N.Y. Giants wide receiver Golden Tate suspended for violating drug policy

July 27 (UPI) -- New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substance policy.

Tate issued a statement saying he was prescribed a drug for fertility planning. Tate stopped taking the drug when he realized it contained an ingredient on the league's banned substance list.

"I have taken great pride in playing this game the right way, have been an ambassador the NFL and have never had any issues with the league's policy," Tate wrote.

Tate would not be eligible to play until Oct. 6 if his suspension is upheld.

Tate's suspension comes after the Giants lost receiver Corey Coleman to a torn ACL on Thursday. Starting receiver Sterling Shepard will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis after suffering a thumb injury.

Tate has previously spoken out against players using performance-enhancing drugs. He called Seahawks teammates Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond "selfish" after drug-related suspensions in 2013.

Tate signed a four-year, $37.5 million contract with the Giants in March. He spent last season with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles.

Tate has 611 receptions for 7,214 yards and 38 touchdowns since entering the league in 2010. The former Notre Dame standout made the Pro Bowl in 2014.

The Giants open the 2019 season Sept. 9 against the Dallas Cowboys in Texas.