Burress Won’t Practice Without a New Contract
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Plaxico Burress isn’t going to practice with the Giants until the Super Bowl champions give him a new contract.
Burress reported to the Giants’ mandatory minicamp yesterday 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.”
General manager Jerry Reese refused to comment, saying it was an internal matter.
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.
