There is no one better to advise Jeremy Shockey than Kerry Collins, who early in his NFL career was every bit the problem child the Giants hope Shockey does not become.

Collins went through more than his share of controversy with the Panthers, which is why his recent chat with Shockey figured to be productive.

"I had a little talk with him the other day to share with him some of my experiences of dealing with the media and some of the things that come along with being a sports celebrity," said Collins, a No. 1 pick of the Panthers in 1995 who was run out of Carolina amid claims he was a drunk and a quitter. "I think it's good to hear that from a guy who's been through some of the things he's been through. There's no handbooks and there's no rulebooks that tell you what to do and what not to do."

Just how much sunk in with Shockey is unclear (he's currently not talking to the media). Collins is hopeful his words hit home.

"It's one thing to hear it from a coach...but I can sit there and tell him life experience," Collins said. "I say, 'Jeremy, I'm not telling you what to do, but I can just tell you what I did with my situation and how it got better for me.' "
Aug 13, 03