Antonio Pierce: An Insider’s Perspective

By now you know the Giants released linebacker Antonio Pierce earlier today, and he’s being remembered by most as a vocal team leader.

There’s no denying Pierce was the mouthpiece for the Giants; when times were good or when it was convenient for him.

It was my experience covering Pierce that occasionally when controversies brewed, losing streaks lengthened or injuries needed an explanation, Pierce was a ghost in the locker room.

That’s not to say all the time. Pierce was available most every day the media had access to the Giants locker room…probably 95% of the time.

But it was on those occasions when we in the press NEEDED to hear from Antonio, he frustratingly avoided writers and cameras – sometimes refusing to be interviewed while other times not showing up at all.

It was always surprising (and at times comical) to members of the media when Pierce would emerge from the restricted area of the locker room, see a group of reporters waiting by his locker, and then inform us that he wasn’t talking to us today.

Some team spokesman, we all laughed at each other.

Most frustrating was when Pierce would blow us off and then appear on paid interview gigs on local radio and TV stations.

That was the height of jerkiness. Let you know what was really important to the guy.

When Pierce did make himself available he was personable, insightful and engaging.
When he felt slighted by someone or something, he clammed up and held a grudge.

That’s not what you expect from a team spokesman. When the bullets start flying, it’s HIS job to take the heat. If Pierce decided he wasn’t going to talk, that responsibility went to players who didn’t fancy themselves team leaders.

There’s no question that as a Giants fan, I’ll miss Pierce’s leadership and play making ability.

Before you dismiss this posting as a member of the media holding a grudge against an athlete, I can assure you that my sole purpose here on the blog is to give you a behind the scenes look at Pierce’s tenure as a Giant.

You most likely will hear/see/read flowery recounts of his years in New York over the next day or so…and those are not wrong.

I just felt this is one more thing you should know about the guy.

Matt Estreich for The Huddle