Jordan Raanan, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Giants players publicly support suspended kicker Josh Brown

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Josh Brown’s teammates are publicly supporting the New York Giants kicker, who will serve a one-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league’s conduct policy.

When asked if the Giants should cut Brown, whose ban stems from a domestic violence charge in 2015 after an incident with his now ex-wife, veteran defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul didn’t think it was necessary.

“No,” he said. “Why should we cut him? Every guy needs a chance.”

Brown was arrested last year and charged with assault in the fourth degree/DV, according to the police report. The charges were later dropped.

Brown’s ex-wife told police that the Giants kicker had been physically violent with her on more than 20 instances over the past several years. Brown denied that there was more than one incident, which he labeled a “moment” after the suspension was announced.

Coach Ben McAdoo said last week that he supported Brown as a man, father and player. That was before the allegations by his ex-wife became public.

Brown, 37, also has the public support of his teammates.

“Obviously, it’s a sad situation he’s been going through, and obviously, you have to be there for your team teammate,” veteran offensive lineman Justin Pugh said. “It’s definitely something that is tough. I don’t want to get too into it because I don’t know all the details either. So that is something that -- I know Josh has spoken with everybody and settled that -- but all we can do is support our teammate and make sure we’re there for him. It’s definitely a tough thing to go through.”

The Giants brass has remained quiet throughout the process. General manager Jerry Reese and co-owner John Mara declined to comment on the situation this weekend.

Pierre-Paul said the issue hasn't been addressed by Brown or McAdoo in front of the team.

“Nothing has been talked about,” Pierre-Paul said. “It is what it is. I think he's suspended one game. It doesn't matter. We're all family around here. People have their own problems to handle. He's still our brother, and we look past it. We’re going to need him. Every player, we're going to need them.”

Quarterback Eli Manning said last week that he didn’t think there was a “whole lot to say” to the team about the situation. Pierre-Paul took a similar stance Monday.

“No, I haven't talked to him,” Pierre-Paul said. “At the end of the day, every guy on this team has a situation. I don't like people knowing about my business and my situation, so I try to keep out of people’s situations unless they come to me and ask for help.”

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