Giants invite Newtown families to be honored at finale

• Teachers, parents and students from Sandy Hook Elementary School will be in attendance
• Giants are providing transportation for the families

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — A contingent of teachers, parents and students from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., will be honored before Sunday's game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium.

The Giants will provide transportation for the families, and after the ceremony they will stay for the regular-season finale between the two NFC East rivals.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin made a point of telling his team about it Friday, the day the franchise announced the event.

"What it really means is that we were so taken back in shock and felt so badly for, not only the families of the children, but the principal and school psychologist — the real heroes who knew what was coming and still charged the attack," Coughlin said. "And it's Giants country, we know that. To have that group come down, it means a great deal to us to honor them.

"The best we can do is take each individual and play to the best of his ability."

Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz said he spoke last week to the Pinto family, whom he visited shortly after they buried their 6-year-old son, Jack, in the receiver's jersey.

"They're coming to the game," Cruz said. "It's good for them to come, just to get their minds off things a little."