New York Giants Notes: Plaxico Free Hump Day?

Well, I'm gonna try, but it seems like all there is to talk about in Giants-land lately is Plaxico Burress and where he might land in 2011. So let's start out with some tempered optimism.....

Source: CBA framework may be ready by weekend - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
NFL "secret" labor negotiations this week are expected to continue to make such progress that at least one source familiar with the situation says the framework of a new collective bargaining agreement could be in place by the weekend. If so, the two negotiating groups representing the owners and the NFL trade association, meeting in the Baltimore area, Yahoo! Sports has learned, would return to their full parties to present what could be the deal that would end the three-month lockout before nearly anything football related is even lost.

Wow. Can you say Christmas in June? Right, right, tempered optimism. But we have not had many glimmers of hope lately.

Report: Owners, players have about 80 percent of a deal done - Shutdown Corner - NFL Blog - Yahoo! Sports
Well, let's be careful not to underestimate anyone. Jerry Richardson might submarine the whole process just to prove that he can.

I only posted this take from the Shutdown Corner blog because a) his comment about Richardson is both hilarious and frightening, and b) he gave us a gratuitous (and awesome) photo of a Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader.

Mike Richter: Solar Energy: Time for New York to Get in the Game
With more than 25 years of combined experience in professional sports between us, we know a thing or two about competition. Right now our state and our nation are deep in the throes of one of the most important competitions of our generation: the race to lead the new renewable energy economy. And without action from New York's lawmakers, the Empire State will see its chance at a solar championship slip away.

It doesn't say so in the title, but Giants quarterback Sage Rosenfels also collaborated with Richter on this editorial about the need for more solar energy initiatives in New York. It's quite an interesting read -- and in New York especially, probably a welcome political take amidst Weiner-gate.

And while former Giant Michael Strahan and current Giants co-owner Steve Tisch are speaking out in favor of gay marriage, another former Giant is on the opposite side of that debate:

NY Clergy Rally against Gay Marriage Efforts - US - CBN News - Christian News 24-7 - CBN.com
A group of Christian bishops and clergy members in New York City will hold a noon rally on the steps of City Hall, Tuesday, in hopes to derail efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in the state. Former New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree will speak at the event. "I believe in marriage as God originally intended, between one man and one woman. My position may not be popular in some circles, but I care more about marriage and family than my reputation," he said, according to a Tuesday press release by City Action Coalition International.

It isn't my place to give my views either way on this issue here, but I thought it was interesting to point out the other side with Tyree speaking out.

New York Giants GM Jerry Reese won't rule out potential for Plaxico Burress return to Big Blue
Coughlin said he simply did not know if Burress could return to the Giants, the team he helped win the Super Bowl months before his legal problems began. "Never say never," said Coughlin, who spoke after playing in a Giants Foundation charity golf event at Westchester Country Club in Rye. "But we have not discussed it." Still the Giants, who cut Burress in April 2009, would not rule out a possible return. "We'll investigate it just like every free agent that hits the market," GM Jerry Reese said. "We'll do our homework and see if it makes sense for the Giants and how it fits for the Giants. "

Look, I said I was going to TRY and make this a Plaxico-free hump day. Coughlin also wished Burress and his family well in the article, but I'd like to know what is really going on inside Coughlin's mind on this matter.

Favre: Done with football, not sure what's next - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Brett Favre(notes) says while his playing days are definitely over, he hasn’t decided what he’s going to do with himself in the coming years.

Ha ha. Quite clearly this is in the "I'll believe it when I see it" category.