The Fig File for 12.01.08

The Fig File for 12.01.08 by: Mike Figliola

The Fig File: I didn't see this one coming, did you? I mean, Plaxico Buress's season has been marred with a whole slew of strange happenings: run-ins with the law, bizarre moments with Big Blue ranging from contract negotiations, skipped practices and mandatory meetings resulting in a fine of one week's pay, fighting with an official on the field slapping on  even more fines - but accidentally shooting himself in the thigh while partying at a club in Manhattan? Come on!

What could this talented, young hero of one of the best Superbowl's to be played in my lifetime be thinking? The Giants brass and players say that they are concerned with Plaxico's health and well being - how nice, I am too. Former Giant Michael Strahan said on Fox NFL Sunday (and I'm paraphrasing here) that Plaxico should seek help for whatever it is that is driving him to sabotage his young career. I'm all for that too Michael, but maybe what needs to be examined is why this story is one that has been played out in the tabloids and papers over and over. The headline always reads something like: Sports stars who seem to have everything continually imploding on themselves.

So who or what is the culprit?

MONEY.

That's right: bacon, bread, dough, clams, cabbage, lettuce, kale, moolah, benjamins, cold hard cash. Well isn't it?

Let's take a look back at three memorable examples: Although retired at the time, Net Superstar Jayson William accidentally shoots and kills his chauffeur Costas Christofi at his estate in New Jersey - he was acquitted of the serious charge of reckless manslaughter and settled with Christofi's family for 2.75 million dollars. Jayson Williams was paid 12 million in his final season in the NBA.

Atlanta Falcon star and in my opinion, the smartest and resourceful quarterback under pressure I have ever seen, Michael Vick pleads guilty to a state dog fighting-related charge and was sentenced to a 23 month jail term. He was suspended by the NFL indefinitely. At the time of the charge, Michael Vick had just signed a multi year deal with the Falcons worth 130 million dollars.

And finally, Last December Yankee catcher and World Series champion was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter, accused of hitting another car in Fort Lauderdale and killing the driver. Jim Leyritz made 10 million dolars playing baseball over his 9 years career. Like Williams, Leyritz too was retired at the time of his arrest but I have to ask: couldn't he find it somewhere in his budget to have someone drive him home that night? 

Plaxico Buress salary for the 2008-2009 Football Season is $7,850,000. That's a lot of escarole.

Now, we could ask what was Plaxico Buress doing at a nightclub a day before facing the decision rival Redskins rather than preparing for the big game down in Maryland.  But the problem runs deeper than his personal and professional demons. I believe these athletes are overwhelmed with the portly paycheck and immediate stardom that pro-sports provides them. Unfortunately for Jayson Williams, Michael Vick, Jim Leyritz and now Plaxico Buress this is the sad end result. Speaking of sad, now A-Rod is running around with Madonna - and practicing Kabbalah. Talk about having too much money and going off the deep end. Given the choice of an A-Rod or Buress situation, I think I'd rather shoot myself in the thigh!

Inside Studio Four: An Inside Look Into The John Gambling Show: The Commish Is On Top Of Things: Top Cop Ray Kelly was a guest on The John Gambling Show last week and I thought that in light of the tragic events in Mumbai on Thursday, I would reflect on something that he told John during the segment. Kelly said that despite the economic crisis preventing him from hiring new cops (in 2009 the NYPD will be short 5000 officers), that this city would be safe and that the NYPD would do more with less. And I believe him. Ray Kelly is one of the best this city has ever seen, and in this uncertain world we live in today - as shown with what happened to 174 people in India on Thanksgiving - I feel safe knowing Mr. Kelly is running the security of this city.

Odds and Ends: You Don't Want To Miss This Brunch! Arte Cafe, run by Rico Malta, is located on the Upper West Side right off Central Park - close to Strawberry Fields (one of my favorite Sunday afternoon hang outs) - is a warm low key spot for great Italian food and a choice wine list. Swing by Arte on a Saturday or Sunday for Bruch where they offer early risers a pretty sweet deal. The delectable brunch menu can be coupled with your choice of unlimited Mimosa, Screwdriver, Strawberry Sangria, Champagne, Bloody Mary or Peach Bellini for only 12 bucks more. Try the Amalfitano Panino (Prosciutto, Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil) and add the unlimited Bloody Mary - that's my perfect Sunday afternoon at Arte!

Arte Cafe 106 W 73rd St
New York, NY 10023
Phone: (212) 501-7014