2012/07/31 at 6:36 pm

Giants Safety Tyler Sash Suspended for Four Games, Could Open Door for Deon Grant Return

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Another New York Giants secondary player will be forced to miss time. This time, however, the reasoning is not due to injury.

Photo Credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Second-year safety Tyler Sash was suspended Tuesday for testing positive to performance enhancing drugs, according to the Newark Star-Ledger’s Mike Garafolo.

With this being Sash’s first violation, he will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season. Sash will be able to participate in practice and play in preseason games.

Sash made a statement regarding his statement, via Garafolo:

“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,” Sash said. “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.”

The former Iowa Hawkeye attempted to appeal the suspension, but it has already been denied, according to his agent (via National Football Post).

Giants general manager Jerry Reese had already stirred rumors about the possibility of re-signing veteran safety Deon Grant during training camp. With Sash’s suspension, the idea of such an occurrence now appears much more possible.

Sash was expected to be Grant’s replacement as the Giants’ third safety after an impressive rookie campaign on special teams and in minor moments on defense.

Grant was a key component to the Giants’ title run in 2011. He was a vocal leader in the locker room and on the field, where he tallied 43 tackles while starring as a run stopper in defensive coordinator Perry Fewell’s three-safety packages.

Louis Musto writes on the NFC East, NFL in general and pop culture at GridironGrit.com. Follow @LouisMusto and @GridironGrit on Twitter!

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  • Stix Symmonds

    As a longtime fan of the Hawkeyes, and having watched Sash throughout his career, I hate to hear of this. However, he always seemed an upstanding person and player, so I’m inclined to believe his explanation of the situation. Granted, it’s not a great excuse that he didn’t know. All players should be aware or should check to see if any drug they’re about to take might be banned. I just don’t think he did it to get a competitive edge. I don’t think he needs it.

    Hate to see him miss opportunities though.

    • Louis Musto

      I agree wholeheartedly. Sash appears to be a class act and I find it hard to believe this was an intentional attempt to cheat, especially after his teammate had just gotten in trouble for it a few months ago. Sash not knowing, however, is in excusable. In this era, players should always be certain of what they’re taking and whether or not it is legal for them to be doing so.

      Thanks for commenting, Stix!