On Wednesday, attorneys representing New York Giants’ Eli Manning filed paperwork refuting recent claims concerning the quarterback’s involvement in a memorabilia scheme.
Earlier this month, the New York Post released an email citing “proof” that Manning was in on a plan to defraud collectors by selling fake game-worn memorabilia as authentic. According to the publication, back in 2010, the quarterback sent an email to the team equipment manager that read, “2 helmets that can pass as game used. That is it, Eli.” Moments later, Manning, who has a contract with memorabilia dealer Steiner Sports, reportedly sent another message to his marketing agent, who asked for the memorabilia, saying “Should be able to get them for tomorrow.”
As a result, three collectors filed a racketeering suit against Manning, the Giants, the team’s co-owner and CEO John Mara, and more. Now, Manning is firing back, saying “relevant evidence” was absent from the emails to suggest the quarterback was involved in the scheme.
“The claim was part of a brief filed Wednesday in Bergen County [New Jersey] that alleged Manning’s emails were mischaracterized for the purpose of disparaging him and the Giants,” ESPN reports.
Initially, the team’s representation released a statement, defending the team’s quarterback and denying any wrongdoing. On Thursday, Manning maintained his innocence, saying “I’ve done nothing wrong, and I have nothing to hide.”
