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Byline: Greg Cote
MIAMI _ A jarring juxtaposition began the NFL Draft last weekend, and it is why Eli Manning begins his pro career seen as selfish and manipulative _ a diva in cleats.
The draft opened with a somber tribute and moment of silence for Pat Tillman, the hero who gave up a millionaire's football lifestyle to become an Army Ranger and fight terrorism, and gave his life. Tillman's was the ultimate act of selflessness.
Moments later we saw bitter and sour Eli Manning, pouting and petulant, holding up a San Diego Chargers jersey against his will _ Eli Held Hostage, Day 1 _ aghast at the idea of having to make millions with a team not precisely of his choosing. Poor baby!
Manning cowered from the challenge of trying to help turn around a losing club, threatening to sit out the 2004 season and then re-enter the draft next year.
(His strongarm tactic worked and he got traded to his preferred team, the Giants. The mediocre Giants. With the impatient fans. And the uber-intense media. Be careful what you wish for, Eli ...)
Was Manning within his rights? Sure. Does that make it right? No. The issue is bigger than one player orchestrating what amounts to blackmail.