Beckham says ‘I’m back’ in time to avoid fine

The Giants open a mandatory minicamp Tuesday and Odell Beckham Jr. apparently is committed to that rather than subjecting himself to fines for not showing up.

Odell Beckham Jr. is back.

The New York Giants wide receiver made that crystal clear in an Instagram post Sunday night in which he said, “I’m back.” So, see, there’s no doubt about that. But what is he back from? Hanging out on the beach, it looks like. Not attending any of his team’s 10 organized team activities, for sure. Those may be voluntary, but NFL teams define “voluntary” differently than you and I, so it was frowned upon when Beckham was a no-show. This week, though, things get serious when the open a mandatory minicamp Tuesday and Beckham apparently is committed to that rather than subjecting himself to fines for not showing up. Skipping those would have cost Beckham more than $80,000, according to the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard.

Sure enough, ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported that he was at the team’s facility Monday, just in time for physicals.

This week, he’ll get the chance to explain his absence and whether it is connected to his desire for a new contract, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported. Beckham, who is signed through the 2018 season, has drawn some criticism for his AWOL act, but video in the Instagram post, his first since April 18, shows him working out and looking buff. He also has a message in his post: “The rain falls on the just and unjust alike.”

Decker released

Now, it’s official: Eric Decker’s days with the New York Jets are done.

The team released the veteran wide receiver Monday, six days after saying it would do so if it couldn’t work out a trade.

While it appeared Decker drew some interest from teams in the trade market, the 30-year-old receiver is now a free agent.

It’s the latest in a series of offseason moves by the Jets to cut highpriced veterans. New York cut linebacker David Harris last Tuesday after 10 seasons, and general manager Mike Maccagnan also announced that the Jets would be parting ways with Decker.

“We think very highly of Eric, and our focus right now is seeing our young players, how they do,” Maccagnan said that day. “We wish Eric, going forward, a lot of success, but again if we can’t facilitate a trade we will move on from Eric.”

Decker’s departure will save the Jets $7.25 million in salary. He receiver had 163 catches for 2,183 yards and 19 touchdowns in three seasons with New York.

Vick, White send-off

Michael Vick received a big hug from Arthur Blank.

Vick also received an embrace from Blank’s team that he said would last a lifetime.

Vick, the dynamic quarterback whose career with the Atlanta Falcons ended in disgrace, and Roddy White, the leading receiver in franchise history, were honored with a retirement ceremony Monday.

“I’m here today as a retired Atlanta Falcon, and I can live with that forever and will forever be grateful. Thank you,” Vick said.

Vick, who thrilled fans with his dual-threat skills as a passer and runner, and White, the physical and productive receiver, were two of the biggest stars and most dynamic players in Falcons history.

Maclin picks Ravens

Receiver Jeremy Maclin has signed a twoyear contract with the Baltimore Ravens, who spent much of the offseason looking for a deep threat.

After being cut by Kansas City earlier this month, Maclin visited Buffalo and Baltimore last week. He chose the Ravens.

Maclin fulfills the Ravens’ quest to provide another downfield target for quarterback Joe Flacco. Mike Wallace returns, but Steve Smith won’t be coming back after announcing his retirement.