Around this time of year in 2004, the big debate was whether the Giants should pursue Eli Manning or Ben Roethlisberger in the draft. They wound up with Manning and one Super Bowl. The Steelers took Roethlisberger and have since won two Super Bowls … but now find themselves struggling with allegations against and a possible suspension of their quarterback.

Manning said he doesn’t know Roethlisberger very well even though they are so closely linked. But he did have some thoughts about the situation Big Ben finds himself in these days.

“Being a quarterback I kind of feel all quarterbacks are a fraternity and you root for each other,” Manning said. “Especially Ben, we came out in the same year, the same draft class. So I was hoping for the best in the situation and am still waiting to see what happens but wishing him all the best in everything that’s going on.”

Manning has been a model citizen for the Giants besides being a Super Bowl MVP. But he knows that he must be wary or bad situations.

“As athletes you have to be careful with where you are and what you’re doing,” Manning said. “You try to be conscious of it. If you want to have fun, you’re still a person and you have a right to enjoy yourself. But you have to be careful of what’s going on.

Roethlisberger isn’t the first and he certainly won’t be the last to go from the heights of championships and success to the mud of sordid accusations.

“It happens,” Manning said. “You hope everything works out and he’ll be able to come back and play and play at a high level. He’s a tremendous talent. I’ll be watching and supporting him.”

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