Stephen Baker: Actions of today’s players “wouldn’t be tolerated”

Former New York Giants wide receiver Stephen Baker spent his entire career (1987-1992) playing under head coach Bill Parcells. He, thankfully, never thought of twerking after a score (a la Antonio Brown), or hanging out with Trey Songz the week before a playoff game (like Odell Beckham Jr. did, not so inconspicuously).

As you might expect, Baker doesn’t envision too much of the extracurricular stuff taking place with the Tuna in charge.

“If you knew Bill (Parcells), none of this stuff would be taking place. If it did, you would be in his office having a serious conversation. It wouldn’t be tolerated,” Baker told reporters Sunday during a meet-and-greet with fans at Yonkers Raceway. “Not in the least. I don’t know what it is with this younger generation. Seems like sometimes, they’re not putting the team first.”

Baker was part of one of the best Giants teams in franchise history in 1990. Big Blue finished that regular season 13-3 and went on to win Super Bowl XXV, the second in franchise history.

“I think they just need to grow up and start thinking of the team first because at the end of the day it’s about getting a championship trophy,” Baker said. “Nobody’s going to remember your stats and all that stuff, they’re going to remember you on a championship team.”

If the Giants can tighten up a few areas, Baker sees them being able to compete for a championship in the near future.

“I like what I saw last year in certain areas. Our defense really stepped it up. Until JPP got hurt, we could play with anybody. We need to strengthen up our offensive line and we’ll be okay.”