Settlement reached in Eli Manning memorabilia fraud lawsuit

Three sports memorabilia collectors who accused New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning of providing fraudulent "game-worn" equipment that was sold to fans settled their lawsuit.

The attorneys for both sides issued a joint statement on Monday that was also distributed by the Giants. It read as follows:

"[Plaintiffs] Eric Inselberg, Michael Jakab and Sean Godown have resolved all claims in their pending litigation against the New York Giants, Eli Manning, John Mara, William Heller, Joseph Skiba, Edward Skiba and Steiner Sports, in accordance with a confidential settlement agreement reached today. The compromise agreement, entered into by all parties, should not be viewed as supporting any allegations, claims or defenses.

"All parties are grateful to have the matter, which began in 2014, concluded and are now focused on football, the fans and the future."

Details of the settlement were not given for the trial that was scheduled to proceed later this week.

Inselberg, Jakab and Godown had sought triple the amount of their alleged losses -- which totaled less than $20,000 -- for purchasing two helmets that were billed as worn by Manning. They also had sought punitive damages in the lawsuit that alleged Manning delivered the memorabilia to Steiner Sports with a signed letter claiming that they were "game used."

At the center of the dispute were messages from Manning to a team equipment manager asking for helmets "that can pass as game used."

Manning, a two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, and the Giants had denied the allegations and characterized the suit as "inflammatory and baseless" in court filings.