New York Giants

New York Giants LT Ereck Flowers Reportedly Shoves ESPN Reporter

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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New York Giants left tackle Ereck Flowers bad night against the Green Bay Packers got worse when he reportedly pushed a reporter in the locker room.

New York Giants left tackle Ereck Flowers has had a disappointing start to the 2016 season. The No. 9 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Miami University (FL) had struggled through four games. Things didn’t get any better against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football, as he allowed countless hits against Eli Manning.

Flowers allowed seven pressures and one sack on Manning while being called for a holding as well. Flowers had no answer to the Packers pass rush of Clay Matthews, Kyler Fackrell, and Jayrone Elliot. Fackrell caused a Manning fumble near the end of the first half that gave the Packers momentum and points going into halftime that the Giants should have had.

Flowers struggles have been on display all season, and on national television, in prime time, they were seen by a large audience. No one wants to fail on the field, so it is fair to think that Flowers was upset at his performance against the Packers, and in general during the season.

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Unfortunately for Flowers, that was not the end to his rough night. In the locker room after the game, Flowers was talking to two reporters in front of his locker. ESPN reporter Jordan Ranaan then approached to join the other two.

This is where things went downhill. Flowers, who was in the middle of answering a question from one of the other reporters, stopped to tell Ranaan to leave the area. Ranaan didn’t leave, and Flowers eventually shoved him away after some back-and-forth.

Here is the interaction from Jared Dubin at CBS Sports.

Flowers: “Hey, get out my face man. Don’t come over here.”

When Raanan didn’t move, Flowers moved his face close to the reporter’s and asked, “You hear me?”

Raanan: “I’m just trying to do my job.”

Flowers: “Go over there.”

Raanan: “I’m just trying to do my job.”

Flowers: “Get the (expletive) out of my face, bro.

Raanan: “I’m just trying to do my job.”

Flowers then said, “Go over there, man,” as he shoved Raanan.

Flowers turned back to his locker and Raanan walked away.

This is an ugly situation for Flowers, as he shouldn’t put his hands on a reporter. No matter how mad or disappointed he was, that is never the answer. A big question here is what problem does he have with Ranaan? Is there a previous situation that caused him to become upset with his presence? He seemed to be okay with the first two reporters asking him questions, but when Ranaan approached he became agitated.

But, this is yet another example of how the NFL should cut back on access to the players following games. Flowers was obviously disappointed in how he played, so he should have some time to decompress before having to answer to media members. If there is a problem between a player and reporter, maybe giving him access to the player right away isn’t the best idea.

The “I’m just trying to do my job,” line gets old quickly as well. Yes, a reporter has a job to do, but if you are requested to do something more than once there should be a common courtesy to abide by that request.

This is something we also saw with another New York player this year, as New York Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle had a negative interaction with a reporter in the locker room as well.

Players reacting in a negative way to reporters questions isn’t anything new. In the heat of the moment, things happen that they wish they could take back. But putting his hands on him shouldn’t happen, as Flowers should face disciplinary action in the way of a fine or suspension.

Neither the Giants or Ranaan commented on the incident. Ranaan did take to his Twitter account to say that he was all good and that there was no reason to be concerned.

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