Eli Manning Attorneys Say He Didn't Provide Fake Memorabilia
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Attorneys for Giants quarterback Eli Manning are trying to convince a judge that the dealers suing the two-time Super Bowl MVP tried to pressure him to settle a memorabilia lawsuit by releasing select notes that weren't related to the disputed goods.
Emails released by the court Wednesday were part of a motion seeking sanctions and legal fees against one of the plaintiffs' attorneys after he released a 2010 email from Manning that seemed to indicate he provided fake memorabilia rather than authentic game-used goods.
Manning angrily denied those allegations last week, saying he has "nothing to hide" and has "done nothing wrong."
"My track record speaks for itself," he added.
MORE: Keidel: Eli's Reported Involvement In Memorabilia Scandal Defies All Logic
The lawsuit revolves around two pieces of equipment: a backup Super Bowl helmet from 2012 and another from the 2007-08 season.
The memorabilia dealers suing Manning released a note sent by the quarterback to team equipment manager Joe Skiba, asking for two helmets that "can pass as game used."
Manning's lawyers say that email is taken out of context and all of Manning's communications in context show he never provided inauthentic memorabilia.
MORE: Palladino: Giants Must Go O-Line First To Shore Up Unstable Blocking
An attorney for sports memorabilia collector Eric Inselberg on Wednesday insisted his client received a fake Manning backup helmet for the 2012 Super Bowl.
Inselberg sued Manning, Giants co-owner John Mara, memorabilia company Steiner Sports and others in 2014, alleging they engaged in a scam to sell fake game-worn equipment. He also asked that the NFL team be held responsible for the lies that led to his indictment on federal changes that ruined his business.
The lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial in September.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
