Did anyone actually think that the Eli Manning/Tiki Barber feud would end after only a few short days? Did anyone actually think that Barber would allow Manning to have the last word?If you thought either of those things, you'd be wrong -- and you'd be foolish.
Barber made it a point to address Manning's comments tonight on Siruis Radio's "Barber Shop." He also recruited some help in attempt to further damage Eli's reputation. Twin brother Ronde Barber accompanied Tiki on the set and joyously joined in on a pathetically immature mocking of the New York Giants quarterback.
It was a constant barrage for almost two hours with Ronde making comments about Eli's "testes finally dropping" and Tiki adding that "Kerry Collins was a true leader," claiming the Giants "shouldn't have let him go." They also added that Eli's return-fire was "laughable" and that Tiki is part of the media now and it's his job to be controversial.
Sorry, No PhotosNow that the real Tiki has shown himself, a few things have become blatantly obvious. Unlike Lawrence Taylor, Phil Simms and Harry Carson who are ex-Giants, Tiki is just an ex-football player. It's clear that he couldn't care less about the organization and only about himself. Additionally, he has also proven exactly what's wrong with the media when he stated that it's his job to be controversial.
Oddly enough, he fails to realize that his job also involves quality analysis. He's not going to be taken seriously if he continues to make bogus comments like suggesting Kerry Collins was a "true leader." In all fairness to Collins, he was an alcoholic who stumbled his way through an NFL career and got lucky one year with the Giants when the offensive line jelled together for a single fluke season and the defense over-performed. His true leadership skills were exposed in that horrid Super Bowl loss to Baltimore -- a game in which Tiki Barber was rendered irrelevant.
And amongst all the foolish things that spewed from Tiki's mouth, he claimed that he would have been a surefire Hall of Famer had his heart remained in it. Ironic, because he seemed to "lose his heart" when Tom Coughlin came to town, which was actually the moment he became a legitimate running back and stood an actual chance of being considered for football's greatest honor.
Perhaps TiVi is forgetful, so I'll do him a favor and refresh his memory.
Prior to 2004, Tiki Barber was better known for his fumbling problems than his leadership or on-field performances. In fact, the very media that he currently works with questioned him as he now questions Eli. I remember it like it was yesterday: "Barber fumbles again;" "Barber drops the ball;" "Giants need a quality running back to compete."
And finally, who is Ronde Barber to say anything? In a sport where names are made based on victories, Manning is 1-0 against Mr. I wish I was as famous as Tiki.
Read more about TiVi and Ronde's attack on Eli at Inside Football.
Previously on FanHouse:
Eli Manning: 'I'm Not Gonna Lose Any Sleep Over What Tiki [Barber] Says'
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
8-21-2007 @ 9:14PM
Nick Dee said...
SNEAKY BARBER: Have we forgotten that he did what no professional athlete ever does, and that’s get involved with another players contract negotiations. Remember when SNEAKY suggested that Michael Strahan think of his team first while negotiation a new contract four years ago with the Giants.
SNEAKY BARBER will not make it in the entertainment business because he is loosing creditability with the people who supported him.
Remember that Wellington Mara asked that he be at his bed side during his final days. Now he treats the Giants and their players as if he’s above them. Athletes never turn their back on a friend.
What made Tiki, was being a likable young guy, not a Tabloid type beat writer.
Good riddance SNEAKY BARBER and your wanta be famious brother!
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8-21-2007 @ 9:21PM
Aussie G Man said...
Damn that annoys me. Eli should sue their arses for defamation. Im really enjoying what I see and hear about Eli this year, and much like yourself Dan, i've always been a huge supporter. You will never get another underdog like this guy. The one thing I think can be positive from this is if the Giants just ignore the barbers, and play a kick arse season.
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8-21-2007 @ 9:31PM
Don said...
With friends like these, eh?
Though I agree with Tiki, Eli's retort was pretty lame. If Tiki's heart wasn't in the game for the second half of last year, why was he the only player on the entire team keeping them competitive? This year will tell how important Barber was.
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8-21-2007 @ 9:32PM
Mike said...
Dan...I'm with you, Tiki's a clown. He's dead to me...to all of us. But why do we need to pile on Kerry Collins...he got us to the dance..he was a good quarterback-- and i was sad to see him go.
Eli is obviously a better quarterback, and if given the chance he should smack Tiki in the mouth---but you're criticism of Kerry seems out of place.
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8-21-2007 @ 9:45PM
J.P. said...
I'm really surprised at both of the Barbers,while I
agree that Eli isn't the leader his brother is,how
many QB's in the league are?I don't know I just
always looked at Tiki & Ronde as being class act's
ever since their days at Virginia,sadly I guess I was wrong.
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8-21-2007 @ 9:47PM
fanfor55years said...
