Shock is the first word to describe hearing the news of former New York Giants and current New Orleans Saints TE Jeremy Shockey's release from the team today.
From ESPN:
Veteran tight end Jeremy Shockey told ESPN's Rachel Nichols that he's been released by the New Orleans Saints.
"It's a business, I understand," Shockey said. "I'll just go play hard for someone else. Whoever gets me it's going to be a steal."
"I'd like to thank Jeremy for the contributions he made to our team during his time in New Orleans," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. "These decisions are never easy to make and we wish him the best in the future."
Is there really a way to say this news is part sad and the other part gratifying? No. The saga of Shockey runs deeps in the hearts and minds of Giants fans and the Giants organization, after his abrupt departure from New York. Fresh off a Super Bowl winning season, the often disgruntled Shockey seemed possessed with raining on the organization's parade and recent success. An injury (as was the story of Shockey's career) sidelined Shockey in November of the 2007 season, which caused him to miss the Giants' improbable Super Bowl run where many saw the emergence of back up TE Kevin Boss as a solution for Giants QB Eli Manning who had grown tired of Shockey's antics on the field.
Following the Giants Super Bowl win, Shockey refused to attend the celebration parade and distanced himself from the organization in a move that signaled his desired departure from the team. A desire that was fulfilled after he and Giants GM Jerry Reese had a screaming match at Giants stadium that sent Shockey off to New Orleans. Once there, Shockey's true feelings towards the Giants organization and team were aired early and often angering many fans who remembered things a little differently. The story in NY was that of a team that protected him more than anything instead of allowing him to be punished in the way he should have been, which ultimately made him look like a whining baby. Many believed that Shockey had taken advantage of the Giants and threw a temper tantrum when he didn't share their Super Bowl victory.
As a Saint, Shockey claimed to have been a "changed" man often referencing himself a "former sinner...now a saint." Which many took as a direct hit at the Giants and his seemingly manufactured dislike of the team. At any event, just one season removed from helping his beloved Saints win a Super Bowl in 2009, it appears the team's loyalty has expired and after only three seasons with the team, former Giants offensive coordinator and current Saints HC Sean Payton have decided it's time to part ways. It should be added that Sean Payton was a key factor in Shockey's decision to leave New York.
It'd be interesting to know what Shockey's true feelings are towards the team and the coach he sacrificed so much to play for are now, considering they got what they wanted and decided to move on.
Karma? Maybe... But for Giants fans, revenge as they won a Super Bowl without him anyway. Best of luck to him finding a new home... AGAIN!