NY Giants

NY Giants cornerback Deandre Baker is denying paying off 4 victims in his armed robbery case ... despite new allegations to the contrary.

The new claims are spelled out in a warrant obtained by the NY Daily News ... in which law enforcement officials say they have video evidence and Instagram messages which show the NFL player paid out $55,000 between 4 victims to recant their stories.

As we previously reported, Baker -- along with Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar -- have been charged with multiple counts of armed robbery with a firearm stemming from a May 13 incident at a cookout in Florida.

Officials say Baker essentially worked with a witness who happened to be a longtime friend -- known as "Coach" -- to orchestrate the payouts at the office of Dunbar's attorney.

Cops say they have IG direct messages from Baker to "Coach" saying, "Yo I’m in the city now getting cash how much to bring ?? I’m tryna get there too u ASAP."

Cops say they have records which show "several phone calls between Baker and [Coach]" discussing the alleged payoff.

And, there's this ... cops also say they have surveillance video showing an unknown person arriving to the lawyer's office with a "black bag" containing a bunch of cash.

Cops say, at one point the person "opens it and removes the money and the shows the bag to "Coach."

"[Coach] then takes the bag."

On the same day as the alleged payoff, Dunbar's attorney allegedly contacted police to inform them 4 witnesses "have recanted their sworn/recorded statements against Dunbar."

Coincidence? The cops think not.

But, Baker's attorney Bradford Cohen tells us Baker did NOT pay anyone off ... period -- denying all of the new allegations.

Cohen says, "Deandre has been saying since day 1 that this was an extortion scene. Nothing from that day has changed."

"Any texts from [Baker] to these extortionists were made to keep them on the hook, as we informed authorities of this extortion the minute money was demanded."

"Deandre was with his attorneys, including myself, on the day in question and I was in contact with the authorities at the same time of the extortion demand."

"We have no affidavits from the alleged victims. Our affidavits are from independent witnesses."

Cohen says Baker has also taken a lie detector test from a "nationally recognized examiner" and passed as truthful.

The drama continues ... stay tuned.

The NY Giants hired a new full-time scout -- which usually isn't newsworthy ... unless that person is the FIRST FEMALE SCOUT in the team's 95-year history!

The team announced 25-year-old Hannah Burnett has joined the organization as their Midlands scout, a full-time position.

Burnett started as an intern for the Buffalo Bills in 2017 and later jumped to the Atlanta Falcons, where she spent the previous 19 months working with their scouting department.

She recently interviewed with the Giants and crushed it -- and now, she's on the staff.

"The only thing I care about is for us to win the Super Bowl," Burnett said in an official team statement.

"Our main goal as a team is to win a Super Bowl. That's my goal, that's everybody's goal."

Burnett is also humble on breaking gender barriers in the NFL.

"I try not to think about that. I completely understand and am aware that this is an awesome opportunity, and it's important for females in the league. But I've said this from the get-go, I just want to be the best area scout that I can."

"I want to go in there like everyone else goes in there and go about my business like a pro. Everything else will work itself out if I go about my business the right way. For me, that's my mindset. It's always been my mindset. I'm just continuing to stay on that course."

By the way, Burnett was a star lacrosse player at the University of Massachusetts back in the day. Not only was she a team captain, she was a 2-time all-region and all-conference player and 3-time conference champion.

She also holds the UMass record for points in a game with 10.

Good news for NY Giants cornerback Deandre Baker -- TWO witnesses are now on the record saying they never saw Baker pull a gun during an alleged armed robbery at a cookout back in May.

As we previously reported, Baker -- along with Seattle Seahawks corner Quinton Dunbar -- was arrested for allegedly robbing several people at gunpoint during a May 13 incident in Miramar, FL.

Cops initially said ... witnesses told them Baker pulled out a semi-automatic firearm and directed Dunbar to start taking expensive watches and other valuables from people at the cookout.

At one point, cops say Baker directed a 3rd man -- who was wearing a red mask -- to shoot someone who had just walked into the party ... but fortunately, no one was actually shot.

