In a 44-page written opinion issued on Thursday morning, Judge Gary Larson ruled that the 2008 drug testing of Vikings defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams violated Minnesota law.
But the outcome of the cross motions for summary judgment is being characterized as a “split decision” by Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, with the league winning on some issue and the players prevailing on others. The biggest question -- whether the four-game suspensions will be implemented or scuttled -- remains undecided. Presumably, the suspensions will be resolved as part of a trial that begins on March 8.
The most significant lingering issue relates to the question of whether the NFL employs the Williamses, or whether they are employed only by the Vikings.
In this context (and we say this only half-jokingly), the league apparently isn’t a “single entity.”
We’re trying to get out mitts on the full ruling, due in part to our desire to inform the PFT audience and in part to the fact that I’ve had trouble falling asleep this week.