RUSSELL WILSON has downplayed a mass brawl that marred a recent New York Giants practice.
Thursday’s OTA session ended with a full-scale melee as Big Blue players threw punches at other.
New York Giants stars clashed during Thursday’s OTAs[/caption]
QB Russell Wilson played down the incident after practice[/caption]
Linebacker Brian Burns blamed soaring temperatures on the brawl[/caption]
Wilson is in the first week of training with his new team after joining from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The 36-year-old veteran has seen it all before in the NFL.
But even he would have been surprised to see tempers flare to such an extent on Thursday.
Brian Burns and left tackle James Hudson were the first to clash on the field, before benches emptied onto the field.
Punches were thrown with some players ending up on the ground, per the NY Post.
Wilson was keen to move on from the brawl when speaking to reporters later in the day.
“I think it’s a competitive part of practice, and we’re all trying to be the best version of us,” the ten-time Pro Bowler said.
“A lot of times you have a long practice, the way we did and the way we were working, things happen.
“Every great team I’ve been on, there’s been a couple of those.
“Our guys are so connected, that sometimes happens. Nothing to worry about.”
Edge rusher Burns blamed stifling heat for tempers boiling over in New Jersey.
The Giants were working in 90-degree temperatures with 50 percent humidity.
“The heat got to us,” Burns admitted.
“It’s a violent sport we play. Guys are trying to get better.
“Tensions raised a little high, heat was getting a little hotter, so guys are a little more agitated.
“But it isn’t that deep. We squashed it.”
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“You definitely need that edge, you need that dog inside of you.
“But you just can’t let it get in the way of work. The only thing I’m mad about is that we had to go ahead and call it.
“We got most of our work done today, but I just want to stay away from that.”
The Giants begin their preseason on August 9 against the Buffalo Bills.
Big Blue’s NFL season opener sees them visit the Washington Commanders on September 7.
