CLEVELAND — The New York Giants are in the midst of a rebuild and part of their roster reconstruction included trading multi-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns on the first day of the new league year last month.
Giants general manager Dave Gettleman was asked Monday by Steve Politi of NJ.com if the team had a culture problem, and the front-office executive responded, “Not anymore.”
That comment sparked a debate on social media about whether Beckham Jr. was the problem within the Giants’ locker room, but the talented pass catcher was quick to defend himself when a fan accused him of being a cancer and overrated.
“Ask any one of my teammates who I was a teammate and a man and a person,” Beckham Jr. tweeted Monday. “Yes, I’m a cancer to a place that’s okay with losing because I want to win that BAD. You’re absolutely correct.”
When questioned about his commitment to the Giants and not travelling with the team while working his way back from an injury, Beckham Jr. seemingly placed blame squarely on coach Pat Shurmur and his staff.
“Ask the coach….” Beckham Jr. tweeted. “I begged him to go to each and every one of those games actually for my teammates and to be on the sideline for the home games…he told me, ‘No’….anything else sir.
“That’s to whoever tweeted asking why I didn’t travel while I was hurt….) next.”
Over 59 regular-season games, including 56 starts, in five years with the Giants, Beckham Jr. turned 622 targets into 390 receptions for 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns. Beckham Jr. averaged 92.8 yards per game, including a league-best 108.8 during the 2014 season.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Beckham Jr. has put together four 1,000-yard and three double-digit touchdown seasons since being selected with a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University.
Last season, Beckham Jr. turned in a 77-catch, 1,052-yard, six-touchdown effort for the Giants.
“I’m not upset in ANY way about where I landed,” Beckham Jr. said. “But out of respect, what they did was crazy! And beyond disrespectful! I wanted nothing but the best for NY. But on to a new chapter….IT’S LIFE.
“I gave them everything I had every Sunday. Just put some respect on my name. That’s all I’m saying! I ain’t saying nothing and trust me, I got a LOT of info that people don’t know about, so keep my name out of your mouth the way I do, y’all.”
Regardless of how the time in New York ended, Beckham Jr. is focused on having a good year with the Browns and making a positive impression with Cleveland fans.
“What you don’t understand!!!!!” Beckham Jr. tweeted. “I’ve never been in a place so happy in my life. My soul, my spirit is at an all-time high!! Say what you want. There is NO bringing me down. PERIOD.
“Cleveland is my home now. Trust me, I’m coming with a bag full of energy. I want to win. Period. I’m right where God wanted me to be. Let’s have some fun!”
