Former New York Giants linebacker and Ring of Honor member Carl Banks has decided to quit his weekly appearance on WFAN radio show after a heated argument with the hosts over the performance of current Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Banks defends Thibodeaux against harsh criticism
The controversy started last week when WFAN hosts Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata slammed Thibodeaux, the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, for his lack of impact and consistency on the field. They also mocked his appearance and attire, saying he looked “awkward” and “not fast” and that he “runs his mouth and he dresses nicely”.
Banks, who is the color commentator for the Giants on WFAN, called into the show the next day to defend Thibodeaux and challenge the hosts’ opinions. He argued that Thibodeaux was a talented player who had improved from his rookie season and that the hosts were being unfair and disrespectful to him.
The conversation lasted for about 20 minutes and became increasingly tense and hostile, with the hosts interrupting and talking over Banks. Licata eventually instructed his producers to hang up on Banks, saying he couldn’t take it anymore and that they had to have a voice on the show.
Banks resigns from WFAN spot after feeling disrespected
Banks told veteran Giants writer Gary Myers that he felt completely disrespected by Tierney and Licata and that he resigned from his weekly Wednesday spot on WFAN. He said he informed the station management of his decision on Tuesday and that he would not be returning to the show.
Banks said he felt like he was treated like a caller, not a paid guest, and that he was not given a chance to have a civil and rational discussion about Thibodeaux. He also said he was not interested in being part of a “shock jock” show that thrives on controversy and drama.
Tierney and Licata addressed Banks’ resignation on their show on Wednesday, saying they had apologized to him and that they had a “great talk” with him on Tuesday. They said they respected Banks’ decision and that they wished him well.
They also said that things happen in the sports talk radio medium, where passion and emotion can sometimes get the better of people. They said they hoped to move on from the incident and focus on other topics.
Thibodeaux responds with stellar performance against Jets
Thibodeaux, who was unaware of the radio feud until after the game, responded to the criticism with a stellar performance against the New York Jets on Sunday. He recorded three sacks, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and a forced fumble in the Giants’ 13-10 overtime loss.
Thibodeaux now has 8.5 sacks on the season, more than doubling his total of four sacks in his rookie year. He leads the Giants in sacks and is tied for seventh in the NFL. He also ranks second among all edge rushers in Pro Football Focus grades.
Thibodeaux said he was not bothered by the negative comments and that he was focused on improving his game and helping his team win. He said he appreciated Banks’ support and that he looked up to him as a Giants legend.
Banks will still call Giants games with play-by-play announcer Bob Papa on WFAN, despite resigning from the weekly spot on Wednesdays with Tierney and Licata. He is widely regarded as one of the best linebackers in Giants history and was part of two Super Bowl-winning teams.
