NFL suspends 6 players
Today the NFL handed down 4-game suspensions without pay to 6 players for violation of the league's anti-doping policy. The suspended players are Deuce McAllister, Charles Grant and Will Smith from the Saints, Pat Williams and Kevin Williams from the Vikings and Bryan Pittman from the Houston Texans.
All 6 players will miss the remaining regular-season games, but can re-join their teams on December 29th for the post-season.
The league has a clearly laid-out policy on anti-doping. So, even though the banned substance (Bumetanide) that wasn't on the label of StarCaps, the over-the-counter product used by these 6 players, the NFL is holding firm.
The Vikings play the Lions this week, but finish up their schedule against the Cardinals, Falcons and Giants (all playoff teams based on current standings).
All 6 players will miss the remaining regular-season games, but can re-join their teams on December 29th for the post-season.
The league has a clearly laid-out policy on anti-doping. So, even though the banned substance (Bumetanide) that wasn't on the label of StarCaps, the over-the-counter product used by these 6 players, the NFL is holding firm.
"You and you alone are responsible for what goes into your body. Claiming that you used only legally available nutritional supplements will not help you in an appeal. ... Even if they are bought over-the-counter from a known establishment, there is currently no way to be sure that they contain the ingredients listed on the packaging or have not been tainted with prohibited substances ...This loss is huge to the Vikings, who beat the Bears Sunday night to take a 1-game lead in the NFC North. The Vikings have only allowed 73.2 rushing yards/game (2nd in NFL) due largely to DT Kevin and Pat Williams.
"If you take these products, you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! For your own health and success in the league, we strongly encourage you to avoid the use of supplements altogether, or at the very least to be extremely careful about what you choose to take."
The Vikings play the Lions this week, but finish up their schedule against the Cardinals, Falcons and Giants (all playoff teams based on current standings).
