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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Brady Quinn Wins Cleveland Browns QB Competition

"Brady Quinn has won the quarterback competition and will start Sunday's game against the Vikings, a league source told The Plain Dealer today.

Browns coach Eric Mangini told the quarterbacks Tuesday night and Quinn took the first-team reps in practice Wednesday afternoon.

Quinn acted Wednesday as though he didn't know. "We're just out there continuing to battle with one another to get everything better for our team,'' he said."

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Shawne Merriman Arrested

"A week before the Chargers are set to open what they hope is a Super Bowl season, the team faces an off-the-field distraction as one of its star players stands accused of domestic violence.

Sheriff's deputies arrested linebacker Shawne Merriman early Sunday morning for allegedly choking, restraining and throwing MTV star Tila Tequila to the ground as she tried to leave his Poway home.

The Sheriff's Department said Tila Nguyen, who is known professionally as Tila Tequila, signed a citizen's arrest complaint charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment. Both are felonies.

Merriman and his lawyer said the player was trying to keep Nguyen from driving while intoxicated. Merriman said in an interview Sunday night that he is confident he will cleared of any wrongdoing.

"I was trying to help her, not hurt her," Merriman said. "I'm still glad I did what I did." "

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Sorry Bout the Long Delay Nfl Followers.

My Lovely Pitbull ate up my laptop charger cord, so it took me awhile to get another one. I'm back in action before the regular season so come back more often things will be good now!

Vikings sign quarterback John David Booty to practice squad

"John David Booty cleared waivers Sunday and was signed to the Vikings' practice squad, providing some clarity to a muddled quarterback mess.

Booty, a fifth-round draft pick last year, was complicating the team's decisions at quarterback, with Brett Favre, Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels on the roster. But Booty struggled this preseason, completing just 17 of 28 passes for 169 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception that was returned for a touchdown in Friday night's exhibition finale against the Dallas Cowboys.

His preseason passer rating was 62.9.

All the other NFL teams had a chance to take over his contract but ultimately passed.

Booty headlines the Vikings' practice squad, which also includes rookie running back Ian Johnson.

"It's not the ideal way of going about it, but it's the next step," Johnson said. "I took care of all the business I had to take care of, and if this is how it has to happen, I'm a fighter, I'll keep fighting until I get my spot. When I do get that spot, I'm going to make the most of it."

After not being claimed on waivers, Johnson said he received offers to sign with practice squads of other teams, including the Washington Redskins, which seemed like a good fit for him. But he decided to remain in Minnesota.

"I felt I had done all my work here; I made relationships here," Johnson said. "I've got myself in a good position. If I just keep working hard, I know something good will happen. Hopefully, sometime soon I'll be on that field at the Metrodome." "

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Sore Knee Keeps Jackson Off The Field

"Vikings coach Brad Childress said Sunday there is "a chance" that Tarvaris Jackson could return to the practice field today, but judging from the looks of things it wouldn't be a surprise if the injured quarterback remains on the sideline.

Jackson, who will compete with Sage Rosenfels for the starting job, suffered a Grade 1 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the morning practice Saturday.

After receiving treatment inside the Vikings' training room during the team's lone practice Sunday, Jackson emerged from the locker area following the session wearing a brace on his knee.

He declined to comment after getting into a golf cart that took him back to the dormitory in which the Vikings stay.

"The first 24 hours are a big time to treat those things," Childress said. "He spent some time with all the modalities they do in the swimming pool. There are several things they can do for him. He is better staying inside than he is out here. He gets a chance to look at the tapes tonight."

A decision on whether Jackson practices today will be made this morning.

"We will see how he feels when he wakes up and see what he has got going," Childress said.

Jackson sprained the MCL in his right knee in a preseason game at Baltimore last year and missed the final two exhibitions before returning for the regular-season opener."

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Lighter, Faster Beanie Hurt At Camp

"Ken Whisenhunt wasn't crazy about Beanie Wells' decision to arrive at training camp at about 3 a.m. Saturday, but he sure liked the way the rookie running back looked when he got there.

Wells, who signed a five-year contract Friday night, checked in at 224 pounds, 22 fewer than he weighed when the Cardinals drafted him with the 31st pick in April. It was 14 pounds lighter than he played last year as a junior at Ohio State.

"I definitely want to stay at this weight," Wells said. "I feel a lot faster and quicker. And I don't get tired as much."

But the lighter weight doesn't guarantee against injury, as Wells found out in his first practice. He suffered a left ankle injury during a simple run drill about halfway through practice and left the field on a cart with about 15 minutes remaining. Wells was able to walk after the injury and was to undergo X-rays Saturday night.

Whisenhunt was not available for comment after practice and an update on Wells condition was not available.

Wells lost weight at the Cardinals suggestion, agreeing that less of him might result in more playing time. He blamed his weight gain on a predraft travel schedule that had him meeting, and eating, with several NFL teams.

Now the only thing hefty about Wells is his wallet. Wells' contract is worth $11.8 million, including $6.3 million guaranteed, and one of Wells' agents, Adam Heller, said the fifth year of the contract is a team option.

The player taken behind Wells, Steelers defensive tackle Evander Hood, recently signed a five-year deal worth $11.1 million, including $6.1 million guaranteed.

Wells spent the past few days in Phoenix, nervously awaiting the completion of the deal, which reportedly had been close for a few days. Wells was driven to Flagstaff in the wee hours Saturday, although Whisenhunt tried to talk him into coming later in the morning.

Wells insisted on leaving right away, however, passed a conditioning test a few hours later and participated in his first practice that afternoon.

He ended up missing just two practices.

"He won't be far behind," running backs coach Curtis Modkins said. "

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