The ongoing NFL Lockout has brought Osi Umenyiora's long-festering unhappiness with the New York Giants to the forefront. Umenyiora, the Giants veteran defensive end, will file an affidavit as part of the players' antitrust lawsuit against the NFL claiming that the Giants lied to him about his contract.
Umenyiora claims that the Giants, specifically general manager Jerry Reese, did not hold to a promise in regards to contract negotiations with the one-time All-Pro defensive end. Umenyiora has two years left on his current contract and is scheduled to make around $3.5 million for the 2011 season.
Umenyiora has reportedly moved out of his New Jersey home -- a clear indication he does not expect to be a part of the Giants in 2011. The Daily News said Umenyiora believes he will be traded before the season begins.
Unhappiness with the Giants is nothing new for Umenyiora. He has often expressed a desire for a bigger paycheck over the years, and last offseason made several statements about not receiving enough playing time in 2009.
I seriously doubt that Reese lied to Umenyiora. As can often be the case between athletes and organizations it seems more likely that Umenyiora believes he is a top five defensive end and the Giants do not.
In the end the sides seem headed for a divorce.