Train-a Thought

Letters to the Editor: July 6, 2009

Here's something that just chaps my bottom. I don't understand why teams sign their lower draft picks first and leave the higher picks till last. That leaves the possibility of a holdout for training camp which is so critical. Why not sign the higher picks first and work your way down? That would make sense to me because I would ensure everyone gets there on time. Who's going to hold out? A 7th rounder? – Jim G.

Jim, it’s all about slotting guys into pay scales. Many of the lower round contracts are pretty much cut and dried while the higher the draft pick, the more complex the contract. That’s why they take a little longer to get done.

Several sites have published reports of Giants' interest in LB Derrick Brooks in view of M. Boley's injury. Please advise your knowledge of this interest and if it is serious. -- Joe M.

Joe, I took a break last week , so I’ve been out of the loop. My gut feeling is that the Giants are going to wait and see how the depth they already have at the position pans out a bit before making any moves.  

Please help me understand why coaches and owners permit players to put on their personal show time performances. The WR Johnson is a prime example. From my point of view,the coaches have all the leverage. It would seem to me that the coach should be able to announce that such conduct will not be tolerated. First fine him to the max; second bench him; and third deactivate him. That should end that silliness. FWIW watching ESPN be ESPN inspired this rant--letter. – Frank C.

Frank, you’re certainly entitled to your opinion, but I’m failing to see why you are all riled up . Are these players not entitled to vacation like the rest of the world? Do you expect them to lock themselves away with their playbooks 24/7? Good gravy, we all need a break from our work sometimes, pro athletes included! 

Personally, I’d be more concerned if these players were engaging in the sideshows when they should be focusing on football – and even then, they do get a couple days off each week to where they’re entitled to pursue the activities they find enjoyable. So long as they’re not getting into trouble, who cares what they do in their free time?

Maybe I'm misunderstanding but are you listing only Bad Memories of Giant Stadium? Couldn't you find a few highlights like Dallas (Dec '81) or the Andy Headen fumble recovery TD game against Dallas or the 1986 Denver Game or the victory over Denver when they were 13-0 or one of the many playoff WINS? How about the 12 sack game or another Denver game (I think) with Eli's first last 2 minute winning drive? The stadium wasn't always such a depressing place after George Young's arrival.  – Harvey F.

Harvey, yes you misunderstood. I  put together a list of games (both good and bad) plus some personal memories (such as the one running today). I am running them in chronological order. And as I’ve been saying repeatedly, any fans who wish to share their memories are encouraged to send them to me. 

Remembering Giants Stadium: April 24, 1996

In today’s “Giants Stadium” memory, Pat dips into her personal diary to recall her first assignment as a member of the field press.

April 24, 1996.  I was a freelance reporter for Inside Football who was extremely honored to be considered “good enough” to write for the founding Editor , whom as many long time subscribers know, was VERY fussy about the content that went into the publication.

About three months after being asked if I would be interested in writing on a part time basis for the paper, my first assignment came up: I was to do an “evergreen” piece on player.  (An “evergreen” is a story that can be used any time by the way.)
 
Sounds easy enough, right? Ah, but there were a couple of issues. First, neither the Editor nor I knew whom the interview would be with because certain players came out to talk to the press on designated days. 

The other issue that had me a bit more worried was how I, a woman, would be received by the team in their locker room. Remember, back then, there weren’t many women who were regulars in the locker room. 

Ah, but the show must go on, and when I have an obligation to fulfill, I will find a way to get it done as best as I can. 

At first, I stayed close to the Editor, who introduced me to some people. Then after about 15 minutes, I decided to go out on my own to find a player to interview.  I found DE Chad Bratzke, who gave me some great insight on playing defensive end. By the time, we finished the interview, which I think ran about 20 minutes, the story basically wrote itself (and if you’re in the writing field, any time your story can “write itself,” that’s a VERY good thing!)

That night the Editor’s feedback was extremely positive.  Eventually, I received more assignments, including game day detail starting the following season.

Remembering Giants Stadium: September 4, 1995

Here is our latest installment in our summer-time series, “Remembering Giants Stadium.” If you have a memory you'd like to share, send it to editor@insidefootball.com with the subject line “Giants Stadium Memories.”

Sept. 4, 1995:  Dallas 35 – Giants 0
On what was supposed to be a magical night for the Giants and their fans – a Monday night game in which QB Phil Simms was to have his jersey retired at halftime – Big Blue’s bitter NFC rivals, Dallas, embarrassed the Giants every way possible.

Adding insult to injury, who could ever forget Dallas owner Jerry Jones trotting out at halftime with former tennis start Monica Seles to announce a new sponsorship deal the Cowboys reached – while the Simms jersey retirement ceremony was in progress, no less!

However, not all was lost as Simms threw his final pass ever in front of a Giants Stadium crowd to none other than Lawrence Taylor in what I recall as being the best pass thrown by a Giant that night. As Simms drove off in an open topped car, the Giants went on to struggle, losing the game 35-0. And despite what was a moving halftime ceremony, I thought Simms deserved a better outcome.

Remembering Giants Stadium: Jan 7, 1990

Here is our latest installment in our summer-time series, “Remembering Giants Stadium.” We encourage our readers to share their memories of the stadium with us. Send your submissions to editor@insidefootball.com with the subject line “Giants Stadium Memories.”

Jan 7, 1990 (NFC Playoff Game): Los Angeles Rams 19 – Giants 13
Very, very rarely have I ever let the outcome of a Giants game affect me in one way or another. But I will never forget this particular game in which the Giants, whom as I recall were favored to win over the Rams, lost the game 19-13 when WR Flipper Anderson caught the winning touchdown in overtime and kept running straight to the locker room. I remember the stadium being in complete shock. I also remember how for weeks after that game I was in a state of shock that I don't think I recovered from until March of that following year. 

Giants Announce RB Andre Brown Signing

Running back Andre Brown, the fourth-round selection from North Carolina State, has signed his rookie contract with the Giants. 

Brown is the sixth Giants draft choice to sign. Remaining unsigned are wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, the first-round selection from North Carolina, and second-round picks Clint Sintim and William Beatty.

To clear space on the roster for Brown, the Giants waived rookie Alex Derenthal, a free agent from Temple.