Michael Strahan wanted to clear the air about his holdout from the New York Giants, but he's not close to making a decision on whether or not he's going to play.
Strahan issued a long statement Sunday night to tell Giants fans what he is doing. The Giants are fining him $14,000 a day for not being at camp. One of the reasons Strahan wanted to issue the statement was because he was upset about reports he was staying out of camp for monetary reasons.
"What's been most disappointing has been all of this nonsense that I'm holding out for more money," Strahan said. "The truth is that football has been very good to me and I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by advisors who have ensured my family and I will live comfortably for the rest of my life. You deserve to know what's really going on. My agent [Tony Agnone] met with the Giants earlier in the year and discussed many things, including my contract. Money is not the reason that I have not reported to training camp and it will not be a factor for my return. This has already been communicated to the Giants, and while the reports may indicate a 'hard line' taken by the team regarding money, it is not necessary as this issue has been decided well before July."
Strahan is scheduled to make $4 million this year. The team has said it will not increase that salary. Strahan has not asked for any adjustment.
Before camp, he vacationed in the south of France. Once he returned, he faced a tough decision. His heart apparently wasn't into reporting to camp. The Giants, who have been to the playoffs the past two seasons, have had a tough offseason and head coach Tom Coughlin is fighting to keep his job past this year.
"This offseason has been one of the best in my professional career," Strahan said. "I have worked extremely hard to make sure that I'm in shape and ready to tackle the rigors of another physical season. I am proud to say that my body feels years younger and ready to compete at the highest level. I love training and preparation, and this offseason has made it clear to me that this is one aspect of the game that I will miss tremendously when I decide to one day unstrap the helmet for the last time. I went into this offseason with every intention of entering a 15th season with the Giants, the only team I've ever played for during my career.
"I am human and despite the images of me grimacing and tackling opposing quarterbacks and running backs, I have to face my mortality like anyone else. When an athlete like myself who does what I do for a living starts having doubts, then it's time to take a step back and seriously consider my future. Anyone who played in the NFL with doubts or second guessing is not only putting themselves at risk, but their teammates also. I will never do that."
It is believed Strahan will take a couple more weeks to decide what to do. The team will continue to fine him.
"You have my word that I will try to make the correct decision as quickly as possible," Strahan concluded. "If I decide to play, I hope that you will continue to cheer me on like you have for all of these years. If I decide to hang up the cleats, then I will bid you all a tremendous thank you for the privilege to play a game that has blessed me in so many ways and created memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. I humbly thank you for your understanding and being the best fans."
John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com