The New York Giants offseason has gone from bad to completely in the shitter.
According to the New York Post, Golden Tate — who was signed to offset that terrible Odell Beckham Jr. trade — is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Tate — who believes he will be successful in an appeal — provided an explanation on Twitter for the failed test. (via NYP)
“This past April, during the off-season, my wife and I decided to see a specialist for fertility planning. I started the treatment prescribed to me and just days later I discovered it contained an ingredient that is on the league’s banned substance list,” Tate said. “I immediately discontinued use, I reported the situation to the Independent Administrator of the NFL Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances, and I spoke with my coaches and general manager. I did all of this well before a failed test was even confirmed.
Per NFL protocol, an initial suspension was imminent, but myself and the Giants organization are confident in the fact, and eagerly await my appeal to put this behind us.
During the entirety of my 10 year career I have taken great pride in playing this game the right way, have been an ambassador for the NFL and have never had any issues with the league’s policy. The treatment this past April had no effect on the upcoming season, and I did not, and could not have undergone this treatment in April for any competitive advantage. I deeply appreciate the support from the New York Giants Organization, and will continue to hold the highest level of character and integrity, while being a leader in the locker room.
Aside from the Beckham trade and possible Tate month-long suspension, the Giants also lost Sterling Shepard who’ll be out for two weeks with a broken thumb while top kickoff returner Corey Coleman will be sidelined for the entire year with a torn ACL. Coleman was also penciled in as the 3rd or 4th wide receiver for the team.
The 30-year-old Tate who is coming off a season with the Lions and Eagles signed a four-year, $37.5 million contract with the Giants the day after they traded Beckham to the Browns. He has accumulated 611 career receptions for 7,214 yards and 38 touchdowns throughout his career and should provide some quality games for the Giants during his time in the Big Apple. However, this is clearly not the way the G-Men were hoping to get that Tate era started.
