Giants General Manager Jerry Reese Takes a Shot at Former Player

When the Giants decided to release Luke Petitgout back in early February, it came as a surprise to everyone. Why would newly appointed General Manager Jerry Reese want to weaken the Giants by getting rid of the rock on the left side of their offensive line? Unfortunately, Giants fans never really got their answer. Until now, that is.

After months of fans questioning the move, Reese decided to give some insight into his decision to release the nine-year NFL veteran.

"People are so worried about left tackle . . . I think that's so overrated," Reese said. "People act like Petitgout was the second coming. He never made the Pro Bowl, and I don't think he ever was a first alternate. Now all of a sudden he's the savior? That's ridiculous. I don't think we're that bad off without Luke Petitgout. He was not a star left tackle. He was a solid left tackle on some occasions and other times he wasn't. Luke has been a marginal player for a long time."

Ouch. Those are some extremely harsh words coming from a man that constantly preaches "Giants pride and respect." How about some respect for a guy who left everything on the field for eight straight seasons?

Sure, Petitgout was never a Pro Bowler, but he wasn't a marginal player either. He was named to Sports Illustrates All-Pro first team in 2001 and played for a Super Bowl team. He did everything the Giants asked him to do and earned a great deal of respect throughout the NFL.

While I agree that the concern over the left tackle position is a little overrated, I also think it was foolish to let Luke go to the Buccaneers. And I think it was even more foolish to rip a guy who did his very best in New York.