Report: Lawsuit alleges Eli, Giants Sold Fake Memorabilia
(CBS) The Giants and quarterback Eli Manning created fake "game-worn" memorabilia and tried to pass it off as authentic, a lawsuit alleges, the New York Post has reported.
Among the most noteworthy reportedly bogus items is a helmet on display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, that was thought to have been worn by Manning in the Giants' upset Super Bowl win against the Patriots in 2008, according to the Post. Other fake memorabilia included several Manning jerseys and two Super Bowl helmets from 2012, according to the lawsuit, the Post wrote. They reportedly allowed Manning and the Giants to make money off sports memorabilia collectors and fans.
Manning took part in the scheme so he could hang on to his personal items, according to the documents, the Post reported.
The lawsuit was filed by Eric Inselberg in Bergen County (N.J.) Superior Court, the Post reported, and the charges include civil racketeering, breach of contract, malicious prosecution and trade libel.