Giants Unconcerned About Barkley, Lawrence Absences Becoming a Distraction
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New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll didn’t disclose the message he delivered to his team when the players reported for the start of the off-season program Monday. One of the messages involved downplaying the absences of those who attended and who did not.
Citing a very good turnout for the first day, Daboll downplayed the absences of running back Saquon Barkley and defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, two co-captains last year, from the program, reminding reporters that they can only work with the players they have in the building.
“I talk with the team about a lot of things,” Daboll said when asked if he addressed the absences with those who showed up. “Again, those are private team meetings that we have. It's good to see everybody back here getting off to a good start. I'd say we have a very high percentage of people here, and that's what we'll work with at getting better each day.”
The players who took part in the video conference calls refused to get drawn into criticizing their teammates, saying it’s just business and opining that the locker room is strong enough o withstand those absences despite opinions expressed by national media members to the contrary.
“We’ve got great guys in the locker room and mature guys who understand that side of playing in the NFL, understand the business side of it,” said quarterback Daniel Jones. “I don’t think that’s a concern within our team.”
“I don’t think it’s an issue,” added safety Xavier McKinney. “They’re dealing with their own things. That’s for them to work out. We know what type of guys they are. We know what type of players they are. We all love ‘em.
Daboll confirmed that because Barkley isn’t under contract with the team and hasn’t signed a waiver that would release the team from any liability, he isn’t permitted in the building to work out with his teammates.
As for Lawrence, he is allowed in the building since he’s under contract, but Daboll noted that it’s purely up to the player to decide when he comes in and under what circumstances.
“This is the NFL," Daboll said. "There are a lot of things on the business side. It’s April 17th here. We’ve got a long way until we get going.”
“Those are business situations, and those guys have to go about them how they see fit,” added Jones. “I certainly respect that--I think we all do, knowing those two guys. They’re team-first guys, great teammates to everybody, and everybody in our locker room has tremendous respect for both.”
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