The New York Giants finished the 2021 campaign with a disappointing 4-13 season.
Since then, they have made a number of changes, bringing in both new head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen this offseason.
The team was plagued with a number of injuries to key players on their offense including Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.
With a cleaner bill of health, the team will look to make some significant improvements next season.
The team will need to do so without the services of a young linebacker to begin the year, as reports on Friday have emerged about former Ohio State linebacker Justin Hilliard.
Hilliard has been suspended for the first two games of the 2022 season for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Giants’ LB Justin Hilliard has been suspended without pay for the first two games of the 2022 regular season for violating the NFL Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 17, 2022
Hilliard discussed the matter on social media, giving a description of what substances he was taking that caused him to be suspended.
“I have been informed by the NFL that I tested positive for a banned diuretic – Spironolactone (Canrenone). After investigation, it became clear that I mistakenly took my partner’s prescription medication instead of my own anti-inflammatory prescription. I am well aware of the NFL’s zero-tolerance policy, and I take full responsibility for having a banned substance in my body.”
https://twitter.com/JHilliard47/status/1537890399448010752
There are certainly varying performance-enhancing drugs and how they can affect the body of an athlete, but many around the NFL world think that only a two-game suspension for Hilliard is a bit lenient from the NFL.
Why's this dude only getting suspended 2 games but DHop is 6? https://t.co/sSoYzYpu7L
— Bryce (@BryceBreakers) June 17, 2022
but you get a season ban for betting for your team
— AdamUp_LLC (@Adamanitum) June 17, 2022
How can any suspension for performance enhancing drugs only be 2 games? To have any teeth it must be for at least half season
— scott (@Embiid_isPhilly) June 17, 2022
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins received a six-game suspension earlier this offseason.
While it may be possible that Hopkins had a more advantageous agent in his system than Hilliard, it seems like there is too much differentiation in terms of punishments handed down by the NFL.
Hilliard was likely on the fringe of making the Giants roster before this news after only appearing in two games last year.
This news will only make it more of an uphill battle for the second-year player as he attempts to prove himself in the NFL.
