Eli Manning Allegedly Involved In Memorabilia Scheme
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The New York Giants' two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Eli Manning is allegedly involved in a memorabilia scheme, where fake game worn equipment was sold.
According to the New York Post, Manning -- who has a contract with memorabilia dealer Steiner Sports -- sent an email to New York Giants equipment manager Joe Skiba in 2010 saying: "2 helmets that can pass as game used."
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Shortly after, the New York Post reports Manning sent an email to his marketing agent Alan Zucker: "Should be able to get them for tomorrow."
Three memorabilia collectors are suing the Giants, Manning, Skiba, Steiner and others. The emails were filed on Tuesday in New Jersey's Bergen County Superior Court.
"There is game ready equipment and there is game used, which is a huge difference," a lawyer told the 94WIP Morning Show on Friday, who says there is always a letter of authenticity for game used items from the organization.
The law firm representing the Giants, McCarter & English, released a statement per ESPN.com.
"The email, taken out of context, was shared with the media by an unscrupulous memorabilia dealer and his counsel who for years has been seeking to leverage a big payday. The email predates any litigation, and there was no legal obligation to store it on the Giants server. Eli Manning is well known for his integrity and this is just the latest misguided attempt to defame his character."
