Many thought a major reason for the discrepancy was that Eli played better away from the New York fans who let him hear it every time he fumbled a snap, overthrew a receiver, or threw an interception. Maybe this was karma for Eli forcing his way to New York.
But then he wins the Super Bowl and is named MVP, and it quickly is forgotten how Eli forced his way to New York.
It all worked out for him. Eli's antics from 2004 never seem to get mentioned anywhere. Swept under the rug. But of course, fake mooning the crowd after scoring a touchdown is the type of thing that will follow an athlete forever.
Eli certainly was not the first player to make pre-draft demands until he got his way and he certainly will not be the last. It still does not make it right and it is not conduct that should ever be applauded or emulated.
The message I fear, however, has already been sent—if you are going to be a high draft pick, especially at quarterback, and you think you might end up on a team you don't want to play for, simply tell the team "I won't play for you." Then pick the team and the city where you want to play and don't back down.
Get your way because Eli Manning did it and it all worked out for him. He is a Super Bowl MVP.
Sports is a business and I know that. But to me, and I honestly felt this way at the time when Manning pulled this stunt, there is something wrong when someone is going to get the chance to become a professional athlete and they act like Eli did.
Especially a top pick with a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream who instead of enjoying the moment and realizing how lucky he is to be in that position, forgets all that and makes an Eli Manning-type demand.
The 2007 New York Giants are unquestionably a great story. How they got their quarterback, however, is not.
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