After Suspension By Giants, Plaxico Burress May File Grievance

Plaxico Burress is attempting to get the NFL Players’ Association to overturn the Giants’ decision to suspend him for two weeks.

That was the word a few moments ago from Drew Rosenhaus, Burress’ agent, who said Burress’ absence on Monday was related to a “family matter.” Rosenhaus acknowledged that there was a “miscommunication” between Burress and the Giants, but said the matter was not severe enough to warrant a suspension and a nearly $250,000 loss in pay.

“We have to respect their decision, but we don’t agree with it,” Rosenhaus said. “As a result, we’ve contacted the PA and requested a hearing to see if we could get Plaxico reinstated. It’s not something we think is tantamount to Plaxico being suspended for two weeks.

“This is obviously something that just doesn’t sit with us. We’re therefore going to do what we can to get this thing settled.”

Rosenhaus declined to get into details about what the “family matter” was that precluded Burress from showing up at work, or from calling anyone in the organization. “There are things that take place in the NFL that are worse and don’t result in a suspension,” Rosenhaus said.

In fact, Rosenhaus said the Giants were made aware of the situation on Monday night when Burress spoke with Charles Way, the Giants’ director of player development. And Rosenhaus said he was in contact with Giants officials on Monday and most of the day Tuesday as well.

He added that Burress was “very surprised and very, very disappointed” when he got the news of the suspension this morning.

There is no timetable for a decision by the NFLPA on whether or not to seek a hearing with an arbitrator, and it’s not clear whether Burress even has a case for the decision to be overturned.

“He’s apologetic for this,” Rosenhaus said. “He’s remorseful about it. He’s certainly contrite. And he certainly does have a good case here.”

- Ralph Vacciano, NY Daily News