There’s been a lot said and tweeted since the shocking news broke Tuesday that Eli Manning won’t be starting for the New York Giants in Week 13. A Hall of Fame quarterback weighed in on the situation, calling it shameful.
Then later in the day, former Giants great, two-time Super Bowl winner Carl Banks, shared similar thoughts, with a bit of extra commentary aimed at others within the organization.
“I am very emotional about this Eli S***.. The guy who gave you EVERYTHING for better or worse NEVER missing a game and THIS how it ends?? Not #10! He deserves better, He gave is all when BETTER wasn’t there for him.. and this is how it ends?? I hurt for him,” Banks tweeted.
“I will say it again… He deserves better, and yet he gave his all when Better wasn’t available..REMEMBER THIS.. He Didn’t QUIT on his TEAM a single damn Play!! let that sink in.. HE NEVER QUIT A SINGLE PLAY!!!
“I’m gonna say this and I’m done.. ELI MANNING DID NOT QUIT ON HIS TEAM, HE DIDN’T TAKE THE EASY WAY OUT, AND NEVER BITCHED ABOUT WHAT WAS GIVEN HIM.. HE SHOWED UP WHEN MANY OF THESE SO CALLED PROS QUIT ON HIM.. AND THIS IS HOW IT ENDS? F***!!!!!!!!”
Well, it didn’t take long for current Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison to catch wind of this. And he didn’t take kindly to the accusation that Giants players quit on the team.
Stop the sub tweeting and put a name on it. You in that building everyday and have yet to approach anybody u thought “quit”…emotional tweeting isn’t good https://t.co/BwpczDUxAv
— Billy (@snacks) November 28, 2017
To which Banks responded…
Young brother I don't play anymore.. my job isn't to "approach" those that I think quit.that for the leaders.. I've been there, done it and rings to show for it.. I encourage and root for all Giants.. so hey if it looks ok to you then who am I to dispute https://t.co/08xvAlGH6C
— Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII) November 28, 2017
And about that emotional tweeting thing.. Well it was a different era when we actually gave a damn.. The Standards/expectations don't change.. so forgive me if I want more you ..lol https://t.co/08xvAlYivc
— Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII) November 28, 2017
Whew!
Of all the players on New York’s defense that could have responded this way, we’ll say Harrison hasn’t given up this year and has the right to speak up. He’s one of the league’s best interior defenders and gives his all, no matter what else is going on.
That said, we have seen some less-than-stellar effort from other players on both sides of the ball — the San Francisco 49ers game stands out in a huge way being recent, as do others.
And when a legendary player like this speaks up, maybe it’s time to listen.