The NFL sideline show involving a woman's diet weight-loss supplement containing a potent diuretic banned by the NFL as a steroid masking agent just went into overtime, compliments of a Hennepin County (Minneapolis) judge tonight.
The byzantine case started about 6 weeks ago when several NFL players tested positive for bumetanide, a banned diuretic which can be utilized as a masking agent. The situation become more complex when players began admitting that that they took the weight loss supplement StarCaps, a supplement known to be contaminated with bumetanide.
The NFL suspended the players Monday, based on a collective bargained steroids policy violation. However, like may professional situation a judge was more than happy to stay the execution of the ban, pending review and appeal. Here is the Minneapolis Star-Tribune's story:
The Vikings spent Wednesday afternoon preparing to complete the regular season without Pat and Kevin Williams. But by Wednesday evening, the Pro Bowl tackles were back at Winter Park and hoping they will be allowed to play in Sunday's game at Detroit.
The Williamses, suspended for four games by the NFL on Tuesday for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances, were granted a temporary restraining order to rejoin the team by Hennepin County District Court Judge Gary Larson. The suspensions came two days after the Vikings moved into sole possession of first place in the NFC North with a victory over Chicago.
Larson acknowledged leaving the case in limbo after he issued his ruling, but he said he is poised to conduct a full hearing as early as today, if that's what the NFL wants. That means Larson could still issue an order before Sunday that would make the Williamses ineligible to play.
The NFL appear to be caught by surprise, even after past history of frequent injunctions by local judges, and copious threats by the players to obtain a judicial stay.
Dan Nash, a lawyer for the NFL who is based in Washington, D.C., said he needs to consult with the league.
"I'm not sure what our next step will be," he said, adding that if the NFL doesn't try to move the case to federal court, he will want a hearing today.
The NFL better be prepared to fight a change of venue to a federal court. The Williams's lawyer will clearly be adverse to moving the case out of the Viking-friendly county court.
New York-based attorney Peter Ginsberg said the players would fight a move to federal court from Hennepin County District Court.
Larson issued his ruling after an hour of vigorous debate from both sides. The request was filed at midday Wednesday and arguments were scheduled late in the afternoon. Ginsberg flew in shortly before the hearing; Nash conducted his arguments via conference call in the courtroom.
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