Tommy DeVito, the quarterback for the New York Giants, found himself at the center of controversy after Coniglio’s Old Fashioned pizzeria in Morristown, New Jersey, announced the cancellation of his appearance due to a sudden increase in his appearance fee. However, things took an unexpected turn when DeVito showed up at the pizzeria on Tuesday without receiving payment for his time.
The issue arose when Coniglio’s pizzeria stated on social media that DeVito’s appearance fee had doubled from $10,000 to $20,000. The restaurant claimed that this increase was a result of the quarterback’s impressive performance in leading the Giants to a comeback victory over the Packers on “Monday Night Football.” This announcement led to speculation and debate online.
DeVito’s agent, Sean Stellato, denied that there was ever a contract in place with the pizzeria and maintained that the price was not raised. According to Stellato, there was no agreement on the fee, stating that “nothing was ever agreed to.” Nino Coniglio, the owner of the pizzeria, disputed this claim, asserting that they had agreed to terms of $10,000 for two hours and 250 autographs. However, after the game on Monday, DeVito’s agent stated that the new price would be $20,000.
Despite the brewing controversy, DeVito surprised everyone by making an unpaid appearance at the pizzeria on Tuesday afternoon. This unexpected turn of events seems to have resolved the issue, with both parties seemingly putting the conflict behind them.
For DeVito and his agent, the success of the undrafted rookie’s performances as the Giants’ starting quarterback has brought newfound fame. Starting the season on the practice squad, DeVito helped the team revive their playoff hopes with a three-game winning streak, culminating in a dramatic game-winning drive against the Packers on December 11th. His celebration of his Italian heritage, including his distinctive hand gesture of pinched fingers in the air, has been embraced by teammates and fans alike.
However, the New Orleans Saints brought the Giants’ winning streak to an end with a significant defeat, and some players even mocked DeVito’s signature hand gesture after sacking him. Despite this setback in New Orleans, DeVito is expected to remain the starting quarterback for the Christmas Day game against the rival Philadelphia Eagles.
The incident surrounding Tommy DeVito’s appearance at Coniglio’s pizzeria was filled with conflicting accounts and unexpected turns of events. While the issue of the doubled appearance fee caused controversy, DeVito’s unpaid appearance seemed to resolve the matter—bringing a sense of closure to what could have been a lasting dispute. DeVito’s rise to fame as the Giants’ starting quarterback has been met with both celebration and mockery, but he continues to lead the team into their upcoming game against the Eagles.
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