Eli Manning has a master of studies at the School Of Professional Jock Speak. One of the all-time greats, his ability to go years and years without saying anything of interest to drama-starved journos summons comparisons to legends like Derek Jeter, Russell Wilson and big brother Peyton.
So when Eli answers a question that allows the tabloids any wiggle room to run with, you can safely assume the Giants quarterback is a) trying to send a message and b) just a tad bit annoyed.
On Tuesday, Manning was asked about Odell Beckham Jr.'s extracurricular behavior, specifically his unending kicking net bit on the Giants' sideline.
Quick refresher for those of you not plugged in on OBJ: Prop Comic. Beckham simulated an act of intimacy with the kicking net after his first touchdown against the Ravens on Sunday. After his second score, he got down on one knee and proposed to the net. This came one week after he kissed the net after a score and three weeks after he accidentally whacked himself in the head with the net.
All of this is stuff that actually happened.
"I think the net has played its part," Manning said, according to ESPN. "Think we can move on from that personally."
The comment comes one day after Manning acknowledged "you can ignore (Beckham's behavior) a little bit easier" when the Giants are winning.
"He made plays and so it's one of those deals where you can get real sick of it if he's not going out there and making plays," Manning said, via the New York Post, "but when he goes out and has a couple of huge catches and 200 yards and a game-winning touchdown, you still want him to be smarter, but you accept it a little easier."
The Beckham situation still feels like a powder keg situation to us. When Eli is unable to hide his feelings, you know there's stuff cooking behind the scenes.
