Umenyiora, Giants remain in stalemate
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora tosses a football as he rides a stationary bike during training camp in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aug. 3, 2011) Credit: AP
Osi Umenyiora keeps pushing those pedals on the exercise bike but getting nowhere. It is a perfect metaphor for his situation with the Giants, who are growing weary of his nonparticipation in practice.
According to a league source familiar with the Giants' thinking, they are considering disciplining him for conduct detrimental to the team. That might be tough as Umenyiora has told the team he has a sore knee and his camp has dangled the threat of surgery to repair it.
"It's a concern," coach Tom Coughlin said of the possibility of surgery, although he did not specify if it was the condition or the threat that is a concern.
Umenyiora is seeking either a new contract with the Giants or a trade to a team that will give him one. His side reportedly has approached the Giants with creative salary alternatives, but the Giants have rebuffed them all. Umenyiora has two years remaining on his contract and the team has shown no interest in letting him out of that obligation.
Even fans at training camp were siding with the team Friday, shouting at him on the sideline to "honor your contract!"
The Giants re-signed defensive end Dave Tollefson to provide position depth and some leverage against Umenyiora.
It appears, though, that Umenyiora will not get off the bike until he gets a deal. And the Giants seem unwilling to talk about a deal until he gets off the bike. Until one side makes a move, the two remain far apart.