This whole thing is getting pretty sad. The Giants and their fans should ignore Tiki, who has clearly lost his mind. It does create a good opportunity for the team to rally around Eli. Nothing Tiki says can take away from his wonderful career on the field. Look, Jim Brown and Joe Montana aren't such wonderful guys, and it doesn't take away from the fact that one was the greatest running back of all time and the other perhaps the greatest QB (although I'd still go with Elway). But I'd say Tiki's career in journalism is off to a horrible start. So far all he has proved is that he's a glib amateur who is certainly not a stand-up guy and has no concept of team. Just because he has a brain and had a lot of football talent apparently doesn't mean he has what it takes to be a real leader of men. I sure wouldn't want him in my foxhole.
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8-21-2007 @ 9:57PM
nickstoli said...
Barbers are right, but...there's a much classier way to handle this.
Eli is not a leader. He'll never be Peyton. At best, he'll be another Drew Bledsoe.
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8-21-2007 @ 10:17PM
mad dog said...
Man did I ever miss the boat regarding Tiki Barber. This guy obviously has no class and I imagine he would not be to welcome in the Giants dressing room. A complete A-hole.
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8-21-2007 @ 11:01PM
robert wellington said...
you know dan, whike i agree with you i love the fire eli is showing by responding to tivi's comments i hope this is it and eli dont respond to tikis and rondes comments on their pathetic show, we need to focus on the season and playing dallas in 15 days, you know the ultimate payback the giants fans could ask for and the players and i know im reaching here but for us to have a kick-ass season and win the superbowl that would def shut tiki up. and its funny how he blames tc for him losing heart and not wanting to play anymore. funny how it was tc who taught him the new way to hold the ball and cure his fumbling promblem well im done love your writing dan glad your back on mvn
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8-21-2007 @ 11:13PM
BigBlue said...
I knew Tiki was a jerk during his last home game. We all sat on Christmas eve to watch his last home game, freezing the entire time, watching an awful game. Yet we stayed to send off one of our favorite Giants. Did Tiki acknowledge the fans? Nope, he just ran off the field without a wave...LEts hope he doesnt try to market himself by turning on anymore Giants....
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8-21-2007 @ 11:27PM
Ryan Leaf said...
Tiki is a complete phoney. He always sounds like a kid trying to speak like a 'grown up'. That's whats really laughable.
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8-22-2007 @ 12:18AM
Jim said...
I used to have some respect for Tiki, but not any more. Bagging on Eli yet calling Collins a leader? All of Collins other teams have called him a quitter that was only there to collect a check! Eli is not Peyton and you can't expect that. And Tiki, Hall of Fame...? I don't think so! I'm beginning to think the sports parenting in Virginia leaves a little bit to be desired...
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8-22-2007 @ 1:37AM
George B Vieto said...
Tiki wants to be another Howard Stern? Eli not a good leader compared to Kerry Collins? Tiki has probably got a few too many hits on his noggin to talk bad about his former teammate. And I am not a fan of the Manning family.
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8-22-2007 @ 5:03AM
jason said...
Hey look, it's the butt brother Barbers!!! What a piece of work they are! Especially Tiki! I totally agree with Dan like i basically always do!!! Tiki was a nobody before Tom came into office! Tiki had a couple good years but he's def. NO HOFer!!! Plus even if his "heart" was still in it, he's getting to the age where he's on a down slide! So he wuld need like 5 more years to be considered a HOFer!... I never could stand Tiki and now i HATE seeing his face! Good luck Tiki because you're fumbling all over the place in your new career!
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8-22-2007 @ 5:28AM
Jimmy Winstead said...
Contravercy sales. That's the reason I'm sitting here reading this. Hell, Tiki and Eli are probably having a beer in the Village and a big laugh. We're the suckers or simply just the ones being intertained? It's all hype and that's what they both get paid for.
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8-22-2007 @ 6:15AM
Panthers Fan said...
Uh Kerry Collins????? Ask any Carolina fan about him. To say you have lost your heart to play the game is stupid. I did like Tiki. Now, he is acting really immature. Eli will NEVER be the QB his brother is...but can you imagine having to be compared to Peyton your entire career?
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8-22-2007 @ 6:28AM
Pam said...
Tiki is not acting like a professional and if he continues, he will be looking for a new job. He obviously was not a team player either. You should never bash your team mate. I believe we are seeing the true colors of Tiki. Too bad more athletes cannot be like the Manning brothers.
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8-22-2007 @ 6:30AM
Cathy said...
I think the Barbers should both read Tony Dungy's book. Unlike theirs, his is an adult book fill with advice and wisdom that Tiki could take some powerful infomation for his new job. Its about living your life with class, something Tiki lacks.
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8-22-2007 @ 6:44AM
nightowl said...
The Barbers - Two more pamper athletes from the state of Virginia. Or should I say two more dumb ass jocks. Tiki should do the job NBC is paying him to do and leave Eli's fate to the record books.Time will tell. Maybe there's a little envy playing out - Barber is over the hill and Manning is just beginning. Tiki, you are an unprofessional chump.
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8-22-2007 @ 6:44AM
Kate said...
OH PLEASE! You act like Eli is such a class act... Remember what he did to the Chargers? Primadonna not half as good as his brother... I'm sure Tiki had to put up with a lot in silence he doesnt any more they are NOT team mates NOW>
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