NY Giants Co-Owner Steve Tisch -- 'Hard Knocks' Is BAD for NFL Players

James Harrison might be on to something, 'cause "Hard Knocks" is the kind of show that can DESTROY a football team ... so says NY Giants co-owner Steve Tisch.

Tisch -- and the entire Giants organization -- have made it clear the team will NEVER agree to participate in the HBO docu-series, and yesterday in L.A., Tisch explained why.

"I don't think it brings anything to the team," Tisch said ... "It's a bit of a distraction and I think it's sort of misleading for the players ... especially the young guys."

Tisch continued, "Even though It comes off as a documentary, you're asking young athletes to perform. Perform on the field ... don't perform in the locker room for a TV show."

"I don't think it's in the players' best interest."

Clearly, the Cincinnati Bengals don't feel the same way. They're currently participating on the show for the SECOND time.