The first few turbulent days of Osi Umenyiora’s involvement – and non-involvement – in Giants training camp seemed to hit a lull on Thursday. There was no non-trade edict, no comments from either side and no hint that a resolution is forthcoming. In a drama that has had twists and turns, no news could be good news.
But this Osi Odyssey isn’t going away. Once again, he showed up at the team facility, attended meetings but when it came time to practice in the evening he rode the stationary bicycle and then watched his teammates on the field. The Giants said the reason given was “because he says he has a sore knee,’’ which did not sound very convincing. Umenyiora has yet to take part in any practices thus far in camp even though friend and teammate Justin Tuck, as well as Tom Coughlin, said missing practices was not health or injury related. Tuck went as far as to call it “a strategy.’’
Umenyiora has told the Giants he may need knee surgery, which would cut into his regular season. He had major surgery to repair a torn meniscus cartilage in his left knee in 2008, costing him that entire season. He had surgery this off-season to repair lingering side effects of a torn hip labrum he suffered in 2006 and last month declared himself fully recovered.
The Giants are not disputing that Umenyiora has a knee condition but the team is not sure it requires immediate surgery and instead believes can be managed, most likely by limiting his practice reps and giving him days off.
On goes the dispute.
Umenyiora, is seeking a new contract with two years remaining on his deal. The Giants allowed his agent, Tony Agnone, to seek a trade, demanding a first-round pick in return. After two days and Agnone not finding a willing to part with a No. 1 pick, the Giants rescinded the offer and an attempt is being made to provide some sort of salary adjustment to appease Umenyiora, who wants a hefty increase from the $3.1 million he’s scheduled to make in 2011.
This cannot go on indefinitely, as at some point soon Umenyiora is going to have to relent and hit the practice field or else the Giants will take action. Either Umenyiora has the knee surgery he says he needs and sits out or else some punitive measures could be taken in the form of fines or suspension.