Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Abdul Carter Calls Out 'Lies' About Giants Punishment

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Nov 17, 2025 9:02 PM ET

Abdul Carter, the No. 3 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, has tallied 23 combined tackles, nine QB hits, one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery in 11 games played for the New York Giants this season. He has largely struggled to meet expectations placed on him as a game-changing defensive force coming out of college, with the New York franchise ranking as one of the worst defenses in the league.

To make matters worse for Carter, he made headlines for the wrong reasons during Sunday's Week 11 game against the Green Bay Packers.

Carter was expected to get his second start of the season as the replacement for the injured Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, he wasn't on the field for the opening defensive play for the Giants.

New York Giants rookie linebacker Abdul Carter looks on during training. Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

According to a report from The Athletic after the game, Carter was benched for the opening drive of the game due to disciplinary reasons. Allegedly, the 22-year-old linebacker missed a walk-through after falling asleep in the team facility.

Carter, however, was quick to deny the report. He responded to The Athletic's X post about the incident and clarified that he was not sleeping and was "actually doing recovery." Regardless, he took accountability for the mistake.

Was not sleep, actually doing recovery. Nonetheless that’s on ME!
— Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) November 17, 2025

In a now-deleted post, however, Carter also appeared to address the report, as he mentioned the "lies" surrounding him.

"When the hate don't work they start telling lies!" Carter wrote.

For what it's worth, The Athletic report also mentioned that Carter's tardiness to meetings has been a trend during his rookie season. Whatever the case may be, Carter has certainly learned his lesson following his latest punishment.

The Giants return to action against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. It remains to be seen if Carter will get an opportunity to start, especially amid the team's five-game losing streak.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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