Canty Works Out, Meets With Coaches At Team Headquarters
Giants’ defensive tackle Chris Canty worked out at the team’s practice facility today on the first day of the temporary end to the league’s lockout. Canty met with Tom Coughlin and some of the Giants’ assistant coaches, and was joined by teammates Mario Manningham and Brandon Jacobs.
The Daily News’ Ralph Vacchiano has more:
According to Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon, all three players met with staff members and coaches. Canty was the only one to work out. The NFL had instructed teams to open their doors and treat any incoming players with “courtesy and respect,” but NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an email that “We do not believe it is appropriate for football activities to take place until there are further rulings from the court.”
The Giants, regardless of the league’s attempt to seek a “stay” of Judge Nelson’s order, had no problem letting Canty – or others – work out.
“In light of last night’s ruling by Judge Nelson, we were directed by the league that if our players showed up today to treat them with courtesy and respect,” Hanlon said in a statement. “That message, which sounds a lot like how we always treat our players, was reinforced to our staff by our ownership.”
Canty called the Giants “a class act” and said he never had a doubt about what would happen upon his return.
“No, there was no tension here,” he said. “I know that hasn’t exactly been the thing around the rest of the league, but coming in here it was like we never left. Coming back, coaches are very excited to have guys back in the building and we’re just excited to move forward and get back to work.”
Not surprisingly, Canty said he’d be back tomorrow and would keep coming “as long as the doors are open.” He expects a lot more players to start joining him soon, too.
“That’s the kind of team we have,” Canty said. “We have a veteran team that loves to work with one another to accomplish a common goal. Guys understand a big part of us having success is being here, working out together.”
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