ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -Michael Strahan probably will release a statement on his holdout with the New York Giants within two days, his agent said late Friday afternoon.
"I don't know what he plans to do," Tony Agnone said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "I really don't."
Strahan, 35, failed to report to training camp at the University at Albany a week ago Friday, hours after Agnone stunned the Giants by telling them that Strahan was considering retirement after 14 NFL seasons.
Agnone said he has advised Strahan, a seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end, to speak with Brett Favre, Willie Roaf, Deion Sanders and other players who have either retired or considered retirement in recent years.
"I'm not sure he's ready for it," Agnone said of playing this season. "I told him not to go to camp and then decide three weeks later that he wants to retire. Take a couple of extra weeks. If he decides to play, there will be 24 weeks of hell after that."
There has been speculation that Strahan, who was scheduled to earn $4 million this season, is holding out in an effort to renegotiate his contract after losing a bitter divorce case that cost him $15.3 million.
Strahan paid half that amount, and an appellate court granted him a temporary stay while it considers whether the award was too much.
But Agnone said the holdout was not about money. He noted that Strahan still got 50 percent in the divorce and that he can make a lot doing television.
"He can make a couple of million doing that and not take any hits from anybody," Agnone said.
When asked to speculate on what Strahan planned to do, Agnone said his gut told him Strahan will retire, but added quickly that he might play.
Strahan missed half of last season with a foot injury, but took part in the Giants' offseason training program and minicamp. Despite his second major injury in three years, Strahan believed then that he was the NFL's best defensive end. His 132 1/2 sacks are tops among active players.
Strahan hasn't commented since failing to report to camp.
The Giants placed him on their reserve-did not report list and have fined him $14,288 per day. His holdout reached its eighth day on Friday.
There was no immediate comment from the Giants, who have moved forward as if Strahan won't play.
Co-owner John Mara has said that the team wouldn't renegotiate with Strahan, and general manager Jerry Reese has said the Giants would wish him the best if he retires.
If he does, the Giants may consider moving Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end. He played well there last year as a rookie, but the Giants moved the first-round draft choice to strongside linebacker in April in an attempt to get him more playing time.
New York also had veteran defensive end Simeon Rice take a physical earlier this week and speak to coach Tom Coughlin.
William Joseph and Justin Tuck have filled in for Strahan at left end in training camp.
