Outside of Plaxico Burress, the Giants haven't had to deal with any off-field distractions in their attempt to defend their Super Bowl crown. Until now, that is. Kareem McKenzie, the team's starting right tackle, was arrested in Little Falls Township last night and charged with driving under the influence after he failed a Breathalyzer test.
The Bergen Record reports that he was cooperative and released to a friend later on Thursday night. There are no comments from McKenzie or the team as of yet. While you try to figure out just how much someone of McKenzie's girth needs to drink to go above the legal limit, let's see how this may impact the team.
It's unclear if the arrest will have any impact on McKenzie's status for Sunday's game with the Ravens. If he does miss the game as punishment, the Giants will have an even harder task on their hands. The Ravens defense is a very good one and the offensive line will need to be at its best when it comes to both run and pass blocking. If McKenzie doesn't play, he'll be replaced by Kevin Boothe or Adam Koets, two players who haven't played much and will have their hands full trying to halt the aggressive Baltimore defense.
UPDATE: McKenzie won't miss Sunday's game. “We are aware of the situation with Kareem,” Tom Coughlin said. “I spoke to him this morning. He is extremely remorseful. The legal process will take its course, and the league will handle this matter. Nobody will be harder on Kareem than Kareem himself. He is very conscientious and has been a first-class citizen since he arrived here with our organization.”
