Breaking news: Six players suspended

[yisman]

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/11147422

[joewilly]

that is insane!!!!!!!!! poor vikings. that really sucks.

imagine us losing jenkins & ellis?

[yisman]

This clears the way for the Packers to win the North.

[gsnts725]

This clears the way for the Packers to win the North.

More like Da Bears ... lolol

[nyjetsjetsjets]

stupid. the league is getting really stupid. maybe the ufl is a good idea afterall.

[Norway'sWaddlingMarmaloof]

Bob Sutton must be on some kind of drugs, why can't they test his dumb azz?

[yisman]

More like Da Bears ... lolol

nah, I think the Packers are better than the Bears. They're a game back, but they can make it up.

[flgreen]

stupid. the league is getting really stupid. maybe the ufl is a good idea afterall.

"The NFL also said it sent two notifications about StarCaps on Dec. 19, 2006 - one to NFL club presidents, general managers and head athletic trainers and the second to NFLPA executive Stacy Robinson, who oversees the steroid policy for the union. That letter, according to the league, advised that StarCaps had been added to the list of prohibited dietary supplement companies."

These bozo's were sent several notifications that the stuff was banned, and the League is sutpid?

[Larz]

"In their appeals, some players said the banned substance Bumetanide was not listed as an ingredient in StarCaps, an over-the-counter weight-loss pill.

In fact, Jackson filed suit against StarCaps in Alameda County Superior Court in California last month, seeking restitution for any lost salary and damages for "false advertising and unfair business practices." "

I tell anyone who will listen ; "never take supplements. NEVER."

They are not regulated by the FDA, and all you ever need is whole foods. Man cannot improve on nature.

it's tough to get all the calories you need when trying to gain good lean muscle, but it can be done

say no to supplements

[nyjetsjetsjets]

"The NFL also said it sent two notifications about StarCaps on Dec. 19, 2006 - one to NFL club presidents, general managers and head athletic trainers and the second to NFLPA executive Stacy Robinson, who oversees the steroid policy for the union. That letter, according to the league, advised that StarCaps had been added to the list of prohibited dietary supplement companies."

These bozo's were sent several notifications that the stuff was banned, and the League is sutpid?

did you even read any of the other information other than that? players around the league previously stated the opposite. i don't believe a word the league says anymore. just like any other employer when they are caught in a similar situation. they lie just like anyone else.

[kelticwizard]

Is it so unreasonable to think about the possiblility of these guys taking steroids and then taking, or claiming to take, a commercially available substance which has the power to mask steroids?

Word might pass around the weightlifting/football community that certain products contain a steroid masking agent not specifically listed on the label, so if you are using steroids, take this stuff and claim innocence.

The average NFL salary is half a million a year, and I understand the NFL has a free service where you can submit a supplement to them and they will test it for you. If that is the case, how can you risk talking any class of supplement which has similarities to banned substances?

[nyjetsjetsjets]

"In their appeals, some players said the banned substance Bumetanide was not listed as an ingredient in StarCaps, an over-the-counter weight-loss pill.

In fact, Jackson filed suit against StarCaps in Alameda County Superior Court in California last month, seeking restitution for any lost salary and damages for "false advertising and unfair business practices." "

I tell anyone who will listen ; "never take supplements. NEVER."

They are not regulated by the FDA, and all you ever need is whole foods. Man cannot improve on nature.

it's tough to get all the calories you need when trying to gain good lean muscle, but it can be done

say no to supplements

first, many supplements are nothing but natural. a supplement isn't always a 'designer' drug such as this.

second, Bumetanide IS regulated by the fda.

it may be a good thing not many people are listening to you!

[Boynton Beach Jets]

Why would a long snapper even attempt this?

[JustInFudge]

Why would a long snapper even attempt this?

LOL, I was thinking the same thing....but those are names are pretty significant players for each team.

[Boynton Beach Jets]

LOL, I was thinking the same thing....but those are names are pretty significant players for each team.

Glad none of them were Jets.

It is tough losing your long snapper at this stage, it cost the Giants a playoff game against the 49ers when they could not snap the ball properly.

[Lil Bit Special]

http://www.nflplayers.com/user/template.aspx?fmid=181&lmid=338&pid=0&type=n

From Steroid Policy on NFLPA website:

The use of so-called “blocking” or “masking” agents is prohibited by this Policy. These

include diuretics or water pills, which have been used in the past by some players to reach an

assigned weight.

In addition, a positive test will not be excused because it results from the use of a dietary

supplement, rather than from the intentional use of a Prohibited Substance. Players are

responsible for what is in their bodies. For more information concerning dietary supplements,

see Appendix F.

