Changed my mind... time for Giants to live without Shockey

Ever since last February 3rd, when the Giants upset the Patriots and won the Super Bowl, I had hoped that this meant that Eli Manning and Jeremy Shockey would finally wind up on the same page. Shockey, the talented yet self-centered tight end, was hurt in December and missed the last two regular season games and the memorable 4 game ride to the title. I commented a while back that it seemed like once Shockey was gone, young Eli could relax and just play football. That’s all rookie tight end Kevin Boss seemed to do. He never moaned and groaned about not getting the football. He never showed up his QB on a miscommunication or ill timed pass. All Boss did was make some key grabs when his number was called.

Shockey has made it clear that he wishes a greater role in the offense or to be traded by Big Blue. His actions from the time he was hurt demonstrate this. At the Super Bowl, Jeremy was in a box knocking back beer rather than on the sideline while his teammates won a world championship. Once again, he has failed to show up at any off season conditioning workouts. Last night, Shockey was a no show at Tiffany’s as the team was handed out their Super Bowl rings.

READ MORE AND WATCH VIDEO FROM THURSDAY'S CEREMONY AFTER THE JUMP...

PHOTO GALLERY: Giants get their Super Bowl rings.

Shockey has always been about himself-never happy with the number of passes thrown to him. Never afraid to bash coaches-his own, or the opposition-in August 2003 he called Bill Parcells a “homo” just to stir things up between Big Blue and the Cowboys. His historionics on the field have always pointed to himself. I hope he doesn’t have a chance to do it again in a Giants uniform.

Hey, I know it had to kill Shockey that he couldn’t play in the Big Game With the Roman Numerals. But he played in 14 games, always played hard, and is better than young Boss on the field. But this? Every player dreams of that diamond ring. Kiwaka Mitchell and Gibril Wilson, not even on the team anymore (they joined other teams in free agency) were there to get their bling. Antonio Pierce had a great excuse-he was on his honeymoon. After all, you can’t plan on a Super Bowl ring ceremony getting in the way of your first days of married bliss!
If Shockey wants out this badly, rather than work with a maturing QB and be part of a team that can be competitive the next few years, let him go. GM Jerry Reese, while looking to find Michael Strahan’s potential replacement (if he retires on top) and keep the team at or near the top of the NFC, should trade Shockey. The guy doesn’t want to be here, see ya. Eli, coach Tom Coughlin and the team don’t need the headache.