Coughlin waves off Plaxico's comments

Giants coach Tom Coughlin Wednesday night dismissed critical comments about their relationship by former wide receiver Plaxico Burress by suggesting it could be a "badge of honor" to be disrespected by the talented but rebellious player.

Coughlin made his remarks before the Yankees' game against Texas at the Stadium, where his 7-year-old grandson, Dylan Snee, was serving as honorary Yankees batboy. When the subject of Burress was raised, the Giants coach at first offered his sincere wish that Burress gets to enjoy some quality time getting reacquainted with his family after being released from a two-year prison sentence just over a week ago.

But Coughlin couldn't avoid the subject of Burress' criticism of him two days earlier. "My situation in New York, me and my coach had an ambivalent relationship to say the least," Burress said after a news conference to promote gun safety. "Some things that I didn't agree with, with the way he went about things. And the only way to show my way was to just rebel."

Burress added that he enjoyed a warm relationship with former Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher but found it difficult to communicate with Coughlin after joining the Giants. He said Coughlin had no respect for anything Burress had to say.

When asked last night how he interpreted Burress' comments, Coughlin shrugged and said, "I don't pay any attention to it. It is what it is. Maybe he's sending me along a badge of honor. How do I know?"

Obviously, it doesn't sound like Burress will be returning to the Giants. But Coughlin said he is eager to resume work and is hopeful a settlement will be reached soon. "I'm real optimistic," Coughlin said.