Giants backup OL Eric Herman suspended 4 games

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) New York Giants backup offensive lineman Eric Herman has been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy.

Herman said in a statement Friday that he tested positive for a stimulant. He says he has a therapeutic use exemption for a different stimulant that treats the same condition, but not for the one he tested positive for.

Herman spent most of last year on the practice squad after the Giants drafted him in the seventh round out of Ohio. The 6-foot-4, 320-pound guard was added to the roster for the season finale but did not play.

Herman missed the Giants' first preseason game last Sunday with a hip injury.

He says ''the rules are very strict so I am taking responsibility for my mistake.''