More than nine months since Saints defensive linemen Charles Grant and Will Smith were first notified of four-game suspensions for violating the league’s Anabolic and Related Substances policy, it remains unclear when the two players will begin to serve the time.
For now, the Saints are planning on having Grant and Smith play in Week One against the Lions. The situation is so confusing, the excellent local coverage of the Saints thought the matter was settled just a week ago, with Grant and Smith out for the first four games of the season.
That’s not the case — yet — although the league is not prevented from suspending the Saints when they choose, according to the legal expert in these parts.
The Saints are waiting for the NFL to tell them that the suspensions are enforceable before proceeding. Frankly, we don’t understand the legal particulars enough to have any clue what’s going to happen next.
So we’ll wait for Mr. Florio to clear that up another time. For now, we’ll proceed like the Saints and assume the defensive linemen are playing this week until told otherwise.
What are the ramifications for the league if these 2 are suspended and the Williams’ win their appeal?
If I had to guess the league will “wait” a week to start enforcing the suspensions. The Saints will have both players for the Detroit game, sure hope they don’t really NEED them if you get my drift. “Waiting” to enforce the four game suspensions for a week will then have the suspension period cover both the Saints games against the New York teams. Last time I checked the league home office is in New York City right? How many league front office lackeys have season tickets for the Jets or Giants? Way more than there are Saints fans I guarantee you that one! Gotta love the NFL!
How come the Saints and Vikings have to wait for the No Fun League to make this decision when the issue first arose NINE MONTHS ago, while Vick’s decision comes 7 weeks early?
Just one of the biases against small-market teams I suppose…
The NFL has clearly dropped the ball
on this one. First they said Starcaps were ok then they drill the guys who take it.
Now they can’t get their asses out of court, if they lose, they will appeal, if the Minny boys lose they will appeal. This issue may not be resolved for the entire season and have both clubs with this suspension hanging over their heads.
I hope the Minny boys stick it to the NFL and
get them off their high horses. They need to compile a list of what is acceptable and what is not, period.
Any questions then send the sample to the League and let them decide.