The Giants announced safety Will Hill has lost his appeal and been suspended six games by the NFL for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. The 24-year-old safety started 10-of-12 games played last season, and tallied 77 tackles, two passes defended, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. In fact, he was one of the best safeties in football, according to Pro Football Focus, whose grades amounted to a 15.7 overall rating, which ranked ahead of veterans such as T.J. Ward, Eric Berry, Eric Weddle and Earl Thomas.
Trouble has long followed Hill, however, dating back to his days at Florida, where he earned the reputation as a headache thanks to inconsistent play, multiple suspensions, marijuana use and a lewd Twitter account. Despite possessing obvious talent, Hill’s substantial character red flags knocked him off draft boards in 2011. He went undrafted and spent time in the Arena Football League before the Giants took a flier on him in 2012.
By the summer of 2013, Hill had been suspended twice for violating the league’s substance abuse policy (Adderall and marijuana, according to Hill). In December, Hill was arrested on a warrant for outstanding child-support payments. And this April, he failed a drug test, leading to his third suspension.
The flurry of transgressions and consequent punishment appears to signal the end of his Giants career, according to the New York Daily News’ Ralph Vacchiano, who tweets the team is “likely done” with Hill.