05 October 2023 , 00:41
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New York Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal has lashed out at the team's fanbase in response to their boos during his on-field performance this season.
The 23-year-old, who was the Giants' first-round pick in 2022, was questioned by reporters regarding the booing by fans following the team's 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. This loss dropped the Giants to a 1-3 record, placing them at the bottom of the NFC East.
"Why would a lion concern himself with the opinion of a sheep?" Neal told NJ.com. "The person that's commenting on my performance, what does he do? Flip hot dogs and hamburgers somewhere?"
Neal continued saying that many fans could be bandwagon supporters who craved to witness the team's success. He said he respected the fans' desire to see the team perform well, emphasizing that no one desired their success more than the players themselves.
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"And how can you say you are really a fan when we're out there battling our a**** off, and the game wasn't going well? The best you can do is boo your home team? So how much of a fan are you really," he questioned.
During the game, the broadcast captured Neal encouraging the booing fans from the sideline. He actively shouted at them, urging the faithful to reciprocate their boos toward him.
ESPN New York radio host Don La Greca reacted strongly to Neal's comments. During a passionate outburst on "The Michael Kay Show," La Greca criticized Neal, describing him as " a piece of human trash."
"I'd rather have a guy that's flipping hamburgers block than your piece of garbage ***," La Greca roared. "Who the hell are you to talk to fans like that, you piece of garbage? These Giants fans were here before you, and they'll be here after your sorry *** is cut," La Greca continued. "What a piece of human trash."
The Giants failed to protect QB Daniel JonesAfter the statement and backlash received, Neal apologized on social media, saying,“I am wrong for lashing out at the fans who are just as passionate and frustrated as I am. I let my frustrations in my play plus desire to win get the best of me,” said Neal through Instagram ’s Threads. “ I had no right to make light of anyone’s job, and I deeply regret the things I said. We are working day in and day out to grow as a team, and this was an unnecessary distraction. I apologize.”
Some fans expressed concern over Neal's performance when it seemed like he accidentally blocked his own teammate, Darren Waller. The Giants were already dealing with the absence of their left tackle, Andrew Thomas and things got even more challenging when center John Michael Schmitz had to leave the game early due to an injury. These factors made things even harder for the team's offensive line.
Despite the loss, Neal did not concede a sack and allowed just one quarterback hit in 52 pass-blocking snaps. But his performance included six hurries and seven pressures, suggesting room for improvement in his overall play. The Giants offensive performance has been poor this season, with an average of only 11.5 points per game, ranking the lowest in the league. During the first half of their games, they have been outscored 77-9, resulting in a deficit of 68 points.
Giants QB Daniel Jones was sacked 11 times against the SeahawksOnly two NFL teams have not executed offensive plays while holding the lead this season, with the other team being the New York Jets. Neal's challenging start has tempered the initial hopes for his success, leading to concerns that he may not live up to expectations and could be labeled a bust.
"At the end of the day, I put a lot of good things on film," explained Neal about his individual performance. "But people are going to go and find the bad reps, and that is what they're going to highlight. That's what they're going to put out there. I cannot control that. So why should I care?"