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Strahan: It's not about the money

Michael Strahan has finally released the statement that had been promised regarding his continued contemplation of whether or not he will retire.

Kudos to Inside Football for posting the entire statement.

Here is a portion of what Strahan had to say in the statement, which was basically an open letter to Giants fans.

I went into this off season with every intention of entering a 15th season with the Giants, the only team I've ever played for during my career. But I am human, and despite the images of me grimacing and tackling opposing quarterbacks and running backs, I have to face my mortality like anyone else. When an athlete like myself who does what I do for a living starts having doubts, then it's time to take a step back and seriously consider my future. Anyone who plays in the NFL with doubts or second guessing is not only putting themselves at risk, but their teammates also. I will never do that.

What's been most disappointing has been all of this nonsense that I'm holding out for more money. The truth is that football has been very good to me and I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by advisors who have ensured that my family and I will live comfortably for the rest of my life.

You deserve to know what's really going on. My agent met with the Giants earlier in the year and discussed many things including my contract. Money is not the reason that I have not reported to training camp and it will not be a factor for my return. This has already been communicated to the Giants and while the reports may indicate a "hard line" taken by the team regarding money, it is not necessary, as this issue had been decided well before July.

Despite what some might believe there are those of us who make decisions that have nothing to do with money. Many athletes ask themselves daily if they are emotionally and psychologically at the level where they can compete at the highest level for twenty-four weeks. For them also it isn't about the money, rather a serious athlete asking serious questions about his future. All that I ask, after fourteen seasons,is that you afford me the patience so that I might arrive at my decision on my own terms.

Strahan sounds sincere, and I would like to believe him. Usually, though, when an athlete says it's not about the money then IT'S ABOUT THE MONEY. No matter what he says, I think if the Giants ponied up an extra couple million Strahan would stop contemplating and start practicing.

Your thoughts?