Pat Williams and Kevin Williams of the Vikings are in a Minnesota court this week, continuing their fight against a four game suspension. Each received the suspension because they tested positive for a drug called bumetanide. 
Bumetanide is banned because it’s known as an effective mask for steroids testing. Pat and Kevin both deny ever taking steroids, but say they ingested bumetanide through a weight loss supplement. It seems as though the “Williams Wall” was a bit too thick and both Pat and Kevin were being pushed to lose a few pounds. They also wanted the $400,000 bonus they were entitled to for reaching a specific weight goal. The supplement they took was an off-the-shelf trendy (and pricey) Hollywood diet pill product called StarCaps.
The guys are claiming that the NFL, as partial employers, must abide by the state law in which they are employed. In Minnesota, employees are to be notified of positive drug tests within three days. The NFL is claiming that their ability to conduct drug and steroid testing would be significantly compromised by operating in such a narrow time frame. The precedence of this ruling could impact other professional sports markets such as MLB, the NBA and NHL, requiring them to adapt their drug policies to state law.
As the courtroom testimony continues there will be lots of talk about who knew the results, when they were told, dates of notifications regarding StarCaps, and on and on. The NFL has rolled up their sleeves and is taking this one seriously. Stay tuned!
