Eli Manning.....

[Jimz31]

So, if he's successful in pullin an Elway, does he go second? Or will he drop further.

This will be interesting to watch to see if SD doesn't just go ahead and draft them otherwise, more players will be telling teams "Don't draft me cuz I'm not gonna play for you." regardless of where they are in the draft.

I'm sure that SD has already contacted the Mannings and told him that they planned on drafting him and wanted to get to working on a contract ahead of time like Carr did.

I had more respect for the Mannings before they started dictating to teams where they would play and where they wouldn't.

[jdnalls]

So, if he's successful in pullin an Elway, does he go second? Or will he drop further.

This will be interesting to watch to see if SD doesn't just go ahead and draft them otherwise, more players will be telling teams "Don't draft me cuz I'm not gonna play for you." regardless of where they are in the draft.

I'm sure that SD has already contacted the Mannings and told him that they planned on drafting him and wanted to get to working on a contract ahead of time like Carr did.

I had more respect for the Mannings before they started dictating to teams where they would play and where they wouldn't.

I don't know what's going to happen in regards to Eli but I just hope SD ends up drafting him just so the little brat doesn't get his way.

I thought Eli was a good prospect up until these recent incidents but as of right now he sounds like a spoiled little brat.

[Cajuncowboy]

Yeah, I agree. I don't know why these young guys coming in just can't play by the rules. I mean, with Clarett and Williams and all of that trying to buck the system and now Manning telling the Bolts to shove it basically it is just crazy. Pete Rozelle must be spinning in his grave over this off season.

[T-New41]

Eli will end up in NYC, while SD ends up getting screwed again.

He must be afraid of the task of turning a franchise around. I dont count the Giants, because they have an *** load of talent that under achieved. They will be a lot better this year than last year, if only that injured players return to the roster.

[RatisBeast]

Never expected this from Eli. Screw him, if I'm SD i trade down and get Rivers. IF eli gets drafted from SD , theres a chance he might sit out the whole season. Not worth the risk. Plus, even if he wanted to be in SD , there best bet is to trade down.

[Phrozen Phil]

We're hearinga bout Archie Manning's concern about SD not being committed to winning, but what does that really mean? I sense that Eli belives he'll have more "opportunities" (endorsements?) if he plays in NY. There's more to this story than we know.....

:cool:

[Jimz31]

I don't know what's going to happen in regards to Eli but I just hope SD ends up drafting him just so the little brat doesn't get his way.

I thought Eli was a good prospect up until these recent incidents but as of right now he sounds like a spoiled little brat.


I find myself feeling the exact same way.

Whenever guys do this sort of thing, it changes the way I feel about them for a period of time.....right or wrong, it just does. :(

[T-New41]

Mort reports on SC, Eli will sit out the whole season until next year if San Diego drafts him, the re-enter the draft next year :rolleyes:

[Cajuncowboy]

Mort reports on SC, Eli will sit out the whole season until next year if San Diego drafts him, the re-enter the draft next year :rolleyes:
If he does that then he is an idiot. What if Cleveland gets the #1 pick? Does he think Cleveland would be better than SD? The more I think about this them the guy is a schmuck. I wouldn't take him at #22.......Um, ok maybe at 22 I take him.

[dbair1967]

So, if he's successful in pullin an Elway, does he go second? Or will he drop further.

This will be interesting to watch to see if SD doesn't just go ahead and draft them otherwise, more players will be telling teams "Don't draft me cuz I'm not gonna play for you." regardless of where they are in the draft.

I'm sure that SD has already contacted the Mannings and told him that they planned on drafting him and wanted to get to working on a contract ahead of time like Carr did.

I had more respect for the Mannings before they started dictating to teams where they would play and where they wouldn't.

totally agree.....Manning should just shut up and play...so what he doesnt like the situation in San Diego right now, when your a high pick you almost always go to a bad team...it goes with the territory...

honestly I dont blame them if they dont take Manning and select Phillip Rivers instead...my opinion is Rivers will pan out to be a better pro QB anyway...

but the bottom line is this is a crap move by Manning and his family...they come off looking like they think they are bigger than the game, and they are not. I'm sure Eli will do a great job of carrying on the family tradition of never winning anything that matters

David

[dbair1967]

Eli will end up in NYC, while SD ends up getting screwed again.

He must be afraid of the task of turning a franchise around. I dont count the Giants, because they have an *** load of talent that under achieved. They will be a lot better this year than last year, if only that injured players return to the roster.

NYG doesnt have that much talent...Toomer is getting up there in age...Hilliard hasnt been the same for a couple yrs, Barber's a good back but he's also almost a sure fire bet to lead the league in fumbles too...their OL is garbage and their defense is no longer anywhere near the unit it was...he's gonna be a loser no matter which franchise he goes to to be quite honest...

