Giants’ Golden Tate Considering Legal Action Against Doctor Over Four-Game Suspension

New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate III is looking to sue the doctor who prescribed him a fertility drug because the physician told him he’d prescribed it to other NFL players and it was not banned.

On Wednesday, Tate announced he is considering filing a lawsuit against the doctor who allegedly prescribed him a fertility drug that resulted in him being suspended for four games. Tate’s appeal was denied by the NFL. The drug he tested positive for was Clomiphene, Clomiphene, a substance that is used to increase egg production in women who wish to become pregnant.

“I guess a few weeks after my test, I went back and spoke to the doctor,” Tate said to reporters, via SNY Giants. “Initially he said it wasn’t a banned substance, in fact, he’s given it to other NFL players which is why I trusted it and kept living my life.” But now, he says he is “definitely looking into” taking legal action against the doctor who prescribed the drug. 

“We’re kind of examining all our options,” Tate said, per NJ Advance Media. But Tate said he has “no problem accepting the punishment.” “Ultimately, I’m responsible for what’s put in my body,” Tate said. “The tough thing I’m dealing with is I’m letting down a lot of people: my family, the guys in the locker room, the organization that brought me here. That’s what’s been crushing me.”

Tate had 30 catches for 278 yards and a touchdown (averaging 9.3 yards per catch) last season with the Philadelphia Eagles. With Eagles and the Detroit Lions Tate finished with 74 catches for 795 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games, his lowest reception total since 2013 and his lowest yardage total since 2012.

This past season Tate signed a four-year, $37.5 million deal with the Giants, according to CBS. CBS Sports colleague Joel Corry says the guarantee for Tate’s $7.975 million base salary in 2020 will be voided.