PAGE 25:

POLICY ON ANABOLIC STEROIDS AND RELATED SUBSTANCES

-Use of Supplements-

Over the past several years, we have made a special effort to educate and warn

players about the risks involved in the use of “nutritional supplements.” Despite these efforts,

several players have been suspended even though their positive test result may have been due to the

use of a supplement.

Subject to your right of appeal, if you test positive or otherwise violate the

Policy, you will be suspended. 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.

As the Policy clearly warns, supplements are not regulated or monitored by the

government.

This means that, even if they are bought over-the-counter from a known establishment,

there is currently no way to be sure that they:

(a) contain the ingredients listed on the packaging;

( have not been tainted with prohibited substances; or

© have the properties or effects claimed by the manufacturer or salesperson.

Therefore, 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.

Take care and good luck this season.

[nyjetsjetsjets]

from profootballtalk.com

PAT WILLIAMS’ AGENT PROMISES A LAWSUIT

Posted by Mike Florio on December 2, 2008, 7:16 p.m.

Agent Angelo Wright, who represents Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams, said on Tuesday that a federal lawsuit will be filed on Wednesday, aimed at preventing the NFL from imposing a four-game suspension.

“I believe that we’ll be able to offset this,” Wright said, according to Sean Jensen of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. ” I continue to maintain that he will play football.

“Though the tenets of the program are of strict liability, the league is supposed to act in conjunction with the players association, to communicate what products are acceptable and which are not,” Wright said. “In this case, they’ve acknowledged that they withheld information from the players.

“I would feel more comfortable with the process, if there was an independent body governing over these cases,” Wright added. “But this current set up is reminiscent of the British court, when they wore white wigs and proved to be your judge and your jury.”

[nyjetsjetsjets]

from profootballtalk.com

SAINTS STARCAPPERS ISSUE STATEMENT

Posted by Mike Florio on December 2, 2008, 6:55 p.m.

Lawyer David Cornwell has issued a statement on behalf of the three Saints players who have been suspended for violating the league’s steroids policy, based on testing positive for Bumetanide.

The affected players are running back Deuce McAllister, defensive end Charles Grant, and defensive end Will Smith.

“We are disappointed,” the statement reads. “Based on the unique circumstances presented in this case, the NFL’s decision is inconsistent with the objectives of the steroid policy, Dr. Lombardo’s disclosure obligations under the law, and the best interests of NFL players.

“Deuce, Will, and Charles did not try to enhance their performance with steroids, nor did they knowingly expose themselves to the adverse health risks of a diuretic. They took a weight loss supplement that they had every reason to believe was safe. Against the backdrop of the federal government’s refusal to require accurate labeling for nutritional supplements and Dr. Lombardo’s specific, but undisclosed knowledge that StarCaps contained bumetanide, it is grossly unfair that Deuce, Will, and Charles are the only ones that must bear a burden.

“We will take further action as is appropriate.”

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that, as predicted over the weekend via reports from Jay Glazer of FOX and Andrea Kremer of NBC, at least one lawsuit will be filed.

[nyjetsjetsjets]

from profootballtalk.com

VIKINGS EXPRESS DISAPPOINTMENT WITH SUSPENSIONS

Posted by Mike Florio on December 2, 2008, 6:49 p.m.

Though the Minnesota Vikings technically should be on the management side of the labor relations issue that has resulted in the suspensions (for now) of six players who took a supplement that had illegally been laced with Bumetanide, the franchise has issued a statement expressing disagreement with the outcome.

“In response to this afternoon’s ruling,” the team says in a statement, “the Minnesota Vikings are very disappointed in the National Football League’s decision and suspension of Kevin and Pat Williams. At the appropriate time, we will have further comment.”

The team’s position isn’t surprising; they stand to lose the nucleus of their defense for the final four games of the regular season. The suspensions could result in the Vikings, who currently are 7-5 and lead the NFC North by one game, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

The Vikings also will be required to tender a portion of the Williams’ salaries to the NFL as a fine, given that tackle Bryant McKinnie was suspended four games earlier this year. No fine is imposed for the first suspension arising from off-field conduct in a given league year.

[Vudu]

Sucks for them

The Vikings season just went south.

[nyjetsjetsjets]

haha, this is great. i hope they sue the f out of the nfl. its pretty interesting that the teams are definitely standing behind their players on this issue.

its funny to think that goodell has ruined his namesake in the hometown that he came from. at one point it was one of the more prominant families in the area. no longer. he is quite the joke in my opinion.

[nyjetsjetsjets]

http://www.nflplayers.com/user/template.aspx?fmid=181&lmid=338&pid=0&type=n

From Steroid Policy on NFLPA website:

The use of so-called “blocking” or “masking” agents is prohibited by this Policy. These

include diuretics or water pills, which have been used in the past by some players to reach an

assigned weight.