Baker was charged with 4 counts of armed robbery and 4 counts of aggravated assault with a firearm -- though he has adamantly denied the allegations.

Now, two witnesses who were at the cookout have given sworn affidavits -- which have been submitted to prosecutors -- in which they state Baker never pulled out a gun or robbed anyone.

"Deandre Baker was near me, and he never pulled out and/or pointed a firearm at anyone at the party."

Both men claim they were 10 to 12 feet from Baker during the "commotion."

Both men -- who claim they only know Baker from playing the Madden NFL video game online -- also say they never saw Baker "take anything from anyone at the party."

Both men also say they provided the affidavit on their own accord -- no one has threatened them or influenced them in any way.

We spoke with Baker's attorney, Bradford Cohen, who tells TMZ Sports, "We believe that there is significant evidence to rebut any allegation made in the case."

New York Giants star kicker Aldrick Rosas was arrested Monday after allegedly T-boning a car and fleeing the scene ... and cops believe alcohol was involved, TMZ Sports has learned.

Law enforcement officials say witnesses saw the 25-year-old -- who made the Pro Bowl in 2018 -- going around 100 MPH and driving erratically at around 8:25 a.m. in Chico, Calif., when he allegedly failed to stop at a red light.

Cops say he plowed straight into the side of a pickup at the intersection ... but kept on driving, despite disabling the vehicle he struck.

Cops say Rosas' black Chevrolet SUV broke down shortly after the crash ... but claim witnesses saw the NFL player exit the ride and run.

Law enforcement officials tell us when officers arrived on scene ... they launched an investigation -- and say they eventually found Rosas walking near the crash site.

According to cops, Rosas' hands, legs and bare feet were covered in blood when they stopped him for questioning.

Cops say after Rosas admitted to being the registered owner of the SUV ... they took him to a nearby medical center for evaluation before eventually booking him at the Butte County Jail.

We're told Rosas was booked on a hit-and-run charge, as well as driving on a suspended license.

Cops also say they believe alcohol impairment was a factor in the alleged incident ... and say an investigation is ongoing.

We've reached out to Rosas and the Giants for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Rosas has been a STUD for the G-Men since joining the team in 2017 ... making 62 of his 75 field goal attempts.

Two NFL players -- including a 2019 1st round draft pick -- have been accused of armed robbery and arrest warrants have been issued, TMZ Sports has learned.

Law enforcement confirms NY Giants cornerback Deandre Baker (the 30th overall pick in 2019) is facing 4 charges of armed robbery and 4 charges of aggravated assault with a firearm.

Seattle Seahawks corner Quinton Dunbar is facing 4 counts of armed robbery.

According to police, the two men were partying in Miramar, FL on May 13 ... when things took a disturbing turn.

Cops say Baker and Dunbar were allegedly hanging at a cookout -- playing cards and video games -- when an argument broke out and Baker whipped out a semi-automatic firearm.

Cops say the men began to rob party guests ... with Dunbar assisting in taking watches and other valuables at the direction of Baker.

At one point, cops say Baker directed a 3rd man -- who was wearing a red mask -- to shoot someone who had just walked into the party ... but fortunately, no one was actually shot.

Saquon Barkley is stepping up in a huge way for a police officer badly injured in a car accident ... offering Giants tickets and sending a special personal message of support.

Port Authority police officer Peter Siano was hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday after he was hit by a car while securing a crash scene.

Siano -- along with 3 Jersey City PD officers -- were handling traffic control around the crash when a driver sped through warnings and smashed into a JCPD cruiser, which hit Siano.

Officials say Siano suffered "serious" injuries -- and the driver responsible for the collision has been arrested and charged with assault by auto.

When the NY Giants found out about the situation, a bunch of players decided to make get-well videos for Siano ... including Barkley, Sterling Shepard and Grant Haley.

And, get this ... Barkley is even offering Siano a VIP experience with the team once he recovers.

"Thinking about you guys and once everything gets better, I would like to invite you guys to a Giants game," Barkley said.

