Burress to sit out Giants minicamp, maybe training camp, too
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Plaxico Burress isn't going to practice with the New York Giants until the Super Bowl champions give him a new contract.
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Burress reported to the Giants' mandatory minicamp on Wednesday but refused to work out because he was not happy with the way contract negotiations are progressing between the team and agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Coach Tom Coughlin had indicated after practice that Burress did not work out because of a knee injury, but the receiver said he was healthy.
"Me and my agent are trying to get a deal done so I can stay a New York Giant for a long time," Burress said. "I, personally, don't like the way they're going and I am not happy about it. I am choosing not to participate."
Burress, who caught a game-winning 13-yard touchdown pass with 35 seconds remaining in the Super Bowl to give the Giants a 17-14 win over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots, has three years remaining his six-year, $25 million deal. He will earn $3.25 million this year, $3.5 million in 2009 and $3.75 million in 2010.
"I'm not saying I'm being mistreated," Burress said. "Everybody wants to be treated fairly."
By current standards, Burress is being underpaid.
Terrell Owens of Dallas and Randy Moss of New England recently signed three-year contracts for $27 million, while Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals got a four-year, $40 million contract with a $30 million guarantee.
"This is only my ninth season," Burress said. "I'm in the prime years of my career. I know I can play stellar football for at least another four or five more years."
Despite playing with a season-long ankle injury and a knee problem in the postseason, Burress had a team-high 70 catches for 1,025 yards and a career-best 12 touchdown catches. He has caught 209 passes as a Giant, leading the team in catches in two of his three seasons.
Burress and Eli Manning have combined for 29 touchdown catches since 2005, the most by a receiver-quarterback tandem in the league during that time.
"Last year was one of the most frustrating years I've been through," Burress said. "I sit back and look at myself, if I can go out and do the things I did, basically on one leg, and a half a knee in the Super Bowl, what type of performance am I going to give when I'm 100 percent?"
Burress said contract talks with the team started a month ago.
