Manning-Barber feud escalates
Tiki Barber wanted a more intense, fiery Eli Manning. The New York Giants quarterback gave Tiki what he wanted in a loud ripping voice on Tuesday.
Two days after being criticized on national television by Barber for a lack of strong leadership, Manning ripped his former teammate and current NBC football analyst for distracting the team last season with his early retirement announcement and his criticism of coach Tom Coughlin.
"I guess I'm just happy for Tiki that he's making a smooth transition into the TV world," Manning said. "You know, I'll be interested to see if he has anything to say (about a team) besides the Giants, and what his comments will be on that."
Normally reserved and never one to criticize a coach or teammate, Manning seemed to enjoy going after Barber, the Giants' all-time leading rusher who retired after last season at age 31 to pursue a television career.
Speaking during the halftime show of the Sunday Night Football game between the Giants and Baltimore Ravens, Barber had said that Manning's attempt to lead an offensive meeting in the 12th week of the last season was "comical" at times.
Manning didn't find the comment funny.
"It's just one of those deals. I'm not going to lose any sleep about what Tiki has to say," Manning said. "I guess I could have questioned his leadership skills last year with calling out the coach and having articles about him retiring in the middle of the season, and he's lost the heart (to play).
"As a quarterback you're reading that your running back has lost the heart to play the game and it's about the 10th week," Manning said. "I can see that a little bit at times. But I'm not going to get concerned. I'm going to go out there and play ball."
Barber was not immediately available for comment.
Johnson ends holdout: Holdout running back Larry Johnson agreed to a six-year contract extension and joined the Kansas City Chiefs for practice Tuesday, surprising teammates who broke into scattered cheers when he jogged unannounced onto the field.
"Lar-ry! Lar-ry," many players chanted. They had already been practicing for about 45 minutes when No. 27 suddenly appeared in their midst and began running plays.
Johnson, 27, set the NFL record with 416 carries last year while rushing for 1,789 yards, snapping the team record he set the year before. His six-year deal includes a $19 million guarantee.
After practice, Johnson quickly dressed and left without speaking with reporters. A team spokesman said he would hold a news conference at 11 a.m. today. Chiefs president and general manager Carl Peterson said a fine of $14,280 per day for missing 25 days of training would be paid, meaning the holdout cost Johnson about $357,000.
Vikings sign Ferguson: Veteran receiver Robert Ferguson agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday. Ferguson, who was cut by NFC North rival Green Bay on Friday, also visited his hometown Houston Texans before deciding to join the Vikings' inexperienced group of receivers.
Eagles release Trotter: Jeremiah Trotter, one of the fiery leaders of the Philadelphia Eagles defense for much of the last decade, was released Tuesday in a surprise move that may lead to his retirement.
Trotter, a four-time Pro Bowl selection at middle linebacker in two stints with the team, learned of the decision in a meeting with Eagles coach Andy Reid on Monday night that both men described as emotional.
Redskins make moves: With Marcus Washington nursing an elbow injury, the Washington Redskins signed veteran linebacker Randall Godfrey on Tuesday and surprisingly released versatile linebacker Lemar Marshall.
Seahawks sign backup QB: Backup quarterback Seneca Wallace agreed to a four-year extension with the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday that will keep him under contract through the 2010 season.
Arraignment delayed: An arraignment for Broncos receiver-returner David Kircus on an assault charge stemming from a fight that landed a 26-year-old man in the hospital with facial fractures was delayed until Oct. 2 .