NFL Will Continue To Delay Suspensions -- Tue Sep 15 9:00 pm --
Saints' DE and Vikings' DT Combos To Continue Playing | Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Tuesday that the suspensions of New Orleans Saints players Charles Grant and Will Smith for their 2008 violations of the NFL’s Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances will not be enforced at the present time.
“This situation presents several unique and narrow aspects that I believe call for us to put the good of the game ahead of questions of discipline,” Goodell said. “Considerations of fairness, uniform application of our policies, and competitive integrity all support deferring the suspensions at this time. I am not prepared to treat players differently when the same conduct is involved.”
Last Friday, a federal appeals court in Minnesota unanimously ruled in favor of the NFL in the so-called “Star Caps” case, rejecting all of the challenges brought by the NFL Players Association, including unfounded claims of bias and failure to share information with players about diuretics. The Court of Appeals fully upheld the earlier rulings of a federal district court in favor of the league.
The ruling upheld the suspensions of the Saints players. However, the federal court also allowed Kevin and Pat Williams of the Minnesota Vikings to pursue separate claims under Minnesota state law, which prevent suspending them at this time.
“Because the Minnesota and New Orleans players committed the same violation and had their appeals resolved at the same time, I believe the appropriate step is to defer the suspensions while we pursue both our legal options and continue discussions with the NFLPA," Goodell said. (neworleanssaints.com)
FF Today's Take: This comes as welcome news to the Vikings and Saints, who both stand a great chance at having successful seasons. With the "Williams Wall" intact, expect Minnesota to continue shutting down opposing teams' running games just as effectively as it has done in recent years. With the Saints offense looking like it is clicking on all cylinders, Grant and Smith should have plenty of opportunities to rush the passer.
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