Eli Apple is in just his second season with the New York Giants, but it seems like the former first-round pick has already made a lasting impression among his teammates.
Apple, who has been suspended for the final game of the regular season for violating team rules, has reportedly been a headache in the locker room this season. When you hear what one Giants player said about Apple in a text message to Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman, it’s impossible to imagine the cornerback still being with the team in 2018.
“He’s the worst teammate I ever had,” the player wrote.
Freeman spoke with other people around the NFL about the situation in New York, and the common belief is that the Giants lack any real locker room leaders. Eli Manning has never been known for being a particularly passionate and outspoken guy, and the team is clearly missing players like Michael Strahan both on and off the field.
“You’re seeing with the Giants how one or two guys can poison an entire locker room,” one NFL executive told Freeman.
While Apple has gotten most of the negative attention from the media and deservedly so, he is one of three Giants defensive backs who were suspended this season for violating team rules. That’s almost unheard of.
It will be interesting to see how many teams show interest in Apple this offseason if the Giants decide to part ways with him. There’s no questioning the former Ohio State star’s talent level, but you have to put up with a lot of family drama if you sign him. Several players in New York’s locker room are already sick of it.
