Tommy DeVito honored a commitment with a New Jersey pizzeria on Tuesday after the restaurant announced it had to cancel the event due to the New York Giants quarterback allegedly doubling his appearance fee.
Coniglio’s Old Fashioned pizzeria in Morristown initially announced on social media Sunday that they would not be hosting DeVito, citing that his appearance fee had increased from $10,000 to $20,000 following his comeback victory over the Packers on “Monday Night Football” last week.
According to an Instagram post by Coniglio’s, DeVito’s representatives informed them of the fee increase after the victory.
However, after the story gained traction on social media, DeVito made an unpaid appearance at the pizzeria on Tuesday afternoon, as reported by sports business reporter Darren Rovell.
DeVito’s agent, Sean Stellato, disputed the claim that there was a formal agreement with Coniglio’s, telling Rovell that they “didn’t raise the price, because nothing was ever agreed to.”
Tommy Devito (Credits: Getty Images)
Nino Coniglio, the pizzeria’s owner, responded by saying: “We agreed in principle to terms — two hours, 250 autographs and $10,000, and then the agent couldn’t be reached. He reached back out after Monday’s game to tell us the price was now $20,000.”
Ultimately, the situation ended amicably with Coniglio posting a picture of Nino and DeVito sharing a slice on Instagram.
DeVito and Stellato have enjoyed newfound fame amid the undrafted rookie’s unexpected success as the Giants’ starting quarterback. DeVito, who began the season on the practice squad, revived the Giants’ slim playoff hopes by leading them to a three-game winning streak, highlighted by his game-winning drive against the Packers on December 11.
DeVito has become an overnight sensation as Giants teammates and fans have embraced his Italian heritage, often celebrated with his now-signature hand gesture with pinched fingers.
The New Orleans Saints, however, ended the Giants’ winning streak with a blowout victory on Sunday, during which some Saints players mocked DeVito’s hand gesture after sacking him.
Despite the setback in New Orleans, DeVito will remain the starting quarterback when the Giants (5-9) visit the rival Eagles (10-4) on Christmas Day.
