On Thursday during the New York Giants first session with the media during their off-season workout program, an emotional Eli Manning vehemently denied that he had anything to do with the allegations that he knowingly provided fake game-used memorabilia to collectors at Steiner Sports.
Below is the statement New York Giants QB Eli Manning issued on Thursday.
“Before we get started, I would like to address what has been going on in the news the past couple of days. However, because this is a pending litigation, I will not be able to answer questions or go into specific details on the matter. I will say that I have never done what I have been accused of doing. I have no reason, nor have I ever had any reason to do anything of that nature. I have done nothing wrong, and I have nothing to hide, and I know that when this is all done everybody will see it the same way. Again, I can’t answer any questions, but if you have anything about the upcoming season I will answer those”.
Based on his 13 year track record in the NFL, Eli Manning deserves the benefit of the doubt that he’s telling the truth.
Despite playing in the biggest media market in the world where there’s all different types of distractions, Manning has never been at the center of a controversy or scandal.
In fact he’s never so much as thrown one of his teammates under the bus during interviews. He has been a model citizen who has handled himself with class throughout his career. You won’t find an ex-teammate or opposing player that will have anything negative to say about Manning’s character.
The point that Manning’s character is being questioned is what’s really seems to be bothering the two time Super Bowl champion quarterback.
He has been very charitable in the community supporting varies charities such as Alliance for Lupus Research, All Stars Helping Kids, and March of Dimes. This is one of the reasons why he and Larry Fitzgerald were named the Walter Payton NFL Man Of The Year.
Manning has made over $200 million dollars through his NFL career not included his endorsement deals. To think he would risk his name and legacy to try to sell of memorabilia and poise it like it was worn in a game seems far-fetched to say the least.
There’s simply isn’t any motive for Manning to take part in a memorabilia scam. He was born into money with his dad Archie Manning playing in the NFL from 1971-1984 and was also well respected around the NFL.
More information will come into light over the next weeks and months. But for the time being we should trust and believe in Eli.