David

[dbair1967]

If he does that then he is an idiot. What if Cleveland gets the #1 pick? Does he think Cleveland would be better than SD? The more I think about this them the guy is a schmuck. I wouldn't take him at #22.......Um, ok maybe at 22 I take him.

I dont...Henson's a vastly superior talent

David

[Jimz31]

Here's what's funny......let's say that Manning re-enters the draft next year......and San Diego once again gets the top choice. Does anybody think that Manning will do this again?

The more that I think about it, that's what I hope happens.

[aikemirv]

What seems weird to me is that the Chargers made this public. If I was the owner and they told me that I would keep it very quiet, take the best trade offer that NY had offered and drop down the draft. If the object is to make the Mannings look bad, which they do and which they are, they could have accomplished this after the draft rather than before and gotten the maximun value for there trade down. Now they won't.

I hope Manning gets what he wants - the NY media and Fans and then I hope he struggles and faces the scrutiny he deserves!

[dbair1967]

Here's what's funny......let's say that Manning re-enters the draft next year......and San Diego once again gets the top choice. Does anybody think that Manning will do this again?

The more that I think about it, that's what I hope happens.

LOL

David

[Wimbo]

Regardless if his boycott works, I still think everyone should start calling Eli Manning , "Elway Manning". :)

[Bill Wooten]

This has really spoiled my opinion of all the Mannings. Their accomplishments are extremely impressive and they seem like good people. This whole situation makes Eli and Archie look like spoiled brats. I would have no problem with either of them coming out and saying they would like to play in NY, but will play for whichever team drafts them. But to threaten to sit out if you don't get your way is unacceptable. I don't think that should be an option. The drafting team should have the players rights for longer than a year so this threat can't be made.

Sure, Eli may get some good endorsements because the Giants have a good fanbase, but he will lose a lot of potential fans by doing this. I like to watch Peyton play and pull for him even though he's a Colt. I won't be doing that for Eli and I expect a lot of other people will be turned off by this as well.

[DanTanna]

Here is what I would do if I were San Diego:

1. Draft Ellie May to piss her and daddy-poo off

2. During the draft trade her to a crap stained team like Arizona or Cleveland and choose Philip Rivers or Big Ben with that pick. Ariz or Clev would have to throw in a 2nd or 3rd round pick.

3. Make an iron-clad agreement with said crap stained team that they can't trade Ellie May for 5 years.

I would be swimming in the cement pond everyday if this happens, and maybe even kiss Mrs. Hathaway ....

[SoTex]

This sort of behavior turns my stomach. Football is a team sport. It makes me question his fortitude. If he is as good as advertised, I think he should embrace the challenge of turning a lackluster franchise around. His statement about sitting out if drafted by SD definitely cast a shadow over his character. All turned out well for Elway, but I think he was an exception.

[littlec]

the Colts were not very good when they drafted Peyton, so i don't think it is the Charges weakness as a team. It must be a front office situation, whatever the problem Eli should just prove his worth to whichever team picks him

[Rocco]

What seems weird to me is that the Chargers made this public. If I was the owner and they told me that I would keep it very quiet, take the best trade offer that NY had offered and drop down the draft. If the object is to make the Mannings look bad, which they do and which they are, they could have accomplished this after the draft rather than before and gotten the maximun value for there trade down. Now they won't.

I totally agree with this. SD doesn't come off as smart in the way they handled this at all, IMO. Maybe Archie has a point about the competency of their front office. I wouldn't be surprised if this goes on more often than we think behind closed doors. Regardless, Eli still comes off as a spoiled brat..

[OldButDeadly]

I wish everyone would just say "Pass"


That would serve him right!

Kev

[CapnComeback]

We're hearinga bout Archie Manning's concern about SD not being committed to winning, but what does that really mean? I sense that Eli belives he'll have more "opportunities" (endorsements?) if he plays in NY. There's more to this story than we know.....

:cool:

What would Archie Manning know about winning? He was a career loser. Albeit a beloved career loser, but still a career loser nonetheless.

[Cowgal]

I think San Diego leaked the story becuase the really didn't want to draft Eli and this was a gret way to save face. They want Rivers and really need the extra draft picks to improve their team. And their fans would have had a fit if they had passed on Manning. (Not all fans are as enlightened as Cowboys fans. ;) )

Plus, I think Eli is showing a lack of faith in his own abilities. A true franchise QB is supposed to show up to a crappy team like San Diego and turn it around. Eli is refusing that challenge. He would have had LT to work with, too!

The talk about him sitting out for a year if they draft him is total B.S. I don't beleive for a second that he'd do that.

