Giants Safety Sash Gets 4-Game Ban
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Giants safety Tyler Sash was suspended four games Tuesday for violation of the league's performance enhancing drug policy.
Sash, a rookie last season after being selected out of Iowa in the 2011 draft, is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games, according to an NFL statement, and will be eligible to return to the Giants' active roster on Oct. 1, following the Sept. 30 game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sash, 24, a native of Oskaloosa, Iowa, had 17 tackles last season, his first in the NFL. He can play against the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 7 for New York.
The Giants did not practice on Tuesday, so Sash was not available to reporters. He did, though, release a statement through the team.
"I took a prescription drug (Adderall) legally under a doctor's care for an anxiety condition during the offseason in March of this year. The purpose was to help me with public speaking appearances. 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," Sash said.
"I am highly disappointed by the league's decision in this matter, but I will continue to do my best on and off the field. From this point on, I will be more conscientious about every single thing I put in my body. Once again, I want to reiterate that I have never been and will never be associated in any way with performance-enhancing drugs. The timing of this positive test was March 2012, a time during which there is no physical performance required of me.
"I hope this explanation reinforces my innocence and shows that my intentions were pure."
The Giants open the preseason Aug. 10 at Jacksonville.
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