Nikita Whitlock of Giants suspended 10 games for violating NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances
New York Giants fullback Nikita Whitlock (49) runs a route during training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ, on Monday, Aug 8, 2016. Credit: Brad Penner
Giants fullback Nikita Whitlock has been suspended 10 games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances. Even though Whitlock is on injured reserve with a foot sprain he will serve the suspension effective immediately. While the punishment will not cost him any actual games, it will cost him over $308,000 in lost salary.
Whitlock was a member of the Cowboys’ practice squad in 2014 and made the Giants’ roster as a fullback last season in training camp. He also had versatility as a defensive lineman — he played defensive tackle and was All-ACC at Wake Forest — and was used as a pass rusher at times.
Whitlock injured his foot in the preseason game against the Jets and was waived/injured shortly after the game. He cleared waivers and was placed on the team’s injured reserve list.
Whitlock’s suspension is 10 games because he was already suspended by the NFL four games in 2014 during his time as a practice-squad player.
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
