New York Giants star Malik Nabers rips into Fox analyst over ‘crazy’ body language analysis
New York Giants star Malik Nabers has publicly called out Fox commentator Greg Olsen over comments he made about his attitude on Sunday.
Olsen and play-by-play commentator Joe Davis were behind the microphone for the Giants’ 19-11 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
And the pair discussed Nabers’ body language and his demeanor on the field several times during the game, which prompted a furious response from the wide receiver afterwards.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘Y’all be trying create a narrative on me soo bad it’s actually crazy!! If you [don’t] like the way I play the game keep the camera off me!! SIMPLE!
‘But @gregolsen88 callin me a bad teammate when every team I’ve been on, there’s NOBODY I’ve played with had said dat bout me is crazy!
‘My face the same way if I’m havin a good game, bad, winning or losing. If it’s a problem 1. Keep the camera off me. 2. Pray bout it! Simple.’
Giants star Malik Nabers has publicly called out Greg Olsen over comments he made Sunday
Nabers released a furious statement after Olsen appeared to take a shot at his attitude
Olsen did not call Nabers a ‘bad teammate’ but referenced a chat with New York’s offensive coordinator Matt Nagy about how he had been frustrated with how little action he saw early in the season.
After Nabers slammed his helmet down during the fourth quarter, Davis said: ‘His body language has been terrible today.’
Olsen then added: ‘You brought up Malik Nabers. You never know exactly what’s being said. It’s easy for us to sit here and interpret body language.
‘When we asked [Giants OC] Matt Nagy about him, he said “Listen, he’s very vocal. When he didn’t get the ball to start the year, he let everyone know it.” He said “Me and Malik have a good understanding right now. What’s perceived as being negative, what’s perceived as being a distraction, I think we both have an understanding of each other that allows it to coexist.” Just certainly is something to keep an eye on.’
Davis called out Nabers’ body language again later in the game when he still looked annoyed after teammate Isiah Likely scored a touchdown.
‘I have played with a lot of really good wide receivers, a lot of really good players. There’s never been a great wide receiver who hasn’t demanded the ball. That kind of comes with the territory,’ Olsen added.
‘But there is a very fine line between being demanding, being a competitor and all those great things. That’s great. It just can never cross that it feels like it takes away from the success of your teammates.
‘So when your teammate catches a wide open touchdown, you need to be the happiest guy on the field. You can’t still be worried about your targets. That’s the fine line. He is a talented, young, really good player. You’ve just got to keep it in check.’
Olsen rubbished claims he called Nabers a ‘bad teammate’, which is backed up by footage
Nabers had a largely quiet day on the field for the Giants, despite their win over Philadelphia
Olsen was critical of Nabers’ play, rather than his personality, later on when the Giants star dropped a pass, although it was difficult, in the end zone.
‘Listen, you want to demand the ball, you can’t throw that ball any better,’ the former NFL tight end said.
‘That’s a touchdown. You’re a premier player in this league. You’ve got an opportunity there, you’ve got to catch it.’
Olsen hit back, however, after some outlets said he called Nabers a ‘bad teammate’ as mentioned in the Giants star’s post.
Olsen, who has been linked to Troy Aikman’s seat in the ESPN booth, posted a video of his analysis of Nabers and wrote on Monday: ‘Since people are going to just make up quotes and put words in my mouth, here were my comments on Malik Nabers. At no point did we ever say he was a bad teammate.’
Nabers had a largely quiet day on the field for the Giants, despite their win. He caught five of eight targets for just 43 yards.