"And to the police department, appreciate everything you guys are doing for us during this time."

Forget expensive cars and flashy jewelry ... James Bradberry says the first big purchase he's going to make with his new Giants contract is the gift of retirement for his mom!!

"I'mma surprise her with that," the new NY corner tells TMZ Sports. "It's not an actual thing I'd be giving her, but I'll be telling her, 'Hey, you ain't got to go to work anymore if you don't want to.'"

James balled out this past season in Carolina, recording 3 INTs and 12 pass breakups ... and he was rewarded for the effort with a 3-year, $45 MILLION contract from the Giants in free-agency this month.

But, Bradberry says his mom is priority No. 1 when it comes to spending that new cash ... telling us she deserves all of it for the way she raised him and his sister as a single mom in Birmingham, Ala.

"She sacrificed a lot for me and my sister while growing up," Bradberry says. "And just to be able to repay her without having her go to work anymore that'd be good for me because she can now do whatever she wants. Enjoy life."

They don't call him SaQUADS Barkley for nothing ...

Here's New York Giants superstar running back Saquon Barkley proving he still has superhuman strength ... box squatting close to 500 pounds -- FOR REPS!!!

The former No. 2 overall pick posted the vid Wednesday evening ... and it's clear, a coronavirus pandemic ain't stoppin' the 23-year-old from pumping iron.

Check out the barbell as he goes up and down FIVE TIMES ... it freakin' bends!!!!!

As for how much weight the former Penn State stud is actually pushing ... it's unclear exactly, but if each of the big plates is a standard 45-pounder -- it's somewhere in the 400-plus range.

Of course, this is nothing new for the man with the biggest thighs in the NFL ... remember when he cleaned over 400 pounds in college???

While the NFL world goes crazy deciding if Eli Manning belongs in Canton, the retired QB ain't stressin' AT ALL ... so says his famous dad.

We spoke to Archie Manning outside of Prime 112 steakhouse in Miami where he had just dined with his sons, Eli and Peyton.

It's obvious Archie believes his son belongs in the Hall of Fame, but we wanted to know if Archie is bothered by people like Deion Sanders who says he just ain't worthy.

"I don't think it bothers him at all," Archie said ... "He's fine. Very content."

"Eli's just finished up a long career ... [he's] looking forward to doing some things with his family."

Eli has a pretty good resume -- 2 Super Bowl rings and 2 Super Bowl MVPs in his 16-year career. He started 210 consecutive games over 13 seasons, the 3rd longest streak in NFL history.

As for the NY Giants, Archie still has mad love for the G-Men ... praising the organization, the new coach and the QB who took Eli's job.

"[Daniel Jones is] a great young man," Archie raved ... while predicting playoffs for NY in the near future.

Shannon Sharpe ain't so sure Eli Manning is getting into the Hall of Fame ... the Broncos legend tells TMZ Sports the debate over the QB's candidacy will be "contentious."

We got the FS1 star out at LAX just minutes after Eli had his retirement news conference Friday ... and we asked him straight-up, is the Giants legend Hall of Fame worthy?

"I thought I knew what a Hall of Famer was," Sharpe told us. "But, many years ago. I don't know anymore."

The "Undisputed" co-host seems to think Eli will ultimately get a bronze bust someday ... but he makes it clear, it's probably because of the QB's 2 title rings.

"It's going to be hard to keep him out because he has two Super Bowl MVPs," Sharpe said. "He's one of five players to have multiple Super Bowl MVPs."

But, Sharpe points out the fact that the talk is already so polarizing means it could be an uphill climb to Canton for Eli when he's eligible in 5 years regardless.

"The mere fact the guy's retired for an hour and that's a debate lets you know how contentious his selection is going to be."

Tom Brady is congratulating Eli Manning on his 16-year NFL career ... by wishing the N.Y. Giants quarterback NEVER won a Super Bowl!!!

Of course, Manning's 2 rings came at the expense of Brady's Patriots in dramatic fashion -- remember David Tyree?? Mario Manningham?? Yeah. Still hurts for New England fans.

