The absence of Hakeem Nicks continues and drama surrounding it marches on. As the wide receiver continues to hold out of voluntary workouts without any sort of explanation, speculation continues to swirl as to what the reason could be. While the New York Giants are clearly upset their star receiver has yet to show up to OTAs, a source close to Nicks reports the receiver had already informed the team he would not be there.
Head coach Tom Coughlin acted dumbfounded when asked why Nicks was not present at OTAs. The Giants expected Victor Cruz to be nowhere near facilities, but they did assume Nicks would be present and ready to workout. While sources say New York was informed of the absence, no one on the team seemed to get the memo.
"That's kind of worry that you don't communicate," veteran Justin Tuck said. "Hakeem is young, he might not understand the importance of that part of it but I'm not worried about him being ready for the season. I know Hakeem, wherever he is , he loves to work out, he's doing what he needs to do to be ready for the year but that's what coaches do, they're supposed to be 'Get in here.'"
Nicks is entering into the final season of his rookie contract and the hold out could be due to the wide receiver being upset with how contract negotiations have been going. As teammate Cruz continues to fight for a long-term extension, Nicks could be trying to send a message to the New York front office that he wants things handled differently. Nicks' agent strongly disputes contract talks being the reason for the absence.
Nicks is coming off a slew of injuries including a reoccurring foot injury in 2012. Health could be the reason for the hold out. The fact is, OTAs are voluntary and if Nicks wants to prevent any harm, he will not show up. San Francisco learned this lesson the hard way when receiver Michael Crabtree tore his Achilles during OTAs. With Nicks entering a crucial contract year, prevention of injury will be key.
There are no repercussions to skipping OTAs other than making coaches angry. Players have full right to follow through with the term "voluntary." Nicks is expected to be in attendance once training camp officially begins.
