Will Hill Suspension: Will It Get Reduced With New Drug Policy Deal?
By Brett Foote
Dec 15, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) celebrates an interception with free safety Will Hill (25) against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
With a new drug policy deal looming between the NFL and the NFLPA, many have speculated that players such as Josh Gordon and Wes Welker could see their suspensions reduced or eliminated altogether.
It seems very likely that the two, along with a handful of other players currently serving suspensions, will be back on the field sooner than originally expected.
One player serving a suspension for violation of the league’s drug policy is also facing the possibility that he may be able to return sooner as well – Raven’s safety Will Hill. There is some optimism in Baltimore that Hill’s six game suspension could be reduced upon an agreement on a new deal.
There's guarded optimism, per sources, about status of Ravens safety Will Hill, who's two games into six-game substance-abuse suspension
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 13, 2014
Under-the-radar name likely to receive a reduced suspension: #Ravens S Will Hill. They love his talent, may factor in soon.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2014
Will Hill is a former New York Giant who signed with the Ravens following his offseason release this year. It was a low risk, under the radar signing for the Ravens, who have a lot to gain if Hill keeps his head on straight.
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Hill has been a top safety in the NFL when he hasn’t been sidelined from one of his three suspensions. He has the kind of rare talent that teams covet, and could very easily overtake Darian Stewart at free safety upon his return.
A new drug policy deal is imminent, and was even said to be completed as of Friday night. The NFL and the NFLPA have been working hard to reform the current policy amid public scrutiny and changing societal views on certain types of drugs.
Players vote unanimously to approve the term sheet for the new Drug Policy.
— Eric Winston (@ericwinston) September 12, 2014
That optimism proved to be a little premature, however, as the NFL reported that an agreement had not yet been reached as of Saturday morning. Still, it seems like it is only a matter of time before a new deal is reached, and several players, possibly including Will Hill, make their returns to the field.
We have not yet reached an agreement with the union on revisions to our drug programs. There continue to be significant unresolved issues.
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) September 13, 2014