Eli Apple was defended by ex-teammates and even his mother against a seemingly personal attack against him.
Each year, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Bob McGinn produces long pieces on NFL prospects ahead of the draft, complete with comments from scouts on each player. On Tuesday he published his rankings of the defensive back prospects, and Apple was listed third. One scout apparently isn’t a fan of Apple and had some criticism of the 20-year-old former Ohio State CB.
“I worry about him because of off-the-field issues,” one scout told McGinn. “The kid has no life skills. At all. Can’t cook. Just a baby. He’s not first round for me. He scares me to death.”
Two scouts commented on Apple’s age and indicated they felt the third-year sophomore was coming out too early. But it was the cooking comment that left most scratching their heads wondering what that had to do with Apple’s football ability.
Apple’s former teammates Ezekiel Elliott and Bradley Roby defended Apple via Twitter, as did Apple’s mother:
Eli has made me some fire fried chicken and mac and cheese. The source seems to be pretty unreliable
— EzekielElliott#⃣1⃣5⃣ (@EzekielElliott) April 27, 2016
I can't cook either ! Maybe hot pockets at best lol .. And I'm a SUPERBOWL CHAMPION .
— Bradley Roby (@BradRoby_1) April 27, 2016
Btw, Eli's dad is a retired five star chef. We eat well. So stop playing with our name. Next time you say our name, put some respeck on it
— Annie Apple (@SurvivinAmerica) April 27, 2016
Apple himself then weighed in:
Glad to know someone appreciates my cooking ? https://t.co/wDh84JMR1T
— Eli Apple (@EliApple13) April 27, 2016
Eli Apple on his maligned cooking: "I used to cook for my teammates any time they came over. It was good stuff! Nobody ever complained."
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) April 27, 2016
Eli Apple's culinary thoughts, continued: "I'm more of a breakfast guy, though. Come by in the morning, and I'll hook you up."
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) April 27, 2016
Apple has had a rough go of it leading up to the draft. Not only was accused of having no life skills and not being able to cook, but he was also asked this personal question by one team. He is still expected to be selected pretty high in the draft.
