If Hakeem Nicks is trying to send a message to the New York Giants by holding out of OTAs, it is not working. The wide receiver continues to be a no-show to the voluntary workouts without giving any kind of indication as to why. If Nicks is hoping his hoping his holdout forces the Giants to re-think their contract negotiations tactics, it is not. Instead, he is just making his head coach angry with him.
Coughlin expected receiver Victor Cruz to be a no-show at OTAs, but he did expect Nicks to be present and ready to work.
"Am I didappointed? No, I'm glad," Coughlin said with sarcasm. "Certainly I am disappointed. At one point Hakeem told me he was going to be here, and then he was not here. In the strictest interpretation, everyone knows it's a voluntary program."
The only time Nicks has been seen working out with the Giants was during an offseason throwing camp with quarterback Eli Manning. Other than that, Nicks has not been around. It is likely that he is trying to send a message about his contract. He and fellow teammate Cruz are free-agents-to-be next offseason and Nicks is looking to get handsomely. Cruz is currently holding out for a high paying long-term contract and Nicks is hoping to get the same kind of deal.
Nicks has not come out and given a reason for the absence and Coughlin notes that the receiver has not been in contract much with anyone in the organization. He is expected to pick up the slack during the absence of Cruz. With both of them out, Manning is throwing to a receiving group that will not carry the Giants into the postseason like they want.
Coughlin understands that OTAs are indeed voluntary, but he has made it known to players that he prefers they attend the workouts.
"It would be great to have all of our guys working and feeling good about the progress we're making as a team, and that type of thing. That's just from a coach's perspective. I can complain all I want, but nevertheless, it is our system," Coughlin said.
The head coach is certainly disappointed that his two biggest play makers are nowhere to be seen. He remains positive that a long-term contract for Cruz is on its way and when he comes back to practice, Nicks will follow.
