Giants Tyler Sash Suspended….

According to numerous websites, NY Giants second year safety Tyler Sash has been suspended the first four games of the NFL season for his use of a banned substance. That substance was Adderall. Tyler Sash has indicated through his twitter account that he was unaware that this substance was banned by the NFL:

"“I took a prescription drug (Adderall) legally under a doctor’s care for an anxiety condition during the off season in March of this year,’’ Sash said. “The purpose was to help me with public speaking appearances. I had no idea that this prescription drug was banned by NFL policy"

Reports in the Ny Post and his twitter indicate that Tyler has already appealed the four game unpaid suspension. Tyler Sash went on to say the following regarding his positive drug test:

"“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. 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.”"

Tyler Sash’s agent came to young safeties defense noting the following on his twitter account”

"“It is obvious from the timing of the positive test that Tyler’s intent was not to gain any advantage of performance enhancement as there are zero physical or competitive requirements of him for anything during the month of March. Unfortunately, like many NFL players have experienced, the appeal process is usually an exercise in futility. After a passionate explanation during the appeal of the circumstances involved, the NFL ultimately denied the appeal. This is a young man who has done everything right, and who had never failed a test for any illegal substance or performance enhancing substance in his career, including college. He has been a good citizen, a good teammate, and has never troubled anyone. For players who came into the league in a lockout year and were rushed through the process of being prepared to play, in my eyes were at a distinct disadvantage to the educational process offered to rookies about the protocol for obtaining exemptions for specific prescriptions."

What can you say about this? As a Giants fan I’m upset.  As a fan of the NFL I’m upset. As a Psychologist I’m upset about this. As a human being I’m upset about this too. Tyler Sash did nothing morally or ethically wrong. He took a prescription that was prescribed for him and by all accounts he took the correct dosage. I understand fully that teenagers, young adults, and adults abuse Adderall all the time but obviously Tyler did not.  I support the NFL 99.99 percent of the time. However, this time I disagree. The NFL needs to examine their drug policies as Tyler Sash took a drug that is used to treat ADHD/Anxiety per dosing guidelines with the proper documentation. The NFL needs to use common sense.