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Saquon Barkley explains why he went off on a fan in viral video

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 10/9/23

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley hasn’t played since a 31-28 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 17, but that doesn’t mean his presence isn’t still felt on the sidelines.

Barkley went viral on Sunday during New York’s 31-16 loss to the Miami Dolphins after a fan at the game tweeted a video that has accumulated 1.6 million views of the star running back in street clothes yelling at a fan behind the Giants’ bench.

Warning: video contains strong language.

Saquon beefing with fans on the sidelines lol pic.twitter.com/4S0heW4BLP
— Danny Dimes To Hyatt (@BallsDeepInYm3) October 8, 2023

“Stop reaching and trying to make it a me vs fans thing,” Barkley tweeted. “I’m not gonna just sit there and not say anything while you talk crazy to (No.) 8 after he just got hurt… buddy knew he was in the wrong.”

Barkley claims he was defending Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, who left the game in the fourth quarter with a neck injury suffered on a hit from behind by Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.

Andrew VanGinkel with a massive sack on Daniel Jones-- sending him to the sideline to get evaluated. pic.twitter.com/PyyhffzvAy
— FinCuts (@FinCuts) October 8, 2023

The severity of Jones’ injury is not known. He’s scheduled for an MRI sometime Monday.

“My neck's sore,” Jones told reporters after the game. “Just some neck pain. … I feel fine; I think clearly in some pain. Physical game. Meet with the doctors and trainers and then go from there."

Jones has drawn the ire of Giants fans this season for his underwhelming performances and the team’s 1-4 record. After signing his four-year, $160 million contract in the offseason, Jones leads the NFL in interceptions (six), and he ranks second in sacks taken (28) and 26th in passing yards per game (176.8), and he’s tied for 33rd in touchdown passes (two) and passer rating (71.7).

In relief, Tyrod Taylor completed 9 of 12 passes for 86 yards while leading the Giants to a field goal on his first series against Miami and a 13-play, 66-yard drive that ended in a turnover-on-downs with under two minutes left in the game. If Jones were to miss any time, Taylor would be the interim starter.

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