In addition, a positive test will not be excused because it results from the use of a dietary

supplement, rather than from the intentional use of a Prohibited Substance. Players are

responsible for what is in their bodies. For more information concerning dietary supplements,

see Appendix F.

PAGE 25:

POLICY ON ANABOLIC STEROIDS AND RELATED SUBSTANCES

-Use of Supplements-

Over the past several years, we have made a special effort to educate and warn

players about the risks involved in the use of “nutritional supplements.” Despite these efforts,

several players have been suspended even though their positive test result may have been due to the

use of a supplement.

Subject to your right of appeal, if you test positive or otherwise violate the

Policy, you will be suspended. 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.

As the Policy clearly warns, supplements are not regulated or monitored by the

government.

This means that, even if they are bought over-the-counter from a known establishment,

there is currently no way to be sure that they:

(a) contain the ingredients listed on the packaging;

( have not been tainted with prohibited substances; or

© have the properties or effects claimed by the manufacturer or salesperson.

Therefore, 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.

Take care and good luck this season.

in 2006 the nfl told the players that starcaps were fine.

[Lil Bit Special]

haha, this is great. i hope they sue the f out of the nfl. its pretty interesting that the teams are definitely standing behind their players on this issue.

its funny to think that goodell has ruined his namesake in the hometown that he came from. at one point it was one of the more prominant families in the area. no longer. he is quite the joke in my opinion.

they wont win. It is stated clearly in the steroid policy that they will be suspended if they use supplements and there is a banned substance in it.

The players and teams are trying to cover their asses.

They broke the rules.

[nyjetsjetsjets]

they wont win. It is stated clearly in the steroid policy that they will be suspended if they use supplements and there is a banned substance in it.

The players and teams are trying to cover their asses.

They broke the rules.

you don't know alot about labor relations, do you?

law wins over labor policy.

[Lil Bit Special]

in 2006 the nfl told the players that starcaps were fine.

The policy states that if you use supplements and you test positive you will be suspended.

The policy states that the supplements are not regulated and the player alone is responsible for what goes in their bodies.

[Lil Bit Special]

you don't know alot about labor relations, do you?

law wins over labor policy.

Yes I do know a lot about Collective Bargaining Agreements.

The players agreed to this policy. They will be held to it.

[nyjetsjetsjets]

Yes I do know a lot about Collective Bargaining Agreements.

The players agreed to this policy. They will be held to it.

not necessarily. there are alot of lawsuits reguarding collective bargaining agreements, and they are not all won by the corporation.

[Lil Bit Special]

not necessarily. there are alot of lawsuits reguarding collective bargaining agreements, and they are not all won by the corporation.

in sports the CBA is the letter of the law as long as it was bargained in good faith and both sides comply with the CBA.

Whether the NFL said star caps were good in 2006 means nothing. The policy clearly states that products are not regulated and can be tainted. And the player is responsible for what he puts in his body.

[nyjetsjetsjets]

in sports the CBA is the letter of the law as long as it was bargained in good faith and both sides comply with the CBA.

Whether the NFL said star caps were good in 2006 means nothing. The policy clearly states that products are not regulated and can be tainted. And the player is responsible for what he puts in his body.

that really has nothing to do with it. id go into more detail, but i signed an agreement that says i cannot

either way, i hope goodell gets dragged through the compost pile.

[Lil Bit Special]

that really has nothing to do with it. id go into more detail, but i signed an agreement that says i cannot

HUH?

The players know the policy. They took a banned substance. They collectively bargained this into their CBA.

There are no excuses for them. They will lose. The law will be behind the NFL on this one.

[Lil Bit Special]

either way, i hope goodell gets dragged through the compost pile.

why? Because he follows the rules on the books?

Makes no sense. If he lets them go, the policy has no teeth to it anymore.

It sucks, but the rules are the rules.

[nyjetsjetsjets]

HUH?

The players know the policy. They took a banned substance. They collectively bargained this into their CBA.

There are no excuses for them. They will lose. The law will be behind the NFL on this one.

i wouldn't be so quick to judge that one

[nyjetsjetsjets]

why? Because he follows the rules on the books?

Makes no sense. If he lets them go, the policy has no teeth to it anymore.

It sucks, but the rules are the rules.

no, because he is just in general a ****ing *******. thats why. hey, like father like son

[JoeC36]

o well shouldnt have don thtat now should they

[Lil Bit Special]

i wouldn't be so quick to judge that one

please explain why.

They broke the rules. They took a supplement that had a banned substance in it that is on the NFL's banned substance list.

I just cannot see anyway they could possibly win a court case. Obviously you do, so please explain