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DAVE KLEIN Somehow the idea appeals to a sense of poetic justice. Of course Michael Strahan should retire. That way he finishes his career with the Giants in a flat tie with Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor for all-time team sacks. They would each have 132.5, and that would prevent him from taking the honor away from the man he has often mentioned as "my all-time favorite defensive player." What's this? Strahan retire? Oh, that's why he didn't report to training camp yesterday in Albany, N.Y. And by the way, welcome to the funhouse. Quick survey here -- who believes it? On the other hand, who believes it is merely a ploy to renegotiate his contract, which is supposed to pay him $4 million this year, so that he can earn more than that? General manager Jerry Reese said that Strahan's agent, Tony Agnone, called him about 7 p.m. Thursday. "He said that Michael was contemplating retirement, and that is all I know right now," Reese said. "We will put him on 'reserve/did not report to camp.' Until we get more details, that's really all I can say." This is the same Strahan, 35 years old and a 15-year veteran, who stood in front of his locker at Giants Stadium June 14, at the conclusion of a minicamp workout, and spoke as enthusiastically as he ever has about training camp, returning to the team after missing eight of the final nine games of the season with a foot injury. "I think I can have the best season of my career," said the NFL's single-season sack leader (22.5 in 2001). "You just pop in a tape and you'll see me playing better than any defensive end." He also professed great affection for training camp (though few believed that). Retirement would be hard to fathom. He spent all spring working with the team at Giants Stadium during the six-week off-season conditioning program. He seemed to be in good condition and said his foot felt "great." Reportedly, he left a telephone message for head coach Tom Coughlin at approximately 11:30 p.m. Thursday. "It was late, very late," he said. "It was after 11:30. I looked at the message and listened to it this morning at 5 and he asked me to call him back. I did, but I haven't talked to him. I called and left him a message. He did not call back. Obviously, I'm disappointed that he is not here." You think? Reportedly, Strahan was in California yesterday (Friday). The reports did not offer an explanation for why he was on the Left Coast, only that he was. The damage this stunt can and will do, if not nipped in the bud, is almost unimaginable. If he really retires, it will almost certainly cancel the Grand Experiment of moving last year's rookie sensation Mathias Kiwanuka from defensive end to strongside linebacker. It would be necessary because Kiwi (originally drafted to replace Strahan) will, in fact, have to replace him. That would leave Justin Tuck, also injured last season (he missed the final 11 games with a foot injury) as the top replacement. Behind him would be converted tackle William Joseph, Adrian Awasom and a handful of rookie free agents (do not waste much time contemplating that as a solution). Further, the identity of the next strongside linebacker would be up in the air. Would it be Reggie Torbor? No, probably not; been there and done that. Tyson Smith? Please. A rookie? Clearly, another defensive end, one with experience and some sort of performance record, would have to be obtained. Tampa Bay just released former Pro Bowl pass rusher Simeon Rice, but they did so because he failed his physical (shoulder surgery) and would the Giants take that kind of expensive risk? Probably not. Talking about possible solutions, Reese seemed at a loss. "I think he [Strahan] is a Hall of Fame player, so obviously [this would be a big void]. It is hard to replace guys who you think are going to be in the Hall of Fame," he said. "I just think it is a big void for us. We don't know anything yet. We will talk to him and when we get more information we will let you know." Somebody asked if Rice was on his short list? "We have a long list," he said, clearly indicating that it isn't a "short" list. Then he was asked how long he'll wait before bringing someone else in. "We are not going to wait long," he said. Perspective? Strahan will play. He will also get a new contract. End of story. EXTRA POINTS -- The Giants waived free agent running back Cedric Humes. … They signed defensive back Richard Yancy, who played with the Rhein Fire in NFL Europa (the league since disbanded) last season. … He had been Rhein's starting strong safety since 2005 and spent the 2005 NFL season with the San Diego Chargers and 2004 with San Francisco. Well, Eli and Peyton Manning finally have something in common -- both brother quarterbacks are going into camp without an experienced left tackle to protect their blindside. ... Eli will be without Luke Petitgout (released) and Peyton will lead his Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts onto the field without Pro Bowl Tarik Glenn, who decided to retire. ... Eli is going to observe a battle between converted guard David Diehl and second-year tackle Guy Whimper; Peyton will watch as Charlie Johnson, a sixth round pick last year, and Tony Ugoh, the Colts' first round pick this year, compete for the job. BY THE WAY -- For those of you who wrote in expressing amazement and anticipation that E-GIANTS was going to come to you five times a day now, cool those jets. ... You know that was a typo. ... It's five days a WEEK, two stories each time, and that is usually more than enough. Check out Dave's website at E-GIANTS
where you can subscribe to his newsletters which
run much more frequently than what is available here. NEW - Send a request to davesklein@aol.com for a free week's worth of news!
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