Vikings Kevin Williams, Pat Williams to play in season opener while team, NFL await federal court ruling

"The NFL said Tuesday that Vikings defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams could play Sunday in Cleveland while a federal appeals court decides whether the Pro Bowlers can sue the league in Minnesota to overturn their suspensions.

The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals this week is expected to issue a pivotal ruling that either affirms the NFL's authority to discipline players under the collective bargaining agreement or allows the Williamses to use state law to challenge its drug-testing protocol.

However, with teams already preparing for opening weekend, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed the league postponed disciplining the Williamses and New Orleans Saints defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith, who face the same four-game suspensions.

The Williamses claim the NFL, which suspended them last year after they tested positive for a banned substance, violated Minnesota statutes regulating how and when employers can test workers for alcohol and drugs. They aim to prove their case at trial next spring in Hennepin County. "

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Larson will issue ruling by Aug 7 in Williamses' Case

"By Aug. 7, Hennepin County District Court Judge Gary Larson will issue a ruling on whether Kevin and Pat Williams can play for the Vikings this season.

The judge conducted one final hearing Wednesday morning with lawyers for the NFL and the Pro Bowl defensive tackles, who were found to have taken a banned substance -- unwittingly, they say -- and were suspended for four games.

The matter has been playing out in federal and state courtrooms since last winter, with issues still pending in both jurisdictions.

The NFL wants Larson to delay any proceedings on the matter until after a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. District Court of Appeals hears appeals of a ruling by federal Judge Paul Magnuson. The oral arguments are set for Aug. 18. The court is expected to rule by September.

If Larson doesn't wait, the risk is that the federal and state courts will issue conflicting rulings, NFL lawyer Joseph Schmitt said. "We are sympathetic to the plaintiffs' desire to get the matter resolved. We share that desire. ... However, the most important consideration is not speed, but accuracy," Schmitt argued.

The players want to proceed immediately in state court with a trial before the season begins. Absent a trial next month, Ginsberg asked that Larson wait to conduct a trial until after the season.

Last year, the Williamses filed a lawsuit in state court contending that the NFL's drug-testing procedures violate state workplace laws, and they asked that a judge void their suspensions."

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