National Football League
AP Source: Giants' Hill facing 3rd suspension
National Football League

AP Source: Giants' Hill facing 3rd suspension

Published Apr. 22, 2014 3:39 p.m. ET

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that New York Giants safety Will Hill is facing a possible third suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The person, who requested anonymity because the allegations have not been publicly disclosed, confirmed Monday that Hill failed another drug test. Teams and the league do not discuss such allegations because players have a right to privacy under the league's drug policy.

A message seeking comment was left with Hill's agent. Fox Sports and the Star-Ledger of Newark were the first to report that the talented but troubled 24-year-old Hill failed another drug test.

Hill could face a suspension of six games to a year depending on what the tests showed.

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Hill was suspended for the first four games of the 2012 season for using a performance-enhancing drug, which he said was Adderall. He was suspended for the first four games last season for using marijuana, which he said was to relieve stress. The East Orange native underwent drug rehabilitation in March and April in Boston last year, and followed up that with outpatient meetings in New Jersey.

Hill started 10 of 12 games last season. He made 77 tackles, intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown, forced two fumbles and recovered another.

''It could be a big deal, because he's a big part of this defense,'' defensive end Jean Pierre-Paul said after organized team activities on Tuesday. ''But we have other guys who can fill in for him.''

The preseason depth chart had Hill starting at safety with Antrel Rolle. There is depth in the unit with Stevie Brown back after missing last season with a knee injury and Quintin Demps signed as a free agent after making six starts for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rolle said he treats Hill ''like a little brother.''

''It's always tough when you hear news like this,'' Rolle said. ''Will Hill is a great guy and a great teammate. He's a phenomenal talent. My concern is for him as a person, not as a football player. I am going to support him, keep his spirits up and hope that all of this is nothing. We don't know what's going to happen. We'll see.''

Meanwhile, quarterback Eli Manning said he'll be ready for training camp after recent ankle surgery. Offensive lineman Chris Snee said he's recovered from offseason hip, knee and elbow surgery.

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AP freelancer Jim Hague contributed to this report.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org

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