Odell Beckham Jr. went from the best player on the New York Giants to people wondering if he’s a distraction for the team. The receiver has become increasingly emotional and uncontrollable, and it’s costing the team. Following the Giants loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Beckham says he’s a target no matter what he does and when asked about that, quarterback Eli Manning says Beckham brought it on himself.
“He’s got to play smart,” Manning said. “He can’t afford to do anything they’ll call. He’s kind of brought that upon himself, so he’s got to realize that… No doubt. Can’t afford the penalties.”
“If someone hits him late or someone says something, hey, get up and go about your business. That’s part of playing the game and being a professional. I think he knows that, and he’s got to calm down and just settle in, think about going out there and doing your job. It was a frustrating game. I understand he wants the ball more, and I know he wants to make plays. These things happen. Some days you get a bunch of catches, some days you don’t. It’s about going back to work and trying to be better the next week.”
“He’s got to understand that officials are going to be watching for him, just because of what happened last year, when they made a big deal about it. And even his antics on the sideline [in Week 3],” Manning said.
“They’re able to read about it and see it, they’re watching. He’s got to understand if he does something if he makes a scene, or if he gets fired up on the sideline or in another guy’s face, they’re going to penalize him. That’s the way the NFL’s gone with taunting. They’re getting out of that business. It’s a bad look for football.”
“He’s a competitive and emotional and fiery guy. That’s fine,” Manning said. “But you’ve just got to control it and make sure you’re using that the right way to motivate you and encourages your teammates and bring the best out of you, not the worst.”
source: NJ.com
