STRAHAN: "What's so funny about that is that it makes me sound like I'm telling Anquan to shut up. That's not how I said it. I know Anquan is a great guy and a hell of a player. My message was more about the situation and trying to handle this behind closed doors. Going public is not going to put any more pressure on the team. Really, it becomes a staring contest where the team doesn't want to back down because they think it's going to reflect badly on them. The player doesn't want to back down either, but the team has the leverage as long as he has a contract. He would be better served being a good soldier and handling this behind the scenes. If he wants out, maybe then they'd be more willing to do so."

MARVEZ: "If you were Roger Goodell, what would you do with Michael Vick?"

STRAHAN: "I'd let Michael Vick get out of prison. Show me you've made legitimate changes and would be willing to do more. You're going to have to prove yourself to the whole freaking world. I look at the Vick situation as being so much bigger than the NFL. The way people are going to look at this case, you almost feel like he's in a no-win situation. There are going to be protests and all those things wherever he signs. Michael Vick could go out and do some of the greatest things mankind has ever seen and I still don't know if it would be good enough for people not to protest his getting a job in the NFL. If he gets out of prison and shows he's definitely sorry for what he did and is doing the right things, he should get a chance. Why not try to make a living at something he's great at?"

MARVEZ: "Where do you think the New York Giants are in the race for Super Bowl XLIV and how would you assess their offseason?"

STRAHAN: "The Giants are definitely in the mix. I think their offseason has been good. I think the Giants learned one thing from [Super Bowl XLII] and that's why they beefed up their D-line. They can get after any great quarterback with Chris Canty, Rocky Bernard, Osi (Umenyiora), (Justin) Tuck and (Mathias) Kiwanuka. They drafted a big wide receiver, although there's always a question mark whether a rookie at that position can help you. They're trying to capitalize on the window they have now. The Giants realize it's closing and are trying to beef up for a run."

MARVEZ: "When you played with former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress, could you have seen his off-field problems coming and what do you think the chances are he gets his act together?"

STRAHAN: "I've had the opportunity to talk with him. He's catching a lot of crap from people, but I get the feeling he's going to get things back together. He just has to handle his legal issue and find somebody who is willing to give him an opportunity and he'll be fine. He's not a bad guy. He's a good guy. I just hate to see his talent go to waste."

MARVEZ: "How think the Terrell Owens experiment will go in Buffalo?"

STRAHAN: "(Laughs) Do you mean an experiment by Buffalo or T.O.? Look, T.O. is one of the most talented wide receivers in history and the game today. When he got released by Dallas, regardless of whether he said he had offers from other teams, he took a one-year deal with Buffalo. You're not going to take that type offer if you have all these other teams interested. This sent a message to a lot of people about what can happen if you're not acting right and think you're bigger than the team no matter how talented you are. If you find one team that likes you, great. But a lot of other teams seem to be showing that they aren't going to put up with anybody's mess because of talent."

MARVEZ: How many of today's players do you think really understand what's going with the current CBA situation?

STRAHAN: "Very few. Their feeling is whatever happens, happens. Guys are worried more about playing than anything else. The (NFLPA) player reps are great at relaying the information, but most of the guys don't listen. When they have the meetings, it's, 'How soon can we get out of here?' "

MARVEZ: "Finally, what's the best and worst part about working with Jay Glazer on Pros vs. Joes?"

STRAHAN: "The best part is that Glaze has been my best friend for 16 years. The worst part? Glaze has been my best friend for 16 years."

Author:Fox Sports
Author's Website:http://www.foxsports.com
Added: May 7, 2009

Arizona Cardinals News News » Strahan: Troubled stars, Pros vs. Joes and more
Strahan: Troubled stars, Pros vs. Joes and more
He's no longer a pro, but he isn't a Joe either. That's what makes retired New York Giants defensive end and FOX NFL Sunday analyst Michael Strahan such a great fit as co-host of the new season of Pros vs. Joes. Along with fellow FOX Sports NFL analyst Jay Glazer, Strahan helps moderate the athletic competition between former professional athletes and wanna-be amateurs. The show airs at 11 p.m. Mondays on Spike TV. In the following telephone interview conducted last week, Strahan gives his thoughts on Pros vs. Joes as well as such hot topics as the NFL status of controversial figures Michael Vick, Adam "Pacman" Jones, Plaxico Burress ... and don't forget T.O., of course. MARVEZ: "What was the biggest thing that surprised you about Pros vs. Joes?"