It’s certainly been a tenuous season for the New York Giants. While most fans were probably ready for the season to be over with, controversy reared its head as one of their young defensive backs, Landon Collins, referred to second-year cornerback Eli Apple as a “cancer.”
Collins has since issued an apology for his statement. Although one must wonder if the damage has already been done and if the relationship between the two can be repaired. The Giants may ultimately move on from one of their DBs – Apple, in all likelihood – in order to avoid any further confrontation between the two. But neither of the two will play in the Giants’ (2-13) season finale on Sunday. Collins was placed on IR this week due to a forearm fracture during New York’s last game against the Arizona Cardinals. Eli Apple, on the other hand, was suspended by the team, presumably for actions that prompted the quote from Collins.
The Giants official statement on Eli Apple’s suspension was that they reached the conclusion a suspension was necessary after “a pattern of behavior that is conduct detrimental to the team.”
Eli Apple’s suspension today was due in part to his refusal to take the field with the scout team, source says. @RapSheet says he then got into it with a coach.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 27, 2017
Even though the Giants invested a top-ten pick in the 22-year-old Apple, the cornerback has seen his playing time steadily dimish over his time in New York, even being benched for multiple games this season. If the Giants feel they have to choose between Apple and Collins, the choice is only made easier since Collins is regarded as one of the best safeties in the game and by all accounts is widely respected in the locker room.
Collins, however, did send a tweet which inferred he would still be open to playing alongside Apple.
I met with Coach Spags and Eli this morning and I apologized for the things I said yesterday. I never stop supporting my brother/teammate Eli and the rest of my teammates as we move forward. Just want him to know I’m always here for him ?@EliApple13
— LANDON COLLINS (@TheHumble_21) December 27, 2017
