Giants’ Tate will get Four-game ban for fertility drug

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In one more blow to the New York Giants’ receiving corps, Golden Tate has been suspended for 4 video games for violating the NFL’s coverage on performance-enhancing substances, he confirmed Saturday.

Tate, who mentioned the banned substance was a prescribed fertility medicine, has scheduled an attraction for the primary week of August and a decision is anticipated earlier than the beginning of the common season, league sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

In a press release, Tate mentioned he believes he has a respectable case to win his attraction.

“This previous April, throughout the low season, my spouse and I made a decision to see a specialist for fertility planning. I began the therapy prescribed to me and simply days later I found it contained an ingredient that’s on the league’s banned substance checklist,” Tate mentioned in a press release. “I instantly discontinued use, I reported the scenario to the Impartial Administrator of the NFL Coverage on Efficiency-Enhancing Substances, and I spoke with my coaches and basic supervisor. I did all of this properly earlier than a failed check was even confirmed.

“Per NFL protocol, an preliminary suspension was imminent, however myself and the Giants group are assured within the details, and eagerly await my attraction to place this behind us.”

The Giants had been already down two receivers after Corey Coleman (torn ACL) and Sterling Shepard (fractured thumb) suffered accidents on the primary day of coaching camp on Thursday.

Coleman is prone to miss your complete 2019 season, whereas Shepard will likely be evaluated on a week-to-week foundation with a risk of returning in time for the season opener in six weeks.

Tate was the Giants’ massive offseason acquisition following the commerce of Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns. Tate signed a four-year, $37.5 million deal in March after ending final season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The veteran large receiver has spent the majority of his profession with the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions. He has caught 611 profession passes for 7,214 yards with 38 touchdowns and made the Professional Bowl his first season with the Lions in 2014.

Tate’s transition to the Giants had been slightly seamless. He’s anticipated to play a significant half in filling the manufacturing left behind by Beckham.

“He is bought [the offense],” coach Pat Shurmur mentioned on Friday. “He is able to go.”

With the suspension and accidents, the Giants’ receiving corps at the moment is comprised of Cody Latimer, Russell Shepard, Bennie Fowler, Reggie White Jr., Alonzo Russell and rookie Darius Slayton, amongst others.

Slayton, a fifth-round decide this 12 months, is coping with a hamstring harm.

Normal supervisor Dave Gettleman on Friday mentioned the Giants would maintain a exercise Saturday for large receivers.

“We will do one thing,” Gettleman mentioned.

On Friday, Tate had mentioned the large receivers room was “deflated” by information of Coleman’s harm.

Whereas with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013, Tate was vital of two teammates who acquired suspensions for substance-abuse violations, calling them “egocentric.”

“You’re affecting far more than your self,” Tate instructed 710 ESPN Radio on the time. “I really feel like that was form of a egocentric transfer on each these guys’ half. However it’s what it’s. The present should go on and that is what we’re gonna do.”

On Saturday, Tate mentioned the prescribed medicine didn’t present any “aggressive benefit” and that he prided himself for following the league’s protocol all through his 10 seasons.

“Through the entirety of my 10 12 months profession, I’ve taken nice delight in taking part in this recreation the precise means, have been an envoy for the NFL and have by no means had any points with the league’s coverage,” Tate mentioned. “The therapy this previous April had no impact on the upcoming season, and I didn’t, and couldn’t have undergone this therapy in April for any aggressive benefit.

“I deeply recognize the help from the New York Giants Group, and can proceed to carry the very best stage of character and integrity, whereas being a frontrunner within the locker room.”