By Ryan “The Goose” Gosiker
I have avoided this conversation for a few weeks, but seeing how it is still a talking point, it is time to break the silence. Saquon Barkley, the 2nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, made waves this offseason when he signed a 3-year $37.75 million dollar contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, including $26 million guaranteed. He left the New York Giants who were unwilling to meet that amount of money especially the guaranteed portion. They did offer a multi-year deal before the 2023 season, but it was still not as high in guaranteed money. Many have voiced their opinions considering Philadelphia is widely regarded as the Giants’ biggest and most hated rivals, certainly the most obnoxious. When Barkley signed the deal, fans were justifiably upset as a generational talent was leaving the team and joining a rival. Some fans will never forgive him. Giants legend Tiki Barber made a “tongue and cheek” joke that Barkley is now dead to him and the fanbase. Former players and Saquon attacked Barber including Barkley tweeting “you’ve been a hater since I arrived in NY.” That statement was easy to debunk considering Barber has been in radio longer than Barkley has been in the league, so the tapes don’t lie, and Barber has, actually, been one of Saquon’s biggest supporters in his time with the Giants. Once the air seemed to have cooled, Barkley decided to address the incident once again, this time on the “New Heights” podcast. He could not understand why Barber could not be happy for him. Saquon, stop complaining dude. Seriously, enough is enough. Fans, including Barber, are allowed to be angry you went to a rival whether the Giants offered you or not. They are allowed to boo your rear-end when you come back to the Meadowlands this fall. They are allowed to pray on your downfall on the field (non-injury related). Also, if you listened to Barber when the initial statement was made, you could see he was jokingly saying it and even explained why you went to Philly. We get it, in this generation, it is much easier to listen to a 5-second clip than to get the whole context of a conversation. However, you come at a Giants legend, you better not miss. Saquon was a terrific player when on the field. He has missed 25 games in his 6-year career. That is about 25% of the total games since he entered the league. As mentioned, many fans will have no issue with him leaving. The ones that do should not be shunned. You, Saquon, went to a hated divisional rival. We know everything is a business, but we are allowed to have issue with where you went. Check out my sports show: “Game Time with The Goose” every Saturday from 8:00 to 9:00 AM on WTBQ AM 1110 FM 93.5 and on WGHT Radio with co-host Zach Kruk, Sports Director of WTBQ and WGHT!
