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Fox’s Jay Glazer reported Sunday that the co-anchors of one of the NFL’s best run defenses tested positive for a banned diuretic in water pills, and that while the appeal of their suspensions was supposed to be this past week, it has been pushed back. The Vikings did not play this past week, and players will return to Winter Park Monday after being off since Tuesday.
Pat Williams’ agent, Angelo Wright, said in a text message that he needs to “investigate the allegations” before responding. It remains unclear when the Williamses’ appeals would be heard or when their suspensions might be announced if those appeals are denied.
Kevin Williams’ agent, Tom Condon, did not return a messages seeking a comment.
Vikings spokesman Bob Hagan said Sunday the team does not comment on the league’s substance abuse policies. Greg Aiello, the NFL’s senior vice president of public relations, said the league also would have no comment. This is because the system is supposed to be confidential until the appeal process has played out and a suspension is announced.
If the Vikings do lose the Williamses for four games, they will become the second and third starters from the team’s defensive line to be suspended for violating the league’s steroid policy in two years. End Ray Edwards sat out the final four games last season after having his appeal denied.
The Fox television affiliate in Denver was the first to break the story Friday that several NFL players had tested positive for taking water pills. Those pills can serve as a masking agent for steroids. The only two players named in the Denver report, which cited an unnamed league source, were both with the New Orleans Saints: running back Deuce McAllister and defensive end Will Smith. But more details and names emerged over the weekend.
In addition to the two Saints and two Vikings players, Glazer also reported Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson tested positive. The New Orleans Times-Picayune added Saints defensive end Charles Grant to the list and ESPN confirmed Houston Texans long snapper Bryan Pittman tested positive for using a weight-loss supplement.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen said Saturday that according to NFL sources, the number of pending cases on the positive tests in violation of the steroids policy is eight, and that four have tested positive for the diuretic Bumetanide. The league puts it on players to know what is in the supplements they take. The NFL’s policy on steroids calls for a four-game suspension for a first positive test.
It makes sense that offensive or defensive linemen — especially ones with weight clauses in their contracts — might have used a diuretic and not known it contained a banned substance.
For instance, Pat Williams was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list by coach Brad Childress at the start of Vikings training camp in 2006 because he was not at the weight the team wanted him to be when he reported. Williams weighs more than the 317 pounds at which he is currently listed by the Vikings, but he has kept himself in better condition since that time.
The loss of the two Williamses would be a devastating blow to a defense that already is without middle linebacker E.J. Henderson, who underwent season-ending surgery this month after dislocating two toes on his left foot. The Vikings play host to Houston on Sunday at the Metrodome and at 3-4 are one game behind NFC North-leading Chicago and Green Bay.
Both Williams, who are not related, have played in the past two Pro Bowls. The Vikings led the NFL in run defense last season and are ranked No. 3 this season. The Vikings rank eighth in total defense in 2008.
Kevin Williams leads the Vikings with six sacks and is regarded as one of the NFL’s top defensive tackles. Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said recently that Williams is “one of the premier inside pass rushers in the NFL today, and I think before his career is over he has a chance to be the best of all.”
Said Kevin: “I’m able to do a little bit of everything. You can’t just label me as one guy, a pass rusher or a run stopper. I think I’m pretty versatile and can do a little bit of both.”
Without both Williams’ presence inside, teams also will be able to double-team defensive end Jared Allen even more. Allen’s pass-rushing presence on the edge has freed up Kevin Williams in particular and allowed him to face more 1-on-1 matchups.
Fred Evans and Ellis Wyms are the primary backups at the two tackle positions. Evans plays behind Pat Williams at nose tackle. Defensive end Brian Robison also has seen some brief action behind Kevin Williams and Wyms at the other tackle spot this season.
Attorney David Cornwell told ESPN he has been retained by “a number of players” to represent them in the appeals process. What’s interesting about this is that so many names have gotten out. Cornwell clearly isn’t happy about this situation.
“The recent reports about pending appeals by players who are alleged to have used weight loss supplements reflect the most egregious violation of the NFL steroid polcy,” Cornwell said in a statement. “The foundation of the policy is both a player’s right to appeal and an absolute right to confidentiality. By leaking this story, the ’source’ is clearly attempting to put their thumb on the scale of justice and harm these men.”
