Good morning New York Giants fans and happy Friday. Unfortunately there is no good news on the lockout ending, at least not just yet, though the two sides met for 12 hours on Thursday. Here is some information on that and some other Giants-related tidbits in the news.....
The Associated Press: Owners, NFLPA members talk for 12 hours in NYC
NFL owners and players' association leaders met for more than 12 hours Thursday, failing to reach a deal to end the league's months-long lockout but returning to try again in the morning. "We still have a lot of work to do," NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith said as he emerged from the Manhattan law office where talks went deep into the evening. "We spent all day working hard for a deal that is fair and in keeping with what the players deserve." While Smith stressed the gaps in the deal, players involved in a lawsuit against the league had a conference call during which it became clear the two sides were close to agreement on the rules for free agency, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the labor talks are not being announced publicly, said even with the progress in the negotiations another long day of talks was expected Friday.
So that's all we have on that subject, at least in meat and potatoes form anyway. Here are two other related stories....
Schneiderman opens NFL lockout probe - City & Region - The Buffalo News
New York's attorney general has launched an inquiry into whether the National Football League lockout violates the state's antitrust law. Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman appears to be the first attorney general from any state to wade into the dispute between NFL owners and players. He says he's acting on behalf of New York's many businesses and workers whose incomes are threatened by the loss of games and the idling of upstate training camps conducted by the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants and New York Jets.
I'm not sure this will light a fire under these guys any more than the threat of no money coming in will, but it can't hurt. At least I don't think it can.
One GM says lockout negotiations are ‘at the 5-yard-line’ - Shutdown Corner - NFL Blog - Yahoo! Sports
The 5-yard line, you say? That sounds pretty promising. I'll play along with your metaphor, too. If you think Jerome Bettis might fumble, do not give Jerome Bettis the ball. Also, please do not put Jay Cutler in the game or send in Graham Gano to kick a field goal.
You guys have to read the Shutdown Corner blog just to see what MJD says about Jeffrey Kessler. Hilarious.
Giants Camp Still in Limbo at UAlbany - News 10 WTEN: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports
From hotels to restaurants, it's a summer sight every business near UAlbany is hoping to see again in a few weeks: The New York Giants overtaking the campus as they prepare for the NFL season. Some are fearing what comes next if it doesn't happen.
This is really sad, and I know it has an impact on our own Ed Valentine personally, so let's hope they can still strike a deal and save the Albany training camp this season.
Kerry Collins announces retirement after 16 seasons - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com
Kerry Collins is hanging up his spurs. The free agent quarterback, 38, who spent the final five seasons of his 16-year career with the Titans, announced his retirement Thursday.
Hanging up his spurs? He's in Tennessee, not Texas. Anyway, since I lived in Nashville during most of Collins' tenure there, I know that he is a songwriter too and the article references that, saying Collins will likely pursue that career more that he won't have giant defensive ends chasing him around.
Free Agency Preview: New York Giants " NFL Mocks | Covering the 2012 NFL drafts, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football
The Giants have spent a lot of money on big free agents the past few years and have a pretty solid team. I don’t expect them to push hard for free agents this off-season with the possible exception of Manny Lawson. And really they shouldn’t have to, the Giants spent a lot of time last year beating themselves.
I wanted to share this article for the last line of the caption above. And I think most of the Giants want to erase the 2010 season from their collective memory because of how much they beat themselves.
Video: Plaxico Burress on SportsCenter - Giants Blog - ESPN New York
Does Plaxico Burress think he can be the missing piece for a Super Bowl contender? Why, yes ... yes he does.
I love the confidence, but does he really believe that? I hold firm that I'd love for the Giants to give Burress a shot, but the one thing I don't want to see is Burress in Eagles' green.
Have a great weekend folks, and hopefully we'll have some good news on the labor front very soon. I know, I know.....less talking, more doing.