The rookie, first in line to replace Eli Manning, was arrested in New Jersey on several charges after having made an illegal turn, the authorities said.
Kyle Lauletta, the Giants’ rookie backup quarterback, was arrested Tuesday morning in Weehawken, N. J. after he nearly struck a police officer with his car while making an illegal turn, the authorities said.
Lauletta, 23, was driving to practice when he made an illegal turn onto Route 495 West and nearly struck an officer who was directing traffic, according to a statement from the Weehawken Police Department.
Lauletta, driving a 2017 Jaguar, was charged with “eluding police, a third-degree crime, obstructing administration of law and resisting arrest,” the Police Department said in a statement.
Lauletta also was cited for reckless driving, disregarding an officer’s directions, an improper turn and failure to remain in a marked lane, the department said. He was released on his own recognizance on Tuesday afternoon, the Giants said.
The police said that Lauletta was involved in a similar episode at the same location on Monday, and that summonses were issued by mail for that offense because the police did not stop him at the scene.
The Jersey Journal first reported the arrest .
In a statement, Giants Coach Pat Shurmur said that “this is obviously very disappointing” and that the team was speaking to Lauletta and gathering information.
Lauletta, a fourth-round pick out of Richmond, has not taken a snap in the regular season, though he was 17 for 35 in the preseason. With the team 1-7, there had been talk that he might replace Eli Manning in a lost season.
In addition to Manning and Lauletta, the Giants have Alex Tanney, a third-year quarterback, on their roster.
The Giants have a bye this week, and then will take on the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Nov. 11.
Lauletta is the latest backup quarterback to be in hot water. Last week, the Denver Broncos released Chad Kelly a day after he was arrested on suspicion of trespassing. John Elway, the team’s general manager, said the Broncos “offered to help him however we can and are supportive of him in every way.”
