From the moment Dave Gettleman took over as general manager of the New York Giants and began shuffling personnel, it’s become a theme for former players to rip both he and the team.
Odell Beckham Jr. has led that charge, but Landon Collins, Damon Harrison and several others have also chimed in and taken their pot shots, which has been seemingly embraced as some sort of brave protest.
Former offensive lineman Justin Pugh, a 2013 first-round pick who was allowed to talk via free agency in 2018, isn’t interested in joining the group of Sour Patch Kids, instead choosing to take the high road when asked about the Giants on Tuesday.
“I love the Giants and all of New York,” Pugh said. “Do I dislike the way I left? Yes. Did I feel disrespected that I didn’t even get a call? Yes. But I understand the business and I don’t blame Gettleman for wanting to do it his way. All love for my guys still there.”
What a remarkably well-thought-out, mature and measured response. How refreshing. It’s almost as if all the others could have also taken the high road, but Pugh didn’t feel the need to jump the gun and set the standard — instead, he went straight to work for the Arizona Cardinals and didn’t feel the need to make a stink.
It may be late in the game at this point, but Beckham & Co. could learn a little something from Pugh and they hopefully take a cue from him moving forward.
