Coach Tom Coughlin remains irritated and frustrated that receiver Hakeem Nicks has stayed away from the Giants’ organized team activity practices. It was OTA No. 4 yesterday and, again, Nicks was a no-show.
“At one point Hakeem told me that he was going to be here and then he was not here,’’ Coughlin said after practice Thursday. “Now the strictest interpretation, as everybody knows, is it’s a voluntary program.’’
Voluntary means there are no financial repercussions for not attending OTAs. When players cannot make a practice on a certain day, usually they inform the coaching staff they will not be on the scene. Coughlin said he hasn’t heard from Nicks and believes no one in the Giants organization has been in touch with Nicks for an explanation. The absences are not believed to be tied to any dissatisfaction with his contract and sources have speculated Nicks is dealing with a personal situation.
“I’m not saying anything,’’ said Peter Shaffer, Nicks’ agent, when contacted by The Post. “I’m not being rude. I’m not saying anything and Mr. Nicks is not saying anything. Everyone’s good, Hakeem’s good.’’
Asked how he balances the desire to have his players on the field and the voluntary nature of the practices, Coughlin said, “How do I balance it? Not very well.’’
Justin Tuck said Nicks’ absence without contacting the Giants is “kind of worrying that you don’t communicate.’’ Tuck said he always makes sure Coughlin knows when he is going to miss a session.
“Hakeem is young, he might not understand the importance of that part of it but I’m not worried about him being ready for the season,’’ Tuck said last night at his R.U.S.H for Literacy charity billiards tournament in Manhattan. “At the end of the day just let us know and I’m sure coach understands it. He might not show you he understands it, but he’s been around the game a long time and he understands the business side of it as well. He’ll probably still make you feel guilty about missing, it but I’m sure he understands as long as you explain it to him and it doesn’t catch him by surprise.’’
* The two starting defensive ends, Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul, did not attend Thursday’s OTA. “I was aware of both circumstances there,’’ Coughlin said. “I expect them both [Friday].’’ … Two rookie free agents were waived: Safety John Stevenson and TE Morgan Newton, to make room for the two newest Giants, LB Kyle Bosworth and rookie TE Chase Clement. … Marc Ross was given a promotion to Vice President of Player Evaluation. He had been the Director of College Scouting. Ross runs the draft for the Giants and is considered to be a general manager in the making.
* Newly re-signed WR Ramses Barden, wearing No. 85, made a few catches in his first practice. … First-year WR Brandon Collins continues to impress. He caught a deep Eli Manning pass against Aaron Ross. … WR Jerrel Jernigan was forced out and had a heavy wrap on his left hamstring. … With Henry Hynoski out following knee surgery, TE Bear Pascoe moves to fullback, where Coughlin said, “he does an outstanding job.’’ Still, another fullback might be signed. “If there’s a qualified guy, we would consider it,’’ Coughlin said.
* Bill Austin, who played offensive line for the Giants, passed away this week at his home in Las Vegas at the age of 84. He was a member of the 1956 NFL championship team. Austin was the Steelers head coach from 1966-68 before he was replaced by Chuck Noll.