[Klemster]

I totally agree that this is a face saving move for the chargers. They have so many need areas on the team and want to trade down but will be crucified if they don't get Manning. They must already have a trade agreement in place before leaking the info though since it seems that it would weaken their position otherwise.

[Kangaroo]

If we had the chance to draft him we be running around like crazy.

This is no differnt than Elway or Vick who forced the chargers hand and made them trade him with his contract posturing

We are making a bigger deal out of this than should be

He is not the 1st player to do that or will he be the last

Look th NFL screwed up with the TO now they are going to feel the wrath of that stupity. If you whine hard enough and loud enough you can get away with anything in the NFL

[hogwild]

you people talk as if you know all the facts. in my opinion sd

was showing disrespect for eli by trying to neg. with him and gallery

and whoever else. i do not think they are sure who they want. all

#1 picks want more respect than that. they may have low-balled him,who knows.

Eli is not spoiled brat, if so he would not have gone to ole miss. if all were right

with the world Eli would love to play with l t. jmo :)

[phdefense]

If Winning is all Eli is about.
Then why did he play for Ole Miss?
I smell hypocrisy

[Jimz31]

Why would SD release this? They would be giving up leverage if someone else wanted Eli.

I hardly think that SD would be dumb enough to release this.

[T-New41]

Eli needs to and play for whatever team picks him.

THe purpose of the draft is to give the worst teams a chance to get the best players. Looks like the draft is going to become as worthless as contracts in the NFL.

[CapnComeback]

This sort of behavior turns my stomach. Football is a team sport. It makes me question his fortitude. If he is as good as advertised, I think he should embrace the challenge of turning a lackluster franchise around. His statement about sitting out if drafted by SD definitely cast a shadow over his character. All turned out well for Elway, but I think he was an exception.

The Colts weren't hot stuff when Peyton knew he was going there but he embraced the challenge. Why didn't Archie do this with Peyton? Kinda makes me think that Eli is Daddy's favorite while Peyton has struggled to differentiate himself from Archie.

[Rocco]

I totally agree that this is a face saving move for the chargers. They have so many need areas on the team and want to trade down but will be crucified if they don't get Manning. They must already have a trade agreement in place before leaking the info though since it seems that it would weaken their position otherwise.

This has to be the only logical explanation. I hope for their sake they already have a trade agreement. They almost have to make it look like there is no way Eli would play for them so the fans don't boycott when he's not drafted. I almost feel sorry for the Charger fans....almost..

[Chuck 54]

I don't know what's going to happen in regards to Eli but I just hope SD ends up drafting him just so the little brat doesn't get his way.

I thought Eli was a good prospect up until these recent incidents but as of right now he sounds like a spoiled little brat.

I agree with Scheriff's (sp) point of view on espn...the NFL swings the hammer all the time...why? because they can. It's not often that a player has leverage, and if Eli thinks he has the hammer right now, he might as well swing it because he may never have it again in his career.

[LaTunaNostra]

I agree with Scheriff's (sp) point of view on espn...the NFL swings the hammer all the time...why? because they can. It's not often that a player has leverage, and if Eli thinks he has the hammer right now, he might as well swing it because he may never have it again in his career.

I just saw that too, and altho I seldom agree with Sclereth, I do on this one.

SD ownership/FO let the news out that Manning was resistant to going there, not Manning, who was blindsided by the news leaking out. Why SD chose this tactic, I don't quite fathom.

But it doesn't smell right.

[LaTunaNostra]

Why would SD release this? They would be giving up leverage if someone else wanted Eli.

I hardly think that SD would be dumb enough to release this.

They did, and they've been releasing info all offseason. Question is:why?

AJ Smith outed both Giants and the Skins re their offers to trade up in the past few weeks. Both teams issued denials, and both must have been steaming. Everyone plays it silent or blows smoke at draft time, and this creep has been spilling the beans like a love sick teenager. There probably isn't anyone left to trade down with now, after Smith went on record saying he'd never trade down to the hated Raiders.

I think Michael Wilbon is spot on on SD. SD always wanted Rivers. (see bolded section)


Passing On San Diego

By Michael Wilbon
Friday, April 23, 2004; Page D01


The family that breeds NFL quarterbacks has told the San Diego Chargers, "No way." The Mannings told the sorry, no-account Chargers that Eli, the brother of Peyton and the son of Archie, does not want to play for them. It's not about any great desire to play in New York, specifically, though that would be just fine in the scheme of things. But really, it's just that they think Eli would be better off just about anywhere else.

And I don't blame Archie Manning a bit. He played 13 seasons in the NFL, almost all of them with the New Orleans Saints, who were pathetic. And you can bet he hasn't forgotten what it was like to spend a career in competitive purgatory, with rarely a chance to come close to winning.

