Minnesota Not Done Yet

by Adam T on Dec 4, 2008 12:42 PM CST

I know the suspension of the Williams boys gave some a little boost in the chance of the Bears sneaking in, but that chance is at least on hold for now.

Hennepin County Judge Gary Larson granted a restraining order Wednesday, allowing the players to return to practice. The Williamses were among six NFL players suspended Tuesday for four games -- the last regular-season games of this season.

The league alleged the players used a diuretic that can serve as a masking agent for steroids. Such use is a violation of the NFL's anti-doping policy.

Larson ordered attorneys for the players and the league to provide briefs regarding their positions in the case before he makes the order permanent. It is unclear whether the Williamses would be eligible to play in Minnesota's game Sunday against Detroit.

The NFL issued a statement Wednesday saying the league's anti-doping policy and the collective bargaining agreement bar the kind of lawsuit brought by the Williamses.

That last part is the interesting part. The bargaining agreement at the same time as allowing the NFL to suspend also does not allow players some avenues of fighting the charges.

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The CBA and anti-doping policy

While those may bar suits regarding results of drug tests, I don’t think they can bar suits based on fraud. Fraud is usually always allowed despite waivers.

And I believe the Williams are alleging fraud (not sure on what exactly since I haven’t looked into too much yet).

by Arbusto on Dec 4, 2008 12:52 PM CST reply actions

No.

That last part is the interesting part. The bargaining agreement at the same time as allowing the NFL to suspend also does not allow players some avenues of fighting the charges.

That is not true, at all. That collective bargaining agreement DOES allow the players avenues of fighting the charges. That is why they are allowed to appeal.

I have not seen the collective bargaining agreement, but I am guessing that the appeal and grievance procedures are binding.

The players (and league) agree to this, and are required to follow it, even if they don’t like the results of the appeals or grievances.

Now, as arbusto said, if they are alleging fraud it is a different issue.

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by big_lowitzki on Dec 4, 2008 1:17 PM CST reply actions

Clarification?

I think the CBA, etc prohibits courts as a route of appeal. The appeals go up the NFL chain (not the courts). Grievances to the players union. But I think lawsuits are prohibited.

by Arbusto on Dec 4, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions

Sure...

That is what I was saying. Both the drug process and grievance procedure are appealable (yea… I made up that word), but you can’t challenge them in court.

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by big_lowitzki on Dec 4, 2008 1:30 PM CST up reply actions

Ok, was just clarifying that's what you mean

since courts have appeals to.

by Arbusto on Dec 4, 2008 1:34 PM CST up reply actions

Is that they are alleging fraud on the basis that the substance abuse policy is fundamental unsound as it caters to league image rather than player safety. Don’t shoot the messenger boy, I’m just reporting what I hear.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 4, 2008 1:22 PM CST reply actions

Players union now involved

In the lawsuit, the NFLPA alleges both the NFL-appointed doctor and the NFL lawyer who administer the league’s steroids policy knew the supplement contained the banned drug but never advised the players. It alleges they breached their duty to the players and endangered their physical well-being.

From ESPN

by Arbusto on Dec 4, 2008 1:25 PM CST reply actions

Now in Federal Court

Case scheduled for 10:30 Thursday morning.

by Arbusto on Dec 4, 2008 9:22 PM CST reply actions

Friday, not Thursday

by Arbusto on Dec 4, 2008 9:22 PM CST up reply actions

Williams wall

Was suspended under Steroid abuse,which has a 4 game suspension.They took a all natural supplement that contained a substance known to mask Steroids.You could have went to GNC bought the same product with the same result,only prob is the banned substance needs a RX to get.Thats liken to going to the bar getting slipped a micky getting raped by 4 women.You wouldnt complain about getting raped by 4 women and 80% of the Males in USA wouldnt either.Just the Wall got Raped by the NFL and are fighting it.I think if they would have gotten a 1 GAME SUSPENSION they might not have fought it.But a 1.2 mill rape,gotta fight that.

by speedlod on Dec 5, 2008 11:30 PM CST reply actions

wtf?

You wouldnt complain about getting raped by 4 women

Huh?

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by big_lowitzki on Dec 6, 2008 7:07 AM CST up reply actions

From this list, choose 2

1) English
2) Coherency
3) Spaces/carragie returns

Choose any two, and this comment would have been a lot better…

--Torch

by torch on Dec 6, 2008 12:03 PM CST up reply actions

carriage, not carragie

obviously, I need to learn to proofread before ripping someone else’s grammar…[/dumbass]

--Torch

by torch on Dec 6, 2008 12:04 PM CST up reply actions

Not really

It’s offensive in it’s analogy.

by Arbusto on Dec 6, 2008 7:09 PM CST up reply actions

I find it extremely

funny that there have been two blogs about the Vikings being “done” for the year when they’re in first place, and have the best player in the division. With or without the Williams duo, the Queens have to be considered favorites.

"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus

by propheteer on Dec 6, 2008 4:45 PM CST reply actions