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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley and several other players were seen on video partying without their masks in New York City over the weekend.
Understandably, the videos and photos led to major concern for some as the Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders had seen COVID-19 outbreaks as the result of similar transgressions. They also faced heavy fines for violating the NFL and NFLPA guidelines as it relates to the pandemic.
The Giants promptly launched an investigation in the matter with head coach Joe Judge telling reporters that all discipline would be handled internally.
“I’ve spoken to all the individuals involved as well as the entire team on what happened this past weekend. We’re going to deal with things internally,” Judge said on Tuesday. “The only thing I’m going to say on that is, you know, this group of guys [have] been very responsible from the very beginning. They’ve tried to do the right thing the entire time.
“Based on the conversations and information I’ve gathered from our players, I believe they were trying to do the right thing as teammates with going out and having dinner together the other night.”
On Thursday, it was Jones’ turn to face the music but he was having none of it.
Asked about the viral videos and the consequences, Jones took a page out of Eli Manning’s book and refused to discuss it — but did so in the most polite way possible.
“I certainly respect the question and acknowledge the importance of it. But Coach (Judge) spoke about it the other day. We have a way of handling those things. We’re going to handle it internally here,” Jones said. “Our focus is on the Bucs this week and being prepared to play Monday night.”
Pressed further on the matter, Jones dug in but did imply there are additional details that have been left out of the public story.
“Coach commented on it. There is some information, but like I said, we’re going to handle it internally and prepare for the Bucs this week,” Jones said. “We’re going to handle it here as a team. I’ve talked to Coach. I’ve certainly talked to Coach and dealt with it here inside. That’s our policy there. I don’t have much to add on there.”
Jones, who has long encouraged others to wear their masks, did admit he had one on him in New York City and acknowledged he should have been wearing it.
“I had PPE and certainly need to make sure I’m wearing it. But like I said, we’re not going to comment anymore on it. Coach has certainly addressed it,” Jones said.
Unless the NFL or NFLPA decide to get involved in the matter, it looks like this Giants saga has come to an end quietly.
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