Eli Manning briefly spoke to reporters Thursday and vehemently denied recent accusations that the quarterback and New York Giants were involved in a scheme in which phony game-worn gear was passed off as real.
Eli Manning gets heated while denying fake memorabilia accusations
“When you attack my integrity, it definitely makes me angry.”
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
According to a lawsuit filed in 2014, Manning and the Giants distributed fake items — including a helmet on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame that was supposedly worn by Manning in Super Bowl XLII — so that the quarterback could keep the real items.
On Thursday, the typically stoic Manning said the accusations “definitely make [him] angry” and denied the validity of the claims.
“I have never done what I’ve been accused of doing,” Manning told reporters. “I have no reason, nor have I ever had any reason to do anything of that nature. I’ve done nothing wrong and I have nothing to hide.”
Manning said he was unable to answer specifics of the case, but did say that he was bothered by attacks on his integrity.
A week ago, the Giants released a statement on behalf of Manning’s attorneys that said he is “well known for his integrity and this is just the latest misguided attempt to defame his character.”
See More:
