Archie Manning = Genius! (1 Viewer)

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Archie Manning: Chargers not for Eli

NFL.com wire reports

SAN DIEGO (April 22, 2004) -- Archie Manning doesn't want his son, top quarterback prospect Eli Manning, to be taken by the San Diego Chargers with the first pick of the NFL draft.

General manager A.J. Smith said that Eli Manning's agent, Tom Condon, relayed Archie Manning's concerns during a phone call.

Condon also said Archie Manning feels the New York Giants would be a better fit for his son, Smith said.

"We understand, but we'll do what's in the best interests of the San Diego Chargers," Smith said.

Condon has not returned phone calls for several days.

The Giants, who have the fourth pick, are one of three teams who have talked to the Chargers about trading for the No. 1 pick.

Archie Manning visited the Chargers on April 20, but Smith said he did not express concerns about the franchise, which has missed the playoffs for the last eight seasons. The Chargers are 43-85 since making their last postseason appearance in 1995.

Smith said the elder Manning was in town on business and stopped by to visit because he was unable to attend a private workout the team had with Eli Manning in New Orleans a few weeks ago.

Archie Manning was an outstanding player stuck on a dismal team, the New Orleans Saints. Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts is also Archie's son and was the first overall pick in 1998. At the time, the Colts were a struggling franchise, too.

Condon also represents Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who as a rookie in 2001 missed all but five days of training camp during a contract holdout.

Eli Manning got beaten out by an undrafted free agent for the Pro Bowl.

Meanwhile the Chargers had the players they acquired via trade/draft make the Pro Bowl: Rivers, Merriman and kicker Kaeding

LOL!

If this is a Honda, I don't give a crap... Archie Manning couldn't GM a last place fantasy football team.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

Grid just got blown off by his wife so he came here to start this thread.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I don't think Archie Manning is getting a rough enough ride.

 

[Banger]

ya, what he did was unprecedented and extremely obnoxious but what can you really do? He got his wish but be careful what you wish for because a few more years like this one and Manning will be run out of NY.

 

[PsychoMan]

awesome tHread

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I don't think Archie Manning is getting a rough enough ride.

Couldn't agree more. That whole draft day drama was a joke. The irony of any Manning not wanting to play for a "winning" organization.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I don't think Archie Manning is getting a rough enough ride.

If you mean from the media, I agree. Considering the way the media often overanalyzes everything, it is amazing that Archie Manning has escaped criticism, especially with the way things have gone this year. It just goes to show that media darlings like the Manning's are given more rope to hang themselves with than others.

 

[Harry Beanbag]

I am curious as to why the folks at ESPN have not jumped all over this? I am sure Suzy Kolber could get a little sit down with Archie and ask him about his thoughts on how he feels the trade worked out. Questions like,

"Archie, how does it make you feel knowing that QB's taken in the draft after your son, have won a Super Bowl and another looks ot have the inside track for another one?"

 

[jonessed]

I don't like what Archie did because I think it's bad for the league, but it was obvious he wanted his son to play for a big market team and he got what he wanted. If he went to the Chargers Brees may still be their QB. There is no way to know if he would have ever gotten his shot like Rivers did.

The Giants were the big losers in all of this. They gave SD three Pro Bowl players for a mediocre QB with potential. It has to be one of the most lopsided trades in history.

 

[CYP]

Whats the point of this thread. Who gives a crap

 

[Phurfur]

ya, what he did was unprecedented and extremely obnoxious but what can you really do? He got his wish but be careful what you wish for because a few more years like this one and Manning will be run out of NY.

The John Elway situation is very similar.

 

[Harry Beanbag]

I don't like what Archie did because I think it's bad for the league, but it was obvious he wanted his son to play for a big market team and he got what he wanted. If he went to the Chargers Brees may still be their QB. There is no way to know if he would have ever gotten his shot like Rivers did. The Giants were the big losers in all of this. They gave SD three Pro Bowl players for a mediocre QB with potential. It has to be one of the most lopsided trades in history.

In light of what LT is doing this year (and in years past for that matter) the SD and Atlanta trade that netted the Falcons Michael Vick is looking to be lopsided too.

 

[BusMan]

Is there a karma smilie?

 

[gump]

I don't like what Archie did because I think it's bad for the league, but it was obvious he wanted his son to play for a big market team and he got what he wanted. If he went to the Chargers Brees may still be their QB. There is no way to know if he would have ever gotten his shot like Rivers did. The Giants were the big losers in all of this. They gave SD three Pro Bowl players for a mediocre QB with potential. It has to be one of the most lopsided trades in history.

Agree. From the business side, it's still not a bad deal for the Mannings. NY is one of the best markets in the NFL, while SD is one of the smallest. Manning's jersey probably sells 10X what it would for SD...and I'm sure his local deals are pretty big.

 

[diesel7982]

I don't like what Archie did because I think it's bad for the league, but it was obvious he wanted his son to play for a big market team and he got what he wanted. If he went to the Chargers Brees may still be their QB. There is no way to know if he would have ever gotten his shot like Rivers did.

The Giants were the big losers in all of this. They gave SD three Pro Bowl players for a mediocre QB with potential. It has to be one of the most lopsided trades in history.

Seriously?

 

[mad sweeney]

I don't like what Archie did because I think it's bad for the league, but it was obvious he wanted his son to play for a big market team and he got what he wanted. If he went to the Chargers Brees may still be their QB. There is no way to know if he would have ever gotten his shot like Rivers did.

The Giants were the big losers in all of this. They gave SD three Pro Bowl players for a mediocre QB with potential. It has to be one of the most lopsided trades in history.

Seriously?

Brees played at probowl level for the two years that Rivers was on the bench. There might have been more pressure to put Eli in than Rivers but at no point in those two years did Brees give them a reason to. Eli might not have had the holdout that Rivers' did that gave Brees the easy track to starting 04 (Comeback Player, ProBowl) but then again with as hard as Smith was negotiating and Archie's demands maybe he would've. Either way, Brees' performance for the last 2 years on the Chargers was more than enough to keep any challenger on the bench. However, I think Brees would be out of SD this season anyways. They would've had to pay him around $10 mil to keep him there with a #1 draft pick on the bench for the third season. Might've even been better for Eli as he would step into a dominant running game and D with 2 years of learning under his belt. Instead of being thrown to the wolves his first season like he was. Hey but at least his jersey was a good seller...

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I don't like what Archie did because I think it's bad for the league, but it was obvious he wanted his son to play for a big market team and he got what he wanted. If he went to the Chargers Brees may still be their QB. There is no way to know if he would have ever gotten his shot like Rivers did. The Giants were the big losers in all of this. They gave SD three Pro Bowl players for a mediocre QB with potential. It has to be one of the most lopsided trades in history.

In light of what LT is doing this year (and in years past for that matter) the SD and Atlanta trade that netted the Falcons Michael Vick is looking to be lopsided too.

Granted LT is eons better than Vick, but they play different positions, and Vick injected some much needed interest in the Falcons - and has put fannies in the seats. The other three guys were really non-factors in that trade. Tim Dwight, cornerback Tay Cody and WR Reche Caldwell.I heard the Bears had a deal in place to trade up and draft Tomlinson, but upper management nixed the deal, as they planned on whacking then VP of Player Personnel Mark Hatley and they didn't want to mortgage two first rounders, a second rounder and a boatload of salary on a high draft pick. So they settled for WR David Terrell and Offensive Rookie of the Year Anthony Thomas. (lol)

 

[eoMMan]

Besides this whole situation, I can't really find anything bad on Eli or Peyton.

Anyone have any reasons why we should route against Eli or Peyton as a person?

 

[DanFouts]

Besides this whole situation, I can't really find anything bad on Eli or Peyton.Anyone have any reasons why we should route against Eli or Peyton as a person?

Beacause they badmouthed an organization and fan base (Chargers). We hate the spoiled cry baby......

 

[Joe Bryant]

Besides this whole situation, I can't really find anything bad on Eli or Peyton.Anyone have any reasons why we should route against Eli or Peyton as a person?

Beacause they badmouthed an organization and fan base (Chargers).

Hi Dan,Link to badmouthing quote?J

 

[Banger]

Besides this whole situation, I can't really find anything bad on Eli or Peyton.

Anyone have any reasons why we should route against Eli or Peyton as a person?

Beacause they badmouthed an organization and fan base (Chargers). We hate the spoiled cry baby......

Yea because your organization is terrible. Eli didnt want to be lowballed on a contract and be forced to sit out training camp. (the exact thing you did to Rivers). The Chargers were like the raiders are now, but for 12 years instead of 3....

I am happy with the Eli trade. Rivers couldnt handle NY and The giants wouldnt have chosen Merriman....

So w/e. Chargers fans piss me off though.

Eli's not doing too good a job himself and don't think Rivers would be worse at all. Rivers has an infectous enthusiasm while Manning looks/acts like a blank slate.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I'd be happy if Terry Bradshaw never spoke again but he hit the nail on the head back in 2004:

http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cf...p;news_id=33043

“If something goes wrong in New York, are Eli's parents going to fly to the Big Apple and hold his hand?”

 

[DanFouts]

Besides this whole situation, I can't really find anything bad on Eli or Peyton.

Anyone have any reasons why we should route against Eli or Peyton as a person?

Beacause they badmouthed an organization and fan base (Chargers).

Hi Dan,Link to badmouthing quote?

J

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/charg...22chargers.htmlI mean saying your son won't play for a losing organization is basically a slap in the face of the Chargers and the fans that support that team. Not to mention all the #1 picks that got drafted (as though they "deserve" to play for there teams that had the first pick). Bottom line is that the Mannings thought they were too good for San Diego and karma rules baby.....

 

[Joe Bryant]

I'd be happy if Terry Bradshaw never spoke again but he hit the nail on the head back in 2004:

http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cf...p;news_id=33043

“If something goes wrong in New York, are Eli's parents going to fly to the Big Apple and hold his hand?”

I like Bradshaw but this was a dumb thing to say if he knew anything about the Mannings. Through 4 years of Peyton Manning in Knoxville, Archie was the epitome of hands off going to great lengths to stay away from any spotlight and challenge to the UT coaching staff. He sat in the stands and smiled and never said a word. With Eli, he tried to influence the direction of his son's career. A son that he appears to care a lot about. Was it a PR disaster? Absolutely. He was willing to take the ridicule there for doing what he thought was best for his son. I understand why people hate him for that. But I also understand why as a father he did it.

J

 

[Joe Bryant]

Besides this whole situation, I can't really find anything bad on Eli or Peyton.

Anyone have any reasons why we should route against Eli or Peyton as a person?

Beacause they badmouthed an organization and fan base (Chargers).

Hi Dan,Link to badmouthing quote?

J

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/charg...22chargers.html

I mean saying your son won't play for a losing organization is basically a slap in the face of the Chargers and the fans that support that team. Not to mention all the #1 picks that got drafted (as though they "deserve" to play for there teams that had the first pick). Bottom line is that the Mannings thought they were too good for San Diego and karma rules baby.....

"He told me that Archie wishes that we do not select Eli and that they think he would be a good fit in New York (with the Giants)," said Smith.

This was private conversation between Smith and Manning. Obviously, he didn't want to play for San Diego. But that's miles away from "badmouthing".

Do you have link to a real quote where Manning "badmouths" SD?

J

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

"Archie, how does it make you feel knowing that QB's taken in the draft after your son, have won a Super Bowl and another looks ot have the inside track for another one?"

"ouch"

 

[dagogrease]

I'd be happy if Terry Bradshaw never spoke again but he hit the nail on the head back in 2004:

http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cf...p;news_id=33043

“If something goes wrong in New York, are Eli's parents going to fly to the Big Apple and hold his hand?”

I like Bradshaw but this was a dumb thing to say if he knew anything about the Mannings. Through 4 years of Peyton Manning in Knoxville, Archie was the epitome of hands off going to great lengths to stay away from any spotlight and challenge to the UT coaching staff. He sat in the stands and smiled and never said a word. With Eli, he tried to influence the direction of his son's career. A son that he appears to care a lot about. Was it a PR disaster? Absolutely. He was willing to take the ridicule there for doing what he thought was best for his son. I understand why people hate him for that. But I also understand why as a father he did it.

J

The thing I disagree about is that it sets a precedence here Joe. If you have an influence with some clout (like Archie) does this mean that you should be able to dictate a draft? That kind of circumvents the whole draft concept?I am sure David Carr's dad would have loved for him to get drafted by a big market / successful team also but...

His son was going to make millions of dollars either way, it is not like he would need to provide for his son if this football thing didn't work out. I think he should be lambasted for what he did IMO and I do not agree with what he did at all and because of that they deserve every criticism they get.

Just my

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I'd be happy if Terry Bradshaw never spoke again but he hit the nail on the head back in 2004:

http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cf...p;news_id=33043

“If something goes wrong in New York, are Eli's parents going to fly to the Big Apple and hold his hand?”

I like Bradshaw but this was a dumb thing to say if he knew anything about the Mannings. Through 4 years of Peyton Manning in Knoxville, Archie was the epitome of hands off going to great lengths to stay away from any spotlight and challenge to the UT coaching staff. He sat in the stands and smiled and never said a word. With Eli, he tried to influence the direction of his son's career. A son that he appears to care a lot about. Was it a PR disaster? Absolutely. He was willing to take the ridicule there for doing what he thought was best for his son. I understand why people hate him for that. But I also understand why as a father he did it.

J

I guess I disagree Joe. If left to his own devices I wonder if Eli would have made that decision, as it turns out probably a poor one. Certainly Archie has the best intentions for his sons but in my opinion his judgement was clouded by what he went through with the Saints in the old (pre-salary cap) NFL.

 

[Banger]

Besides this whole situation, I can't really find anything bad on Eli or Peyton.

Anyone have any reasons why we should route against Eli or Peyton as a person?

Beacause they badmouthed an organization and fan base (Chargers).

Hi Dan,Link to badmouthing quote?

J

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/charg...22chargers.htmlI mean saying your son won't play for a losing organization is basically a slap in the face of the Chargers and the fans that support that team. Not to mention all the #1 picks that got drafted (as though they "deserve" to play for there teams that had the first pick). Bottom line is that the Mannings thought they were too good for San Diego and karma rules baby.....

"He told me that Archie wishes that we do not select Eli and that they think he would be a good fit in New York (with the Giants)," said Smith.

This was private conversation between Smith and Manning. Obviously, he didn't want to play for San Diego. But that's miles away from "badmouthing".

Do you have link to a real quote where Manning "badmouths" SD?

J

It's stuck in AJ's mind ever since and he felt it was a slap in the face to him and his organization. I think all the "bad mouthing" was done to directly to AJ in hopes of forcing his hand in either a trade or picking someone else. Archie isn't stupid enough to go to the press and make such statements but he definitely said something to AJ because he still gets agitated about it years later (even though he did make out like a bandit). (I'll look and try to find the article...)ETA....The final decisions regarding Manning and Brees certainly weren't popular at the time. The Manning fiasco in particular has left Smith with a lasting scar. One he says has faded over time, but that "will always be there."

"Less and less and less? Yes," Smith said. "Less now than then? Yes. But it is always there. It's etched in history."

Despite the fact that it appears he fleeced the New York Giants in the deal for Manning, it doesn't take much to get Smith rolling downhill on the subject. While the Giants got the player general manager Ernie Accorsi wanted as the centerpiece of his franchise, San Diego got a treasure trove in return. Specifically, Philip Rivers and three draft picks that became a dominant linebacker (Shawne Merriman), a franchise kicker (Nate Kaeding) and a veteran who started and played left tackle at a near Pro Bowl level for two seasons (Roman Oben).

So why the friction almost three years later? Not surprisingly, it's something that has its roots in Smith taking over for Butler. At the time that the 2004 NFL draft was rounding into form, Eli Manning and his father, Archie, indicated the Ole Miss star had no interest in playing for San Diego. Not only did the family not want any part of San Diego as a franchise, Smith walked away feeling like Archie Manning and his entire clan of NFL blue-bloods had taken a shot at his reputation. And if there was one thing Smith learned from his father – a hard-living travel engineer for a trucking company – it was to never let someone trample on your name or hard work.

"Archie Manning never said it publicly, but my information was that it was because I was a scout and that I was incapable of even handling anything as a general manager and so forth," Smith said. "And that was amongst other things. [Archie's opinion was] the players were terrible and it was the worst team in the National Football League and it would probably remain so."

Smith found the situation embarrassing, but instead of unraveling he used the situation as motivation.

Listening to the breakdown now, it's no shock what Smith did next. He analyzed what was going on, determined that he wasn't going to be held hostage, and then called his staff together at 8 a.m. one morning and told them they were drafting Manning no matter what the kid wanted. And as Smith expected, the second Manning was off the board, the Giants were panicking, and offering a boatload in a trade.

What nobody knew then: Smith actually had fallen in love with Rivers, who had been reared in one-time N.C. State offensive coordinator Norm Chow's pro-style offense, and had the overt leadership abilities that Manning seemed to lack. In fact, Smith liked Rivers more than the third quarterback taken in that draft – some guy named Ben Roethlisberger. Since choosing Manning and dealing him, the Chargers are 32-13, albeit thanks in large part to the fortunate rebirth by Brees, who allowed Rivers to eventually ease into his current role.

"A.J. did exactly the right thing," Polian said. "That's the toughest situation you can have, and he did exactly the right thing for his team, and his team is prospering because of it."

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

This was private conversation between Smith and Manning.

Obviously, he didn't want to play for San Diego. But that's miles away from "badmouthing".

Do you have link to a real quote where Manning "badmouths" SD?

J

You won't find a quote because Archie Manning never said anything negative about the Chargers to the media (other than that Eli didn't want to play for them). But here's a quote from A.J. Smith:"Archie Manning never said it publicly, but my information was that it was because I was a scout and that I was incapable of even handling anything as a general manager and so forth," Smith said. "And that was amongst other things. [Archie's opinion was] the players were terrible and it was the worst team in the National Football League and it would probably remain so." (LINK)

When Smith says "my information . . ." I believe (based on what I remember reading around the time all this went down) that he is talking about things relayed to him by other NFL GMs that Archie had spoken to.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I wonder if Archie Manning would 'man up' and do an interview regarding the days leading up to the draft - now that his son is under scrutiny in the Big Apple and San Diego has the best record in football.

I would think not.

 

[Joe Bryant]

This was private conversation between Smith and Manning.

Obviously, he didn't want to play for San Diego. But that's miles away from "badmouthing".

Do you have link to a real quote where Manning "badmouths" SD?

J

You won't find a quote because Archie Manning never said anything negative about the Chargers to the media (other than that Eli didn't want to play for them). But here's a quote from A.J. Smith:"Archie Manning never said it publicly, but my information was that it was because I was a scout and that I was incapable of even handling anything as a general manager and so forth," Smith said. "And that was amongst other things. [Archie's opinion was] the players were terrible and it was the worst team in the National Football League and it would probably remain so." (LINK)

When Smith says "my information . . ." I believe (based on what I remember reading around the time all this went down) that he is talking about things relayed to him by other NFL GMs that Archie had spoken to.

Thank you MT. That's exactly the way I remember it. Accusations of "badmouthing" from anonymous sources that one calls "my information" is pretty weak from Smith.

I don't ever recall Manning saying a negative word about it.

J

 

[DanFouts]

This was private conversation between Smith and Manning.

Obviously, he didn't want to play for San Diego. But that's miles away from "badmouthing".

Do you have link to a real quote where Manning "badmouths" SD?

J

You won't find a quote because Archie Manning never said anything negative about the Chargers to the media (other than that Eli didn't want to play for them). But here's a quote from A.J. Smith:"Archie Manning never said it publicly, but my information was that it was because I was a scout and that I was incapable of even handling anything as a general manager and so forth," Smith said. "And that was amongst other things. [Archie's opinion was] the players were terrible and it was the worst team in the National Football League and it would probably remain so." (LINK)

When Smith says "my information . . ." I believe (based on what I remember reading around the time all this went down) that he is talking about things relayed to him by other NFL GMs that Archie had spoken to.

Thank you MT. That's exactly the way I remember it. Accusations of "badmouthing" from anonymous sources that one calls "my information" is pretty weak from Smith.

I don't ever recall Manning saying a negative word about it.

J

That's splitting hairs. If AJ heard it from sources AND Manning tells him not to draft him, that clearly implies Archie is implying if not outright saying things about the Charger organization. He is just too savvy to hurt his rep with media nugget quote. I (and many Charger fans) take the situation in the entirety as "badmouthing" the Chargers. If you prefer "disrespecting" that may be a more appropriate term.

 

[Joe Bryant]

This was private conversation between Smith and Manning.

Obviously, he didn't want to play for San Diego. But that's miles away from "badmouthing".

Do you have link to a real quote where Manning "badmouths" SD?

J

You won't find a quote because Archie Manning never said anything negative about the Chargers to the media (other than that Eli didn't want to play for them). But here's a quote from A.J. Smith:"Archie Manning never said it publicly, but my information was that it was because I was a scout and that I was incapable of even handling anything as a general manager and so forth," Smith said. "And that was amongst other things. [Archie's opinion was] the players were terrible and it was the worst team in the National Football League and it would probably remain so." (LINK)

When Smith says "my information . . ." I believe (based on what I remember reading around the time all this went down) that he is talking about things relayed to him by other NFL GMs that Archie had spoken to.

Thank you MT. That's exactly the way I remember it. Accusations of "badmouthing" from anonymous sources that one calls "my information" is pretty weak from Smith.

I don't ever recall Manning saying a negative word about it.

J

That's splitting hairs. If AJ heard it from sources AND Manning tells him not to draft him, that clearly implies Archie is implying if not outright saying things about the Charger organization. He is just too savvy to hurt his rep with media nugget quote. I (and many Charger fans) take the situation in the entirety as "badmouthing" the Chargers. If you prefer "disrespecting" that may be a more appropriate term.

Thanks.You can "take the situation" however you like. But badmouthing and disrespecting are far from the same thing.

No doubt Charger fans can feel disrespected by Manning saying he didn't want his son to play there in a private conversation with Smith. But that's miles from "badmouthing".

He reportedly thought the team was terrible several years ago. From reading the "doormat to powerhouse" threads, that's apparently a pretty accurate assessment. He doubted that Smith could build a team. That was clearly wrong at this point.

J

 

[Evilhomer3k]

This was private conversation between Smith and Manning.

Obviously, he didn't want to play for San Diego. But that's miles away from "badmouthing".

Do you have link to a real quote where Manning "badmouths" SD?

J

You won't find a quote because Archie Manning never said anything negative about the Chargers to the media (other than that Eli didn't want to play for them). But here's a quote from A.J. Smith:"Archie Manning never said it publicly, but my information was that it was because I was a scout and that I was incapable of even handling anything as a general manager and so forth," Smith said. "And that was amongst other things. [Archie's opinion was] the players were terrible and it was the worst team in the National Football League and it would probably remain so." (LINK)

When Smith says "my information . . ." I believe (based on what I remember reading around the time all this went down) that he is talking about things relayed to him by other NFL GMs that Archie had spoken to.

Thank you MT. That's exactly the way I remember it. Accusations of "badmouthing" from anonymous sources that one calls "my information" is pretty weak from Smith.

I don't ever recall Manning saying a negative word about it.

J

But that doesn't mean he never said it. It was well known that Archie didn't want Eli playing in SD. It was implied that he wouldn't play in SD. Knowing that, I think it is more likely that Archie said some negative things about SD than Smith made them up. I don't know about other Charger fans (not many Charger fans in Iowa) but I enjoy (eli) Manning's struggles and feel he got his just desserts. As a Charger fan I also feel that whenever a player states they won't play for a team it's implied that that team isn't good enough for them. That bugged me when Elway did it and it bugged me when Manning did it. If you're so great go to the 'bad' team and lift them up. A great player can do that. Manning hasn't shown himself to be a great player.

 

[PatsWillWin]

No doubt Charger fans can feel disrespected by Manning saying he didn't want his son to play there in a private conversation with Smith. But that's miles from "badmouthing".

Joe - what is your definition of "badmouthing"? Because, according to dictionary.com, it means:

To criticize or disparage, often spitefully or unfairly

 

[Joe Bryant]

No doubt Charger fans can feel disrespected by Manning saying he didn't want his son to play there in a private conversation with Smith. But that's miles from "badmouthing".

Joe - what is your definition of "badmouthing"? Because, according to dictionary.com, it means:

To criticize or disparage, often spitefully or unfairly

So how does the fact that these conversations were private disqualify it from being badmouthing?

Hi jets,Again, I'd ask for a quote.

And thanks for the definition. That's exactly how I'd define it.

All we know for sure is that Manning asked Smith not to draft him as he thought NY would be a better fit for Eli Manning. There is zero spite or unfairness there as the definition states.

You can say you'd rather not be someplace without badmouthing. Happens all the time. Unfortunately, you will often hurt the feelings of the people that you'd rather not be with as we've seen here no matter how it's said.

J

 

[PatsWillWin]

No doubt Charger fans can feel disrespected by Manning saying he didn't want his son to play there in a private conversation with Smith. But that's miles from "badmouthing".

Joe - what is your definition of "badmouthing"? Because, according to dictionary.com, it means:

To criticize or disparage, often spitefully or unfairly

So how does the fact that these conversations were private disqualify it from being badmouthing?

Hi jets,Again, I'd ask for a quote.

And thanks for the definition. That's exactly how I'd define it.

All we know for sure is that Manning asked Smith not to draft him as he thought NY would be a better fit for Eli Manning. There is zero spite or unfairness there as the definition states.

You can say you'd rather not be someplace without badmouthing. Happens all the time. Unfortunately, you will often hurt the feelings of the people that you'd rather not be with as we've seen here no matter how it's said.

J

So then do you think that Smith is lying when he described what A. Manning said about him and the Chargers?

 

[Reaper]

This was private conversation between Smith and Manning.

Obviously, he didn't want to play for San Diego. But that's miles away from "badmouthing".

Do you have link to a real quote where Manning "badmouths" SD?

J

You won't find a quote because Archie Manning never said anything negative about the Chargers to the media (other than that Eli didn't want to play for them). But here's a quote from A.J. Smith:"Archie Manning never said it publicly, but my information was that it was because I was a scout and that I was incapable of even handling anything as a general manager and so forth," Smith said. "And that was amongst other things. [Archie's opinion was] the players were terrible and it was the worst team in the National Football League and it would probably remain so." (LINK)

When Smith says "my information . . ." I believe (based on what I remember reading around the time all this went down) that he is talking about things relayed to him by other NFL GMs that Archie had spoken to.

Thank you MT. That's exactly the way I remember it. Accusations of "badmouthing" from anonymous sources that one calls "my information" is pretty weak from Smith.

I don't ever recall Manning saying a negative word about it.

J

But that doesn't mean he never said it. It was well known that Archie didn't want Eli playing in SD. It was implied that he wouldn't play in SD. Knowing that, I think it is more likely that Archie said some negative things about SD than Smith made them up. I don't know about other Charger fans (not many Charger fans in Iowa) but I enjoy (eli) Manning's struggles and feel he got his just desserts. As a Charger fan I also feel that whenever a player states they won't play for a team it's implied that that team isn't good enough for them. That bugged me when Elway did it and it bugged me when Manning did it. If you're so great go to the 'bad' team and lift them up. A great player can do that. Manning hasn't shown himself to be a great player.

Hey some people want to see Marino's records go down others want to see the Mannings Fry on the football field and never win <_<

 

[dagogrease]

This was private conversation between Smith and Manning.

Obviously, he didn't want to play for San Diego. But that's miles away from "badmouthing".

Do you have link to a real quote where Manning "badmouths" SD?

J

You won't find a quote because Archie Manning never said anything negative about the Chargers to the media (other than that Eli didn't want to play for them). But here's a quote from A.J. Smith:"Archie Manning never said it publicly, but my information was that it was because I was a scout and that I was incapable of even handling anything as a general manager and so forth," Smith said. "And that was amongst other things. [Archie's opinion was] the players were terrible and it was the worst team in the National Football League and it would probably remain so." (LINK)

When Smith says "my information . . ." I believe (based on what I remember reading around the time all this went down) that he is talking about things relayed to him by other NFL GMs that Archie had spoken to.

Thank you MT. That's exactly the way I remember it. Accusations of "badmouthing" from anonymous sources that one calls "my information" is pretty weak from Smith.

I don't ever recall Manning saying a negative word about it.

