Giants 2014: Eric Herman Suspended Four Games for PED’s
By Adam Ganeles
Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been a rough ten days for Giants guard Eric Herman. On July 29th, Herman was involved in the practice collision that closed the book on David Wilson‘s career (Wilson did not blame Herman). Then, yesterday afternoon, Herman was suspended by the NFL for the opening four games of the 2014-2015 regular season.
Giants' OL Eric Herman suspended four games. Had a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption) for another stimulant, but not for one discovered.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) August 8, 2014
In short, Herman tested positive for a stimulant because he “forgot” to fill out the paperwork to acquire a therapeutic use exemption (TUE). Apparently Herman does possess a TUE for one medication that treats a “condition,” but he also requires use of a stimulant for that same condition:
"“Unfortunately, a stimulant for which I don’t have TUE was in my body,” he said, “and the rules are very strict, so I am taking responsibility and I sincerely apologize to my teammates, coaches and the club. This won’t happen again, and I will spend the four weeks working hard to be ready to return to work.”"
This is not the Giants first rodeo with PED suspensions as a result of failed paperwork filing:
Tyler Sash, Andre Brown, Will Hill, now Eric Herman ... Giants hit with PED suspensions recently, supposedly for not filing paperwork.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) August 8, 2014
Herman, who the Giants selected in round 7 of the 2013 draft, is still permitted to participate in preseason tilts and practice with the team. Slated to serve primarily as a depth piece at guard, Herman does have collegiate experience at OT and the Giants view him as a versatile body. He’ll be reinstated on September 26th, prior to the Giants week 5 home game versus Atlanta.