Jake Plummer was trying to stick up for his girlfriend. However, he admitted Monday he chose the wrong forum and in the process apologized to Broncos fans for what he said were comments taken out of context.
“I wish I could go back and change some things, but I can’t,” Plummer said. “It’s time to move on, let it go. I realize that I’m in the public eye. I know that, and I’ve been in that public eye for a long time. I can handle it.”
Thursday night, Plummer called and complained to Rocky Mountain News columnist Penny Parker for an item she wrote in that day’s paper about Plummer’s girlfriend, a Broncos cheerleader. In Parker’s Saturday column, she detailed her phone call from Plummer and wrote he was profane and criticized Broncos fans.
Plummer said Monday his words about Broncos fans were taken out of context, and that’s what bothered him about Saturday’s column.
“The main thing was about the fans,” Plummer said Monday. “We have great fans here. By no means was I saying that we did not have great fans.
“What I was doing was protecting the person the article was written about. I didn’t want to have her put in the situation that I am put in sometimes when I’m not playing well, and I know the fans are going to boo. The fans are going to say what they want to say. I didn’t want her to be put in that situation because that’s unfair for her. She’s not the quarterback.”
Plummer and Broncos coach Mike Shanahan talked about the situation.
“He’s accountable for what he says and what he does,” Shanahan said. “We got a chance to talk and talk about different scenarios that have happened through the past and will happen in the future.”
Banged-up secondary
Shanahan and Champ Bailey expect the cornerback to play Sunday against the Giants at East Rutherford, N.J. Bailey left Sunday’s win over New England after 38 plays. Bailey’s left hamstring, which kept him out of two games, was getting sore.
“I think Champ is fine,” Shanahan said. “I think Champ will be fine this week.”
Meanwhile, the Broncos’ depth at safety could be thin. Shanahan expects Nick Ferguson (sprained right ankle) to be able to play against the Giants. Ferguson missed most of Sunday’s game. But his replacement, Sam Brandon, will miss the next three weeks with a pectoral injury.
Shanahan said there will be no roster moves at the position. With the injuries, Marques Anderson likely will be active. Plus, Curome Cox also can play safety. Right tackle George Foster (second degree sprained MCL) is expected to play Sunday.
Footnotes
The NFL trading deadline is today. The Broncos aren’t expected to make a deal. … Former Broncos running back Quentin Griffin will work out for Buffalo, while former defensive end Anton Palepoi is in Arizona. … Washington coach Joe Gibbs was fined $10,000 by the NFL for comments about the officiating in the Redskins’ loss at Denver on Oct. 9.
EYE ON THE GIANTS
Denver at the New York Giants, 2:15 p.m., Sunday
For the record: The Giants are 3-2 and in a three-way tie for second in the NFC East.
Last game: Lost a division showdown, 16-13 in overtime to the Cowboys in Texas.
Streaking: Counting their final game of 2004, and their “away” game in Week 2 against New Orleans, N.Y. has won its past four games at Giants Stadium.
Who’s hot: DE Michael Strahan had two sacks against the Cowboys. TE Jeremy Shockey has 20 catches for 351 yards and three touchdowns in his past four games. WR Plaxico Burress has at least five catches in all five games. Kicker Jay Feely is 10-for-10 in field goals and 17-for-17 in extra points.
Who’s not: RB Tiki Barber has just one 100-yard game. QB Eli Manning is coming off his worst performance, completing just 14-of-30 passes with an interception and fumble at Dallas.
Key stat: The Giants lead the league in scoring with 29.8 points per game.
FYI: The Giants’ defense is 31st in the league with 417.2 yards allowed per game. Only the 49ers (451.8 yards) have allowed more.
Injury report: CB Will Peterson (lower back) is out. LB Carlos Emmons (knee, ankle) is probable.
Coach speak: “Taking nothing away from Dallas, but we had opportunities and we didn’t make them. There was a lack of execution.” – Giants coach Tom Coughlin
– Mike Klis
