think that either the owners or players would cave in for just a minute of silence before the opening kick-off.  The world is already filled with war and natural disasters.

How many fans paid tribute to 9/11 last September?  In New York, you are lucky to get a few thousand spectators at the Memorial Day Parade--and most of them are tourists crowding the Fifth Avenue stores.  Sadly, the marching soldiers usually outnumber the supporters.

Don't be seduced by any hype from the NFL, owners or union reps.  If the lockout ends and the opening ceremonies move you.  Fine.  Just don't let the NFL or NFLPA pat itself on it's back for overcoming the labor dispute in the guise of a 9/11 commemoration.

You don't need a football game to honor the lost lives and heroes or remember the horrible events of 9/11 next September.

Braylon Edwards: DUI Charge Was "B.S."

Braylon Edwards, the free-agent wide receiver of the New York Jets called his DUI arrest last year "B.S." and blamed all the attention it garnered on the New York City media.  In a Detroit radio station interview, Edwards claimed he wasn't even pulled over for driving under the influence, it was for tinted windows.

In the interview,  Edwards said he "wouldn't mind" returning to the Jets, and claimed he wasn't at fault for being arrested for suspicion of DUI last year with a blood alcohol level of 0.16---twice the legal limit.  It sounded like the NYPD and the New York media may keep him from coming back to the Jets.

 "Why I got pulled over wasn't even because of erratic driving or suspicion of intoxicated driving, it was for tinted windows, which is some B.S.," said Edwards.  "But you learn from it.  No matter if you drive there, you should have someone drive you back, be it a car service, cab a friend.  Don't put yourself in that situation."

Edwards was pulled over on the west side of Manhattan last Sept. 21  after a 31-23 win over the Miami Dolphins--a game where he scored an important touchdown.  He said the media blew the story out of proportion because it was in New York City.

"I wasn't the only guy to get a DUI last year," he said.  "A couple of athletes around the league have gotten DUI's, but the mere fact that that I was in New York, playing for the Jets, we had just got off "Hard Knocks," everyone was waiting for us to do something wrong anyway, it blew up."

Maybe the press blew it up because he put lives in danger and the Jets beat him with a feather as punishment.  The talented receiver was benched for the first quarter in their next game by the team.

It wasn't the first time Edwards did anything wrong.  He has several speeding violations and was once clocked doing 120 mph in a 65 mph zone.  Maybe he left the Browns because the Cleveland press made such a big deal out of him punching out LeBron James' buddy outside a nightclub a few years ago.

Whether or not Edwards returns to the Jets is any one's guess.  Besides disliking the New York media and NYPD,  Edwards hates the roads in the city.

"The bad thing about this situation is I never drive in New York," he claims.  "One, I don't know where the heck I'm going, and two, the roads are too bumpy and traffic is crazy.  I usually have a chauffeur, but it was  a random situation.  I went to a teammate's event and stepped out after that."

Edwards is waiting for the NFL labor dispute to end and isn't sure the Jets will be bring him and another free-agent receiver Santonio Holmes back as teammates.

At a charity basketball game, Edwards didn't totally dismiss returning to New York and predicted the the owners and union would reach an agreement soon.

"I wouldn't mind ending up back with the Jets," he said.  "I think we have a good chemistry and a good rapport and we're building on something."

Sorry to break the news to you Braylon but, if you come back to New York, the press, the cops and the potholes will still be here.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez Gets Cozy With Hayden Panettiere

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez likes his blondes like Rex Ryan likes his feet.  According to the New York Post, Sanchez has been spotted squiring actress and animal-activist Hayden Panetierre around Los Angeles and Las Vegas hot spots.  Sanchez might want to bone up on his fighting skills; Panetierre is currently in a long-distance relationship with heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

Never mind "Save the cheerleader, save the world," someone better save the quarterback because the title of Sanchez's next HBO reality show might be called "Hard Knockouts." 

