NEW YORK, N.Y. - The NFL has suspended New York Giants linebacker Victor Butler without pay for the first four games of the regular season for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances.

The league announced the suspension Friday. Butler is eligible to participate in all off-season and preseason practices and games.

Butler played two games with Indianapolis last season and signed a reserve future contract with the Giants in January. He started his career in Dallas in 2009 and played in 63 games in his first four seasons. He didn't play in 2013.