Nate Burleson on Odell Beckham Jr.: Is he a 'baller or a baby'?

Nate Burleson explains how Odell Beckham Jr. could have handled his frustration differently.

Former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson joined Sports Illustrated's Pro Football Now to explain how New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.'s should have handled his frustration differently.

“As football players, we say ‘You’re either a baller or a baby.’ So yeah, you can cry for the ball but you’re still crying. In this game, there's words and ways to articulate yourself and get the ball and fix the situation. Right now, we're seeing him have these meltdowns on the field," Burleson said. "I'm the first one to ‘If you want to be passionate, be passionate. Go out there and let you're emotions rip.’ I am that guy that will have your back but once it starts getting out of hand and we start focusing more on that than the actual game, then yes, you are a distraction.”

Beckham was flagged for taunting as he went head to head in a heated matchup with Minnesota’s Xavier Rhodes on Monday night. The latest incident comes after an emotional game against Washington. 

• Beckham’s antics on display again in Giants’ loss to Vikings

Beckham caught three passes for a career–low 23 yards on Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Head coach Ben McAdoo said he did not feel Beckham’s in-game actions were a distraction.

After four weeks this season, Beckham has not yet caught a touchdown pass.