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Did Eli Manning and the New York Giants' organization "forge" Super Bowl memorabilia, some of which is on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame? A lawsuit alleges they did just that.
Quarterback Eli Manning and New York Giants brass created bogus "game-worn" football gear to pass off as the real deal — and one of the forgeries is sitting in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, an explosive new lawsuit claims.
A helmet on display in the hallowed Canton, Ohio, gridiron museum — supposedly worn by Manning in Big Blue’s 2008 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots — is just one of dozens of fake items the football superstar and his Giants cohorts have created to fool fans and make money from collectors over the years, the lawsuit alleges.
Other "forgeries" passed off on collectors include several Manning jerseys, two 2012 Super Bowl helmets and a 2004 "rookie season" helmet, according to court papers.
Two-time Super Bowl MVP Manning took part in the scheme so he could hang on to his personal items, according to the documents.
Giants statement on fake memorabilia allegations: "This suit is completely without any merit whatsoever + we will defend it vigorously" #NYG
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) January 30, 2014
Eli Thought Peyton's Career Was Over
Eli Manning told NFL Network on Wednesday that he thought his brother's NFL career was over after neck surgeries forced Peyton Manning to miss the 2011 season.
"I saw him after that first surgery, this neck surgery, and I was pretty much convinced that he was done," Eli Manning said on NFL Network Wednesday. "There was no way he could come back and play football. That first time he went and we were just throwing it in the backyard of our house. We’re throwing 15 yards away, and it was a lob. He couldn’t throw 15 yards on a line. It had no pop." ...
"But sure enough, he’s been able to do it, and even this year, he’s been stronger, his arm strength’s been stronger, and he’s been better than ever," Eli said. "So it’s been an amazing journey for him and what he’s overcome and for me to watch him to go through it, and the dedication to work has been inspiring."
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