The StarCaps case finally is moving closer to a conclusion. And though Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams’ legal challenge to his four-game suspension ultimately failed, Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Williams likely will face a reduced suspension, eventually.
Per the report, the StarCaps situation remains an “unresolved bargaining chip” in the negotiations between the NFL and NFLPA regarding the new drug testing policy. Murphy also reports that the two sides met Tuesday with the World Anti-Doping Agency in Montreal to review the specifics of an HGH testing program.
Because the new policy possibly will utilize only a two-game suspension for players who test positive for diuretics, and because StarCaps contained a banned diuretic, Kevin Williams, free-agent Pat Williams, and Saints defensive end Will Smith would see their suspensions cut in half.
Murphy reports that the suspensions likely won’t be implemented for Week One, which means that Kevin Williams (if healthy) will be playing against the Chargers in San Diego, and that Smith will be playing against the Packers at Lambeau Field.