NFL : Manning fires back at Barber
Tiki Barber wanted a more intense, fiery Eli Manning. The New York Giants quarterback gave Tiki what he wanted in a loud ripping voice on Tuesday.
Two days after being criticized on national television by Barber for a lack of strong leadership, Manning ripped his former teammate and current NBC football analyst for distracting the team last season with his early retirement announcement and his criticism of coach Tom Coughlin.
Speaking during the halftime show of the Sunday Night Football game between the Giants and Baltimore, Barber said that Manning’s attempt to lead an offensive meeting in the 12th week of the last season was “comical” at times. Manning didn’t see the humor.
“It’s just one of those deals. I’m not going to lose any sleep about what Tiki has to say,” Manning said. “I guess I could have questioned his leadership skills last year with calling out the coach and having articles about him retiring in the middle of the season, and he’s lost the heart (to play).”
Speaking on his radio show “The Barber Shop” on Sirius NFL Radio, Barber said he was glad that Manning stuck up for himself, even though he felt his comments were tame.
“Giants receiver Plaxico Burress practiced for the first time since spraining his right ankle on Aug. 2.
Johnson ends holdout
Holdout running back Larry Johnson agreed to a five-year contract extension and joined Kansas City for practice, surprising teammates.
Johnson, 27, set the NFL record with 416 carries last year while rushing for 1,789 yards, snapping the team record he set the year before. His deal, which is added on to the one year remaining on his previous contract, includes a $19 million guarantee.
Chiefs president and general manager Carl Peterson said a fine of $14,280 per day for missing 25 days of training would be paid.
Eagles drop Trotter
Philadelphia linebacker Jeremiah Trotter was released in a surprise move that may lead to his retirement.
Trotter, a four-time Pro Bowl selection in two stints with the team, learned of the decision in a meeting with Eagles coach Andy Reid on Monday night.
Around the league
Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis will have surgery today to repair torn tendons in his left ankle. … Defensive tackle Shaun Rogers returned from the physically unable-to-perform list to practice but probably won’t play in the Detroit Lions’ third preseason game.