Giant Locker Room Divide

Sure, the Giants are the defending champs, but what I saw at Giants practice today was off-putting and something I believe to be cause for concern. The team that prided itself on selflessness in 2007 is becoming infiltrated with a "me first" attitude, and the epicenter is Plaxico Burress.

Here's what I mean. Three players, three injuries:
1) Antonio Pierce
2) David Diehl
3) Plaxico Burress

Pierce spent this week working himself back to playing shape after missing last week's game against the 49ers by becoming what teammates described as a part-time coach; helping the younger players and staying involved in the game plan while not in pads.

David Diehl, who has a nagging back, told reporters today that he's never missed a game in his ENTIRE LIFE, and couldn't imagine not pushing himself to the limit to ensure he plays this Sunday.

Which brings us to Plax. Despite a gaggle of reporters seeking comment from the moody receiver, Burress ignored the media in the locker room, leaving his teammates to answer questions about his bum back/shoulder and his status for Sunday (not to mention Sunday being his return to Pittsburgh…so you can imagine the media's desire to speak with him).

This is old hat for Plax. He creates a disturbance and isn't held accountable. Then the burden falls to his coaches/teammates to explain his behavior. I know the guy can ball, but still, on a team this tight-knit and team-oriented, his act MUST be getting old with the established players - no matter what they say.

Obviously a player with less talent that Burress would have been out on his can ages ago. But given Plax's other-worldly ability, he gets a pass. But the question is, how long before this preferential treatment starts to affect the champs?
-Matt Estreich, special to Bobby v. The World