Now that Eli is calling it a career, Brady gave his old foe a congratulatory tweet ... and threw in a friendly jab.

"Congratulations on your retirement, and a great career Eli! Not going to lie though, I wish you hadn’t won any Super Bowls."

Haaaa ... good one, TB12. Although, can you imagine if Manning DIDN'T win those 2 Super Bowls?? Brady would have 8 freakin' rings.

Manning is having a press conference to officially hang it up on Friday ... so that's one less QB Brady has to worry about.

Sterling Shepard says Eli Manning is a no-doubt Hall of Famer ... telling TMZ Sports the New York Giants legend is going to Canton on the FIRST BALLOT!!!

"For sure!" Shepard says.

Of course, Sterling's a bit biased ... the star wide receiver has spent most of his career catching passes from Eli -- but he tells us Manning truly deserves the honor.

"He meant a lot [to New York]," Shepard says. "He meant a lot to me and my career."

Eli just announced his retirement after 16 seasons Wednesday ... and the debate about his Hall of Fame candidacy is already raging strong.

Some feel like his two Super Bowl MVPs punch his ticket regardless of the rest of his resume ... while others feel his up-and-down regular season plays weren't good enough.

It's all over for Eli Manning ... the NY Giants QB just announced his retirement after 16 seasons in the NFL.

Giants co-owner John Mara says, "For 16 seasons, Eli Manning defined what it is to be a New York Giant both on and off the field."

"Eli is our only two-time Super Bowl MVP and one of the very best players in our franchise’s history. He represented our franchise as a consummate professional with dignity and accountability."

"It meant something to Eli to be the Giants' quarterback, and it meant even more to us. We are beyond grateful for his contributions to our organization and look forward to celebrating his induction into the Giants Ring of Honor in the near future."

There was some talk Eli could be looking to sign with another team and try to play a few more years ... but that seems unlikely now, with Manning set to hold a farewell presser.

The next big question for Eli ... will he end up in Canton?

Besides the 2 Super Bowl victories and MVP awards -- both against Tom Brady's Patriots -- Eli was also a 4-time Pro Bowler and started at QB for 210 games, 13 seasons! He's ranked 7th all-time in career passing TDs with 366.

On the flip side, Manning is 12th all-time for career interceptions with 244.

Victor Cruz is going to bat for his former teammate Odell Beckham -- claiming the assault allegation he's facing is BS and people need to CHILL THE HELL OUT!!!

"At this point, it feels like they're just picking on him 'cause he is who he is," the former NY Giants star told us in NYC. "Just let him live!"

As we previously reported, an arrest warrant has been issued for Beckham after footage surfaced showing him slapping a Superdome security guard in the ass during the LSU national championship locker room celebration.

The guard told cops he was furious at Odell for putting his hands on him -- and fought the urge to punch the NFL player in retaliation.

But, Cruz says he thinks the guard -- and other law enforcement members involved in the case -- are blowing the whole thing out of proportion.

"His alma mater just won the national championship. Let him have some fun!"

Cruz added ... "I think he didn't do nothing wrong ... I think he's good."

He also claims the security guard is "corny" for pursuing legal action in the first place.

Has Eli Manning played his last down EVER for the New York Giants???

It certainly seems that way ... because when we got the team's co-owner, Steve Tisch, leaving Craig's in L.A. on Tuesday, he wouldn't commit to the 39-year-old QB for 2020.

"Everything's up in the air," Tisch said.

Of course, all signs have been pointing toward a Manning-Giants breakup ever since NY took Daniel Jones with the No. 6 overall pick in last year's NFL draft.

But, there at least appeared to be SOME chance Manning could return as Big Blue's backup next season ... although Tisch's responses to our questions didn't exactly paint the brightest picture for that possibility.

If it is the end for Manning in NY ... it was a hell of a run -- he started 234 games for the Giants since 2004 and famously won two Super Bowls.

As for what Giants' life could be like without the QB ... Tisch tells us he's optimistic about the direction Joe Judge has the team headed in, saying, "I totally trust our new head coach."