Manning angrily denies link to memorabilia fraud
The usually calm and collected Eli Manning was anything but when denying his alleged connection to sports memorabilia fraud, providing his first comments about a dealer's lawsuit against him Thursday.
"I have never done what I've been accused of doing," Manning said, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.
Manning added: "I'm more angry than anything. I've done nothing wrong and I'm still being attacked."
Related - Giants claim email linking Manning to memorabilia fraud 'taken out of context'
The New York Giants' star quarterback is facing a lawsuit from memorabilia dealer Steiner Sports. The suit claims that Manning knowingly provided the company with bogus equipment to be sold as authentic.
Manning sent an email from his personal account to Giants equipment manager Joe Skiba in April 2010 that read, "2 helmets that can pass as game used. That is it. Eli."
The Giants claimed the text was taken out of context, and Manning said he was confident that he'll be completely exonerated when all the facts about the scandal are revealed.
Reporters in attendance noted how visibly upset the quarterback was.
This was probably the most animated I've seen Eli Manning. He's very upset with the accusations.
— Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina) April 20, 2017
There haven't been many times Eli Manning has shown his emotions publicly in his career. This press conference is definitely in the Top 5.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) April 20, 2017
Eli Manning was visibly upset. More defiant than at any time in his career. Felt his character was assailed.
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) April 20, 2017