New York Giants' Tyler Sash Suspended 4 Games for PED Violation

New York Giants safety Tyler Sash has been suspended for four games without pay, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette writer Marc Morehouse. Sash reportedly violated the performance-enhancing drug policy by taking Adderal for anxiety. 

Players are allowed to take Adderal if they have been cleared by the NFL Players Association to do so. Sash had not been cleared and failed a drug test. Sash told the Gazette, "I had no idea that this prescription drug was banned by NFL policy. Although I take full responsibility for this situation, I also want to state that I have never cheated or taken performance-enhancing drugs, and I frown on those who do."

He commented that he was disappointed in the league's decision to do this, as it was a legal prescription that helped him with the anxiety at public appearances. 

The former University of Iowa standout was a sixth-round draft pick last year and is a special teams player for the New York Giants. Sash is most known for his forced fumble in the third quarter. Sash will be missed on special teams, and this really will hurt his playing-time opportunities with the team.

The Giants secondary hasn't managed to stay healthy at all the last few years, and the first few games could have been a chance for Sash to step in. 

I think the league has made a mistake on this one. Sash was legally prescribed the drug from a doctor and didn't know that it was against the rules. Yes, his agent should have gotten him cleared to take the drug, but I don't understand how something like this can't be worked out. Players who get DUIs and illegal-drug convictions are suspended for fewer games than this. 

Sash should have been warned at most and cleared by the NFLPA. Instead, he'll miss out on 25 percent of his salary for a rule he didn't know about.