The New York Giants took one on the mouth Thursday night with a 24-19 loss to the Eagles that was, in essence, a pricey Christmas gift to the Dallas Cowboys, who as a result have clinched the NFC East, secured a first-round bye in the playoffs and home-field advantage throughout.
But that almost wasn't the most damning news to come out of Philly. A Giant's staff member was seen on the sidelines using a cell phone during the game, and given the digital age we live in where anyone with a smart phone can break news, a photo of the perceived transgression quickly made its way onto social media.
Fortunately for New York, though, that staff member was Ronnie Barnes, the team's Vice President of Medical Services and Head Athletic trainer. Per NFL rules, team doctors and members of the athletic training staff are permitted to use cell phones, tablets and similar electronic devices.
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The incident comes on the heels of the Giants organization being hit hard by the NFL for head coach Ben McAdoo's use of a walkie talkie on the sidelines during the team's week 14 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The club was fined $150,00 and McAdoo $50,000. In addition, the Giants fourth-round pick in the 2017 Draft will be moved to the very end of the round.
McAdoo and the organization reportedly contend that quarterback Eli Manning lost communication in his helmet ear piece sometime in the fourth quarter, and McAdoo had to use the walkie talkie to communicate with him.
