New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora took offense when former teammates Antonio Pierce and Michael Strahan called out Justin Tuck and Brandon Jacobs, rushing to defend his current teammates.
"These other guys have played the game, so they know what it's like," the Giants' two-time Pro Bowl defensive end told the New Jersey Star-Ledger Friday. "To hear them come out and say some of the things they said is very, very disappointing and makes me question how real and how authentic they are because they know better than to come out and say some of the things they've said."
Three weeks ago, Strahan criticized Tuck after the defensive end missed the second half of a win against Philadelphia.
Pierce then added to Umenyiora's fire earlier this week when he questioned Tuck and Jacobs's toughness, saying the two injured Giants should play through pain unless their injuries require surgery. Tuck has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills due to the combination of two injuries - a neck burner and a groin strain. Jacobs will miss the game to rest a sprained knee.
"If I see whoever it is that comes out and says these things, I have to let them know that I think that's just ridiculous," said Umenyiora, who added he hasn't talked to Strahan or Pierce. "Because all these guys who are saying these things went through the same things we're going through. It's crazy to me."
For more Giants coverage, visit our team page, or our blog Big Blue View.