Contact brings out fight in Big Blue

The full pads came on for the first time in training camp and, as a result, the Giants on Wednesday held their most spirited and aggressive practice, with three separate altercations breaking out on a muggy day.

The first feud broke out after a running play, with running back Orleans Darkwa annoyed by a hit from linebacker B.J. Goodson that Darkwa deemed too heavy a shot. Cornerback Eli Apple grabbed Darkwa and receiver Brandon Marshall put a bear hug on Goodson to keep the fracas from escalating.

“I don’t like to just be the guy in the middle of it but sometime you have to because it could have [gotten] ugly,’’ Apple said.

On the next play, the second scuffle featured linebacker Devon Kennard and guard Justin Pugh, with Kennard throwing a punch at the bigger lineman. After lightning was reported in the area, practice moved to the air-conditioned field house, but that did not cool things down. In a special teams blocking drill, safety Eric Pinkins — who seems mad at everyone this summer — got into it with tight end Matt LaCosse.

Ben McAdoo was not overly impressed or upset about the rise in emotions.

“I didn’t see much,’’ he said. “We had a couple of dust-ups, but nothing major. We had it under control. We’re going to have a little bit of that, we have pads on. Guys aren’t going to feel great, especially come the end of the week. That’s healthy.’’

Veteran kicker Mike Nugent, signed Tuesday to compete with rookie Aldrick Rosas, got his first work with the Giants. Nugent hit all four of his field goal attempts, with the longest a 49-yarder.

“Did a nice job,’’ McAdoo said. “Fit right in.’’

McAdoo put a competitive period into the end of practice, having players on offense and defense catch punts one-handed, holding on to a football in their other hand.

Odell Beckham Jr. caught his, Dominique Rodger-Cromartie dropped his and then flung the ball away in disgust. The defense lost and had to do push-ups.