Yes, the NFL is different now because teams go from bottom to top all the time; the rules facilitate the worst teams becoming better immediately. And Archie's sons have the benefit of something he never had: free agency. Even so, when you know the game, the industry and the personal trials and tribulations as well as Archie and you can do something to influence things in your son's favor, you do it. From the day Eli signs a contract until he leaves pro football, the NFL will have all the leverage. Heck, the contract Eli signs won't even be guaranteed. Whatever team he joins will undoubtedly come knocking one day, asking him to renegotiate his contract so the team can sign a young stud, or have more salary cap flexibility.

Archie Manning knows how this works. And any father worth the title should be commended for doing whatever he can to keep his kid away from the likes of the football Cardinals, the NBA Clippers and Wizards and baseball's Expos. And yes, the Chargers are in that group. Since Bobby Ross led them to the Super Bowl after the 1994 season, the Chargers have gone -- get this -- 9-7, 8-8, 4-12, 5-11, 8-8, 1-15, 5-11, 8-8, 4-12. That's eight straight non-winning seasons, surpassed only by the Bengals' 13 straight non-winning seasons. But at least Cincinnati's on the upswing.

It's perfectly legit to wonder about the Chargers' competence, especially when it comes to picking quarterbacks. After missing out on Peyton Manning, the Chargers took Ryan Leaf with the second pick of the draft in '98. Owning the top pick in the 2001 draft, they traded the chance to pick Michael Vick and settled for Drew Brees (and LaDainian Tomlinson).

Can you imagine how bad a team has to be for a kid to not want to throw the ball in Southern California? The Chargers must really stink if Eli, a Mississippi kid, would rather sling it through the swirling winds of Giants Stadium than the gentle breezes by the Pacific.

"About the last three weeks of the season, San Diego is looking pretty good to me," Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs cracked yesterday.

Goodness mercy, how could the NFL draft have any more drama?

We've got one of football's royal families, a polite, even-tempered bunch of folk, embroiled in a messy controversy. We've got two Supreme Court justices ruling on draft eligibility 36 hours before the first pick. And this is in addition to all the stupid mock drafts. ESPN's Mel Kiper, just so you know, has now projected pick for pick into the sixth round. Some clown from the Sporting News is on his XIIIth mock draft -- that's 13th for those of you who are Roman numeral challenged.

At least we won't have to wait long for the good stuff. The Chargers, as Coach Marty Schottenheimer told The Post's Mark Maske and Leonard Shapiro yesterday, likely will still take Manning with the first pick. My question is, why? Manning isn't John Elway, whom Baltimore selected first and had to trade him when Elway (with an assist from his dad, Jack) refused to play for the Colts in 1983. Is Manning really that much better at this point than Miami (Ohio's) Ben Roethlisberger? Is Manning really that much better than North Carolina State's Philip Rivers?

Okay, you want a real cynic's view: The guy the Chargers really want is Rivers, and they can extort the Giants, move to No. 4, or even lower, and still get him. Why else would Chargers boss A.J. Smith disclose that the Mannings wanted no part of his team? Now Smith can tell Chargers fans he had no choice but to take Rivers because Manning wouldn't come.

We also won't have to wait long around here for the only local move that matters. The Redskins pick fifth. There will be plenty of great players left. If it's not Miami tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., it'll be Miami safety Sean Taylor, whom the Redskins could also use. Texas wide receiver Roy Williams probably will be on the board. Gibbs said emphatically he did not promise to take Winslow if he is available, contrary to Internet reports.

I must admit, it didn't really hit me Gibbs was actually the coach of the Redskins again until I saw him sitting there with Vinny Cerrato and Dan Snyder talking about the draft yesterday at Redskins Park. There was Gibbs, talking about how the draft isn't that much different than it used to be, about how he told his scouts not to ask him to change any of these kids once they arrived, warts and all.

"I'll tell you what really excited me," he said. "Free agency. . . . In the old days we didn't have that."

Well, actually they did to a smaller degree because the Redskins signed Wilber Marshall away from the Bears back when Gibbs was still head coach. But we get his point. Teams can re-shape themselves so much more in the offseason before the draft than they could 15 years ago.

If you're looking for tip-offs as to who the Redskins will take, there was one moment when Cerrato, when asked about the club's investigation of college players' personal lives, said, "We've sent people down to their campus." Very quickly, Snyder said, "Or up . . . "

Whichever player the Redskins select, especially if we're talking about Winslow or Taylor, will help and probably immediately. But one thing we know for sure is the Redskins won't be the stars of Saturday's draft; the Chargers, Archie and Eli Manning have already made certain of that.


© 2004 The Washington Post Company