Abdul Carter gives vulgar 2-word response to second benching

The New York Giants' disastrous 2025 season somehow reached a new low Monday night. In addition to stomaching a 33-15 thumping by the hands of the New England Patriots, New York benched its No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter for the second time in three weeks.

Both of Carter's benchings, the first of which came against the Green Bay Packers in Week 11, were reportedly a result of the outside linebacker missing all or part of a team responsibility. Not exactly a great look for a player who came into the league asking for Lawrence Taylor's number only to muster 1.5 sacks through his first 13 games.

When approached by reporters following the Patriots loss, a visibly frustrated Carter initially had only two words to say "[expletive] happens." Yikes. He later expounded, admitting "I let my team down today" while describing the benching as "sickening."

Interim coach Mike Kafka had little to say about the situation postgame, aside from confirming Carter's benching was his decision and his decision alone. Outside linebacker Brian Burns, however, came to Carter's defense while acknowledging the ups and downs every NFL rookie faces.

"I think it's just an honest mistake," Burns said. "He's human, he makes mistakes. At the end of the day he does have to be a pro and he does have to take accountability, which he did for what happened. I'm just trying to help him be the best he can and try to help him through his rookie campaign, that's all.

Burns will likely have another talented rookie to mentor next year, as the 2-11 Giants would pick No. 2 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft if the season ended today.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Giants' Abdul Carter gives vulgar response to benching vs. Patriots