New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is under fire. Manning has allegedly played a part in a scheme to sell fake game-used memorabilia to fans.
According to court documents, Manning sent an email to Giants' equipment manager Joe Skiba that read, "2 helmets that can pass as game used. That is it. Eli."
Thursday, team spokesperson Karen Kessler released a statement on the report:
The email was sent shortly after a request from marketing agent Alan Zucker for two game-used helmets and jerseys. Manning, Skiba and the Giants were among those named in a lawsuit from three memorabilia collectors.
Another email exchange featured text incriminating Manning — claiming he created the fake memorabilia because he "didn't want to give up the real stuff."
Last March, the plaintiff claimed the Giants also gave former player Michael Strahan a bogus jersey he thought was used during Super Bowl XLII.
One fake game-used helmet from Manning is also supposedly in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The NFL continues to investigate the fraud claims. Trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 25.