New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach John Harbaugh addressed questions about co-owner Steve Tisch’s reported ties to Jeffrey Epstein during media sessions at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday.
The controversy stems from emails released last month by the U.S. Department of Justice, part of over three million Epstein-related documents. The 2013 correspondences show Tisch exchanging messages with Epstein about adult women, including arrangements for meetings, dinners, and opportunities tied to Tisch’s film career.
Epstein allegedly provided “scouting reports” on women, and the pair discussed movies, philanthropy, and investments. Tisch has denied any wrongdoing, stating he never visited Epstein’s island or accepted certain invitations. The NFL has indicated it will review the matter to gather facts under the league’s personal conduct policy.
“We had a brief association where we exchanged emails about adult women, and in addition, we discussed movies, philanthropy, and investments. I did not take him up on any of his invitations and never went to his island. As we all know now, he was a terrible person and someone I deeply regret associating with,” Tisch said in a statement.
When asked about the issue, Schoen kept his response brief.
“Steve released a statement a few weeks ago about the regrets, so I’m just going to leave it at that, and I’m not going to comment any more on that,” he said.
Harbaugh echoed a similar stance.
“I don’t have a stance on that. Steve put out a statement, I think I saw, where he expressed his regret. And that’s where it stands for me. That’s where I’m at,” he said.
Harbaugh emphasized positive interactions with ownership.
“I have great respect for the ownership — all the people I’ve gotten to meet. Nothing but great conversations, great interactions. And we’ve been talking about the business of football, the business of building our team,” he said.
Both executives focused primarily on football matters amid the ongoing scrutiny and NFL investigation.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants’ Joe Schoen, John Harbaugh address Steve Tisch-Epstein emails
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
