Damon Harrison Defends Odell Beckham Jr.: 'He's Not a Problem at All'

New York Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison shot down the notion Tuesday that wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is a distraction or a headache.

Appearing on FS1's Undisputed (h/t John Healy of the New York Daily News), Harrison spoke positively about OBJ: "He is starting to understand now he has to change the way he's viewed. Because he's not that guy they make him out to be. He's not this immature guy who causes problems everywhere. He's not a problem at all, actually, because if he were, I'd tell you. I'd tell him as well, but he's not."

The 25-year-old Beckham wears his heart on his sleeve during games, and that has led to the perception that he isn't an ideal team player.

Last season, Beckham got penalized for pretending to urinate like a dog after scoring a touchdown. In 2016, he got hit in the face with a kicking net after a sideline outburst and proceeded to incorporate it in celebrations for multiple weeks.

At the conclusion of the 2016 campaign, Beckham was among the Giants receivers who went on a boat trip prior to a playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, which led to plenty of criticism.

Despite employing boisterous or questionable antics at times, Harrison expressed his belief that Beckham is a leader: "If it's not going right, he shows his emotions. That's how he chooses to lead. He's a leader. He's a leader of this football team despite what everyone believes."

After registering at least 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons, Beckham was limited to just four games in 2017 due to a fractured ankle.

He was well on his way to another big season prior to the injury with 302 yards and three touchdowns. With Beckham on the shelf, the Giants bottomed out and finished 3-13.

Beckham will enter the final year of his contract in 2018 and will command a huge salary if he stays healthy.