Tuck thinks Osi "deserves to get paid"
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 05: Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants reacts to a sack in the fourth quarter during the game against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) Credit: Getty/Gregory Shamus
Justin Tuck made it clear that he believes players should abide by the contracts that they sign. But when it comes to his teammate Osi Umenyiora, Tuck sees the other side and thinks Osi “deserves to get paid.”
That’s what Tuck said on the Jim Rome Show on Tuesday while talking up his upcoming RUSH for Literacy billiards event in New York. Here's a link to the appearance.
“He’s very important,” Tuck said of Umenyiora’s place on the team. “He is a great defensive end and has had a very successful career with the Giants. I’ve played the last seven years with him and we’re like a 1-2 tandem. We know each other very well, know how to play off each other, have had a lot of success together. Obviously I’m rooting for him to end his career as a Giant. But you also understand the business aspect of things. At the end of the day I just hope everything works out for him and his family and for the Giants.”
Rome asked Tuck who the current standoff between Osi and the team is “on.” Tuck saw the gray of the black and white situation.
“It’s hard,” Tuck said. “He signed a contract and I believe in abiding by that contract but I also think he’s outplayed that contract. In today’s market and how some of these defensive ends are getting paid lots of money, I think he deserves to get paid.”
Tuck was also asked about the possibility of the Giants becoming a dynasty. “It would be huge considering all the great teams the Giants have had,” he said of possibly being the first players to win three rings in a Giants uniform. “The Parcells era. You have all these great guys, Simms, LT, Harry Carson, Michael Strahan, the list goes on. To be a part of a unit of guys who have gotten three when those guys couldn’t do it would be tremendously special.”
He was also asked about LT’s son selling the ring from Super Bowl XXV two weeks ago.
“Unfortunate,” Tuck said. “Obviously a Super Bowl ring is something that I don’t think holds a monetary value. It’s about the blood, sweat and tears, the camaraderie between your teammates to get to that point. It’s unfortunate that had to go down but hopefully I’ll never have to experience something like that myself.”