Sanchez and the petite Panetierre were seen on Wednesday night in L.A., where they shared drinks at Beacher's Madhouse.  Customers said the couple were whispering and getting close to each other.

A source told the Post that "They were clearly trying to hide their affection.  They used their friends as a buffer, but it didn't work so well."

The usually low-key Sanchez must like courting trouble.  He was recently linked to a similar-looking 17 year-old high-schooler who alleged that she had a romance with the Jets QB.  The teen, Eliza Kruger even took photos of Sanchez's tossed bed.

This time, Sanchez may have to worry less about having 'dolphin-free tuna' on his plate, while  dining with Panetierre, than getting waled on himself.

Klitschko is the reigning IBF heavyweight champion of the world.  This is no Mark Gastineau or even Tommy Zbikowski in the ring either.  The Ukrainian giant stands 6'6" and tips the scales at a pre-lap-band Ryan-like 240 pounds of muscle.   Klitschko has held the title since 2006 and has a career record of 55-3 with 49 knockouts.

Panetierre seems to fit Sanchez's type--young, blonde and petite.  Besides being spotted in L.A., the couple was seen together with friends in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago.

The actress has been linked to Klitschko since last year and sources say she's "just friends" with Sanchez--who is reportedly a buddy of the heavyweight fighter.

Representatives for Panetierre had no comment and Sanchez's reps couldn't be reached by the source.

Klitschko knocked out Samuel Peter in September and is currently preparing to defend his heavyweight title against David Hyde in July.

Bill "The Big Tuna" Parcells Now Dolphin-Free

Bill Parcells, a consultant to the Miami Dolphins, is taking his Team Rehab show on the road once again.  The well-traveled NFL head coach, general manager, consultant and talent evaluator's next gig will be under the studio lights at ESPN.

Parcells, who was with the Dolphins organization since 2007, will be joining ESPN for a third time as host of a program about the NFL draft.

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The taped hour-and-a-half special titled "Bill Parcells Draft Confidential" will give viewers inside look at the NFL draft process.  Parcells' thirty years of NFL experience will give fans an insider's perspective as how the draft works.

The 69 year-old team fixer-upper will break down how football teams evaluate players and "how difficult it is to draft successfully."

Parcells may want to explain to Dolphin fans how he let quarterback Matt Ryan slip through his hands a few years ago.  Instead, he drafted a great offensive tackle in Jake Long, but the bane of the Miami teams during his tenure was the lack of a good or injury-free signal-caller.

The Big Tuna, named for his once-rotund body and penchant for the sandwich, had a reputation as a great coach and team flipper.  He twice turned the three-win 1983 New York Giants into Super Bowl Champions during seven years,  and took the New England Patriots to another in 1996.

Parcells' magic touch started to fade after coaching the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys.  He left both teams in flux before moving to Miami as the V.P. of Football Operations.

The Dolphins were 11-5 his first year and won the AFC East title, but the team never met expectations the next two years. He passed the V.P. job to Jeff Ireland before last season and stayed on as consultant.

Where Parcells lands after this is any one's guess.  He has "retired" before due to health reasons or refusing to cow-tow to a flamboyant owner, but his football I.Q. is still in high demand.   Even the label 'egomaniac' won't scare away prospective suitors.

ESPN could keep Parcells on it's analyst roster.  He has broadcast experience and done it many times before.  Parcells worked with NBC for two years and  co-hosted a weekly show with Mike Francesa in New York, where he is still idolized by Giants fans.

It's a good bet Parcells will be netted by a struggling team needing a quick-fix and turnaround. The lure of the game is too strong for the coach.

It'll be interesting to hear Parcells' calculations on the Carolina Panthers first draft pick--quarterback or lineman?  The former linebackers-coach has a soft-spot for lineman.  Look how hard he rode Phil Simms and threw roses at L.T.'s feet during the Giants championship years.

I just wonder if Parcells regrets not taking Ryan and if he had taken the quarterback instead of Long, would he still be Miami?

The show airs Tuesday, April 26 at 9:30 ET.