FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New York Giants first-round pick Abdul Carter was benched for the first quarter of Monday night's 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots because of tardiness. It was the second time in three games that the rookie linebacker was disciplined.

Giants interim coach Mike Kafka described it as a coach's decision. "My decision," he said repeatedly.

Carter sat out two drives, both of which resulted in points for the Patriots. By the time he entered the contest, the Giants trailed 17-0.

Carter was asked after the game why he was disciplined for the second time in three weeks.

"S--- happens," he said. "I'm not going to get into details. S--- happens."

It's costing him playing time -- and hurting his team. Carter was supposed to start. Except he was told earlier in t

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