New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley hits back at former player Tiki Barber for criticizing trade to Philadelphia Eagles
Given the criticism from the former Giants running back, it comes as no surprise that the present one who is on his way out has now responded in kind.
Breakups are never easy, which is to say it should come as no surprise that the Giants star has been heavily criticized by a former player for what is apparently viewed as a betrayal. With that said, the star in question never hid the idea that he wanted to end his career in the Big Apple. That the team didn’t offer what he asked for deserves to be highlighted as well.
Tiki Barber lays into Saquon Barber
As you likely already know, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has been traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, a move that has turned heads given how productive the 27-year-old has been in his time with the team, but even more so because he is moving to a direct rival in the NFC East. Indeed, that is something that former Giants running back Tiki Barber simply couldn’t stomach. Speaking on Monday during an appearance on WFAN, the Hall of Famer was less than kind when giving his take on Barkley’s move to the Eagles. “You’re dead to us”, he said on multiple occasions, before ending with “Good luck, you’re dead to me.”
OK, but is Tiki Barber’s criticism of Saquon Barkley justified?
Before we get to that, it’s definitely worth noting that Barkley has openly agitated for a long-term deal from the Giants for quite some time now, and was particularly open about his desire just last year when he received the franchise tag. Yet, the Giants declined to give him what he was looking for and so, understandably, when the Eagles came calling he agreed to what we now know is a three-year deal worth $37.75 million with $26 million guaranteed, something you can read more about here.
As for Barber, one has to admit that it’s a bit strange to see a fellow running back criticizing one of his own, for essentially trying to move their career forward. On the other hand, it’s got to be said that Barber has never been the most endearing of individuals. Of course, this is before we touch on the idea that Barkley has been one of the Giants’ main offensive contributors despite a number of injuries. The idea that he somehow lacks loyalty when he openly stated that he wanted to finish his career with the team is borderline offensive. Indeed, that’s probably why he made a point to respond to Barber in kind.
Regardless, it’s now clear that Barkley himself was not having any of Barber’s words, such that he wasted no time in hitting back which you can see above. At any rate, business is business which appears to be something that Barber has forgotten and when we consider the fact that Barkley made it known that he didn’t want to go, one has to consider the idea that maybe the former running back is the individual who has lost the plot and not his younger contemporary. Ultimately, Barber and all other Giants fans who feel a similar way will get a good look at Barkley this coming season. Now that he will be playing for the Eagles, there will be at least two regular-season clashes to look forward to.