MARA BACKS BECKHAM
OWNER: NO ONE WORKS HARDER THAN ODELL
As long has he doesn’t knock over any more kicking nets or punch any more holes in the walls of opponents’ stadiums, Odell Beckham Jr. appears to be all-good with Giants co-owner John Mara.
That is the only opinion that really matters when it comes to Beckham skipping the of organized team activity practices this year. Mara doesn’t seem to have a problem with that. But Mara admitted the gifted wide receiver is still “a work in progress” and hasn’t reached a level of maturity the Giants are comfortable with.
“He knows that he’s got to mature and learn to control his emotions,” Mara said to Mike Francesa on WFAN on Thursday afternoon. “He’s working on that. But one thing about that kid is that when he shows up at work, nobody works harder than he does. He’s so competitive, even in practice. He wants to win so badly.”
Beckham’s desire to win never has been questioned. His volatility on the field is a product of that. But self-inflicted penalties and the potential for self-inflicted injuries, if he punches another wall like he did following the playoff loss in Green Bay in January, could have devastating consequences.
“He’s obviously had some issues trying to control his emotions,” Mara told Francesa. “He’s working on that, and I think he’s going to be just fine going forward. We’re going to have some ups and downs for sure. But in the long run I’m glad he’s wearing blue.”
It almost sounds like Mara is resigned to knowing Beckham will continue to be a lightning rod on and off the field. It harkens to the days of Lawrence Taylor, who lived life on the edge, but is viewed as arguably the best player in Giants history.
The OTAs are voluntary under the collective bargaining agreement, handcuffing teams from even hinting players should attend. Beckham trained in California during OTAs, but arrived as scheduled for the mandatory minicamp last week. He expressed his displeasure with how he has been portrayed in the me- dia by designing cleats with media outlets like The Post crossed out. He then denied skipping OTAs had anything to do with posturing for a contract extension as suggested in various media reports.
Beckham will make $1.83 million this year, and the Giants have picked up his option for $8 million in 2018. The Giants don’t have the cap space to bump Beckham this season without gutting a potential playoff team.
Mara said he had a “great conversation” with Beckham during mini-camp and seems happy with whatever was said.
“I wish we had another dozen players like him,” Mara said.