A tactless move by the Chargers

saintz08 · 04-26-2004, 03:05 AM

A tactless move by the Chargers

Paul Attner /

It was cruel what the Chargers did to Eli Manning in the NFL draft. To subject him to the booing of the crowd at the NFL draft was mean-spirited and unnecessary. They easily could have executed the trade with the Giants prior to the start of the draft, giving New York the first choice and still preserving Phillip Rivers as their future quarterback.

Instead, they held onto the No. 1 pick and used it as payback to the Manning family, which had told San Diego that Eli would not play in their city. They took Eli, who then had to stand on stage next to commissioner Paul Tagliabue and absorb the sad reaction of the fans.

No wonder Manning didn't want to be a Charger.

Each side declared happiness over the ultimate maneuvering atop the draft. The Giants drooled over Manning for weeks, respecting both his ability and his bloodline. The Chargers never were convinced he was worth the first choice, and keeping him would have been foolish. Instead, they now have extra picks, which should translate into badly needed additional talent for a woeful franchise.

Manning will become an elite player in the NFL, which will make the Giants' proactive decision to obtain him a very wise move. He has the physical talent to be a success. More important, his low-key personality will allow him to withstand the caldron that surrounds every pro quarterback in New York.

This draft won't be nearly as memorable for the Chargers. Rivers will sign a contract far exceeding the worth of his talents. But at least he should be an improvement on current starter Drew Brees.

http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2349814

04-26-2004, 03:05 AM	#1
saintz08 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,020	A tactless move by the Chargers A tactless move by the Chargers Paul Attner / It was cruel what the Chargers did to Eli Manning in the NFL draft. To subject him to the booing of the crowd at the NFL draft was mean-spirited and unnecessary. They easily could have executed the trade with the Giants prior to the start of the draft, giving New York the first choice and still preserving Phillip Rivers as their future quarterback. Instead, they held onto the No. 1 pick and used it as payback to the Manning family, which had told San Diego that Eli would not play in their city. They took Eli, who then had to stand on stage next to commissioner Paul Tagliabue and absorb the sad reaction of the fans. No wonder Manning didn't want to be a Charger. Each side declared happiness over the ultimate maneuvering atop the draft. The Giants drooled over Manning for weeks, respecting both his ability and his bloodline. The Chargers never were convinced he was worth the first choice, and keeping him would have been foolish. Instead, they now have extra picks, which should translate into badly needed additional talent for a woeful franchise. Manning will become an elite player in the NFL, which will make the Giants' proactive decision to obtain him a very wise move. He has the physical talent to be a success. More important, his low-key personality will allow him to withstand the caldron that surrounds every pro quarterback in New York. This draft won't be nearly as memorable for the Chargers. Rivers will sign a contract far exceeding the worth of his talents. But at least he should be an improvement on current starter Drew Brees. http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2349814
saintz08 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,020