Former Giants linebacker and Ring of Honor member Carl Banks has decided to end his weekly spot on WFAN’s midday show with Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata following a heated argument over Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is projected to be the top pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Banks defends Thibodeaux’s motor
The dispute occurred on October 25, when Tierney and Licata criticized Thibodeaux for his lack of effort and consistency on the field, questioning his worthiness as the potential first overall pick by the Giants, who are currently 0-8 and in dire need of a pass rusher. Banks, who was a two-time Super Bowl champion and a Pro Bowler with the Giants, defended Thibodeaux’s talent and potential, saying that he was being unfairly scrutinized by the hosts.
“If it’s not your job to find out what the kid does right, then it should not be your job to call him a bust,” Banks said. “You guys have an unhealthy obsession as fans in finding flaws with players.”
Banks also pointed out that Thibodeaux had been dealing with injuries and COVID-19 protocols that limited his playing time and practice reps this season. He argued that Thibodeaux had shown enough flashes of brilliance to warrant the top pick, citing his dominant performance against Ohio State in September, when he had two sacks and a forced fumble.
Licata cuts off Banks after 20 minutes
The conversation lasted for about 20 minutes, with neither side backing down from their stance. Licata, who was filling in for regular co-host Tiki Barber, eventually had enough and abruptly ended the call with Banks.
“I’ve heard enough,” Licata said. “I appreciate your time as always, Carl. Thank you.”
Tierney and Licata then proceeded to mock Banks for his comments, saying that he was too biased and emotional to have a rational discussion about Thibodeaux.
“He’s so sensitive about this kid,” Tierney said. “He’s so invested in this kid. He’s so emotionally attached to this kid. It’s unbelievable.”
Licata added: “He’s acting like we’re talking about Lawrence Taylor here. We’re talking about a kid who hasn’t even played in the NFL yet.”
Banks resigns from WFAN spot despite apologies
The next day, Licata apologized on air for the way he ended the call with Banks, saying that he respected him as a player and a person. He also called Banks during the week to reiterate his apology. Tierney, who has known Banks for more than a decade as a St. John’s basketball fan, also called Banks on Tuesday to smooth things over.
However, according to The New York Post1, Banks had already made up his mind to quit his role on WFAN, which he had been doing for several years. A source told The Post that WFAN management tried to persuade Banks to stay, but he declined.
Licata and Tierney addressed Banks’ resignation on the air Wednesday, saying that they wished him well and hoped to remain friends.
“Listen, things are gonna happen in this medium, when you bring a lot of passion to a topic, as certainly we did that day, and hopefully every day,” Tierney said. “And Carl did that day. When things go awry, as they sometimes do, you gotta own it. And I think we did. And I think Carl did as well.”
Thibodeaux shines against Jets in revenge game
Ironically, Thibodeaux had a chance to prove his critics wrong on Sunday, when he faced the Jets in a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. The Oregon star had a monster game, recording four sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception return for a touchdown in a 34-17 win for the Ducks.
Thibodeaux also made a gesture towards the WFAN booth after his third sack, holding up three fingers and pointing at Tierney and Licata, who were calling the game.
After the game, Thibodeaux said that he heard the WFAN segment and used it as motivation.
“I don’t pay attention to the noise, but I do hear it,” Thibodeaux said. “And I just wanted to show them what I can do. I’m not here to prove anything to anybody but myself. But I do appreciate Carl Banks for standing up for me. He’s a legend in my eyes.”
Banks tweeted his congratulations to Thibodeaux after the game, saying that he was proud of him and that he looked forward to seeing him play for the Giants next season.
