EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Eli Manning's first minicamp workout with the Giants was somewhat of a bust.
The top pick in the NFL draft botched two snaps, threw an interception and slipped on another pass, sending a wobbling duck of a toss on a 30-30 route, 30 yards in the air and 30 yards downfield.
But it was caught by Tim Carter for a completion.
"I still have a lot of improvement to make, a lot to learn," an unflustered Manning said after lunch, surrounded by about 50 reporters. "It's going to be a long process and I look forward to it."
The Giants had to expect more on Day 1 of their new era. New York traded the rights to N.C. State's Philip Rivers and three picks to San Diego for Manning.
As about 30 still and television camera crews filmed his every throw and about 30 reporters watched his every move Friday, Manning looked like a rookie.
He made some nice passes, but free-agent rookie Jared Lorenzen threw with more zip.
"He's fine, he's going to be fine. It will take a little time," coach Tom Coughlin said.
Manning made no excuses. He said he planned to work hard.
"There is more press here than the whole state of Mississippi combined," Manning said.
In other news, the NFL Players Association is investigating complaints about Coughlin's offseason training program. Coughlin said he was aware of the complaints but did not elaborate.
DEION ORDERED TO PAY: Former Cowboy Deion Sanders was ordered to pay $4,420 to the owner of an auto-body shop after Sanders failed to appear for a hearing on a disputed repair bill. Dallas County Justice of the Peace Juan Jasso ruled that Ralph Castro, who owns All Pro Collision, was entitled to $4,420. Sanders, a CBS sports analyst, was sued another time by Castro. Last summer a judge ruled that Sanders didn't have to pay more than $1,500 for work on a car. The plaintiff contended that Sanders said Jesus told him not to pay more. Sanders denied that.
CHARGERS: Philip Rivers had a pass deflected and threw an interception during his first practice. "I'm going to come in and compete like I'm going to have to take the snap the first game," Rivers said. "Whatever's asked of me at that point, I'll be ready." Drew Brees also had a ball tipped and had an interception, but vowed to keep his starting job. "He seems like a good guy," Brees said. "It's not going to be one of those things where we're stabbing each other in the back."
DOLPHINS: Receiver David Boston has done little to quash concerns about his attitude. When coach Dave Wannstedt called the offense together for an on-field meeting, Boston took so long that he was beaten there by Damion McIntosh, a tackle on crutches.
JAGUARS: John Henderson, Marcus Stroud and Fred Taylor, listed as potential witnesses, will not have to testify after a businessman pleaded guilty to a cocaine conspiracy charge. Don Brown Jr., 33, faces 10 years to life in prison for buying and selling cocaine from 1996 to 2003. The players denied involvement with Brown.
STEELERS: Receiver Plaxico Burress is not at minicamp because of a personal matter, agent Gene Mato said.
