– blogged by @LoveRubyWoo
NY Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is no stranger to the spotlight. Whether the 24-year-old NFL star is making unbelievable one-handed catches for touchdowns on the football field, keeping up with a Kardashian, or beefing with defensive backs, Beckham’s name is one that stays relevant during the season, as well as just about any other time throughout the year.
Leading up to the playoffs, Beckham was once again the center of attention after it was discovered that he, along with fellow Giants receivers Victor Cruz and Sterling Shepard, partied in Miami the Monday before a big playoff game. Beckham was seen posted up on a yacht with his teammates, as well as with singer Trey Songz and some female companions, in an Instagram picture that quickly made its rounds through social media, leading many people to wonder why and criticize the fact that Beckham and his teammates were partying during such a crucial part of their season.
While his trip to Miami most likely did not play a factor in his poor performance on Sunday, which consisted of a mere 28 receiving yards and three drops, the trip was an unnecessary distraction at a time when distractions should be few and far between.
Beckham continued to make the news even after the Giants were knocked out of the playoffs by Green Bay when he allegedly punched a hole in the wall inside the Packers’ facility and banged his head against a door out of frustration at their loss.
Considering the team already ended its season on a sour note, Beckham’s recent decisions certainly were of no help to the situation and did not appear to sit well with his bosses. Giants general manager Jerry Reese reportedly spoke to Beckham on Monday about his actions, and then addressed the media about the situation, saying that he feels it’s time for the young receiver to grow up.
“I see a guy who needs to think about some of the things that he does,” Reese said. “Everybody knows that he’s a gifted player, but there have been some things that he’s done that he needs to look himself in the mirror and be honest with himself about some of the things that he’s done. I think he’ll do that. We’ll help him with that, but he has to help himself, and we believe he’ll do that. He’s a smart guy but sometimes he doesn’t do smart things.”
“We all have had to grow up in different times in our lives,” Reese continued. “I think it’s time for him to do that. He’s been here for three years now. He’s a little bit of a lightning rod because of what he does on the football field, but the things he does off the football field, he has to be responsible for those things. We’ll talk through it and I believe — I know — he’s a smart guy. I believe he understands he has a responsibility being one of the faces of this franchise. I think he’ll accept that responsibility.”
While the Giants’ sad end to their season cannot, by any means, be blamed squarely on Beckham’s performance and his choices leading up to the game, Reese has a point when it comes to him taking responsibility for his actions in general. Beckham better enjoy this offseason as much as he can because from the looks of it, the team is going to expect a lot more from him starting next year.
