EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.— A fiery display of competitiveness — or an early sign of trouble for Big Blue?
The Giants’ OTA practice was cut short on Thursday after it was reported that multiple players were involved in a physical altercation that escalated to punches being thrown.
Jordan Raanan, who covers the Giants for ESPN’s NFL Nation, shared that things started when offensive lineman James Hudson and edge rusher Brian Burns engaged in “some pushing and shoving” and were separated before being taken off the field.
While it’s unclear what caused teammates to emotionally react, on the very next play, Raanan claimed that “Kayvon Thibodeaux got into it with Jermaine Eluemunor” before tearing off Eluemunor’s helmet and throwing a punch.
Hudson then “immediately charged and tackled Thibodeau” while “Burns went after Hudson.”
It’s not unusual for tensions to boil over between offensive and defensive players during offseason practices, but this particular scuffle among Giants teammates appeared to cross a line — potentially raising concerns about team chemistry in the wake of last season’s disappointing 3-14 campaign.
This latest incident also follows last offseason’s full-scale brawl during a joint practice between the Giants and Detroit Lions, which resulted in a $200,000 fine for both teams. Thibodeaux was front and center in that clash as well, jawing with Lions defensive back Khalil Dorsey before the melee ensued.
The Giants are slated to resume organized team activities on Monday.