J

But that doesn't mean he never said it. It was well known that Archie didn't want Eli playing in SD. It was implied that he wouldn't play in SD. Knowing that, I think it is more likely that Archie said some negative things about SD than Smith made them up. I don't know about other Charger fans (not many Charger fans in Iowa) but I enjoy (eli) Manning's struggles and feel he got his just desserts. As a Charger fan I also feel that whenever a player states they won't play for a team it's implied that that team isn't good enough for them. That bugged me when Elway did it and it bugged me when Manning did it. If you're so great go to the 'bad' team and lift them up. A great player can do that. Manning hasn't shown himself to be a great player.

Hey some people want to see Marino's records go down others want to see the Mannings Fry on the football field and never win

As people go, it seems the Mannings are good people but when you pull stunts like this you deserve everything that is coming to you. I for one enjoy seeing this blow up in their face.

 

[mr. furley]

Grid just got blown off by his wife so he came here to start this thread.

 

[Joe Bryant]

No doubt Charger fans can feel disrespected by Manning saying he didn't want his son to play there in a private conversation with Smith. But that's miles from "badmouthing".

Joe - what is your definition of "badmouthing"? Because, according to dictionary.com, it means:

To criticize or disparage, often spitefully or unfairly

So how does the fact that these conversations were private disqualify it from being badmouthing?

Hi jets,Again, I'd ask for a quote.

And thanks for the definition. That's exactly how I'd define it.

All we know for sure is that Manning asked Smith not to draft him as he thought NY would be a better fit for Eli Manning. There is zero spite or unfairness there as the definition states.

You can say you'd rather not be someplace without badmouthing. Happens all the time. Unfortunately, you will often hurt the feelings of the people that you'd rather not be with as we've seen here no matter how it's said.

J

So then do you think that Smith is lying when he described what A. Manning said about him and the Chargers?

Hi jets,I don't know. I guess I've just read enough things from enough people over the years to not get too wound up on information that is prefaced "my anonymous sources say"...

J

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Speaking of anonymous sources, sounds like good ole' Archie needed an excuse to get his boy to NY so he made one up.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2172298

Updated: Sep. 25, 2005, 8:34 PM ET

QB's dad: Team said 'don't let your son come here'

ESPN.com news services

Manning's father, Archie, told ESPN's Suzy Kolber on Sunday that the reason he counseled his son not to go to San Diego was because people within the Chargers organization told him, "Don't let your son come here."

Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer said he could not imagine Archie Manning being told that. "That's a stretch," he said.

Chargers president and CEO Dean Spanos echoed Schottenheimer's sentiments.

Eli Manning said at the time of the draft that he did not want to play in San Diego. He was traded on draft day to the New York Giants in exchange for the rights to quarterback Philip Rivers, the No. 4 pick overall, plus three draft picks that included a first-rounder this year.

In a head-to-head comparison with Rivers, Manning holds a substantial edge -- he has demonstrated steady improvement after struggling through a 6-10 rookie season last fall, while Rivers has appeared in just two games, completing 5-of-8 passes for 33 yards. However, the Chargers, under Drew Brees, finished 12-4 and made the playoffs for the first time since 1995.

Manning knows that a hostile reception likely awaits him Sunday night, when he plays his first game in San Diego since the draft. Manning said he doesn't expect San Diego to have much sympathy for him.

"Whatever I say, I don't think it's going to make a big difference to the fans," he said. "I knew that when I made the decision. I knew the people of San Diego wouldn't like it or people might harass me for it. I have nothing against San Diego or the people or the players on the team or anything like that. I just didn't feel like it was a place where I wanted to go play for six years or however long my contract was going to be.

"I've played in loud stadiums before, but I don't know if I've played in a place where the team had a reason to dislike me," he said.

The type of challenge posed by a stadium full of hostile fans may do little to shake the normally unflappable Manning.

"I think that being in New York and having that rookie year, he's been through a lot in a short time, and he's learned ways to handle it," Brees said.

Wide receiver Plaxico Burress, Manning's favorite target this season with 10 receptions, concurred.

"I'd think he could handle it pretty well," he said. "One of the things about him, you can't really tell if he's bothered. He doesn't really say a lot, doesn't get too high or too low. He always seems the same way to me whether we're doing good or we're not doing so good."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.