New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith appears to be one step closer to finally serving the four-game suspension that has been looming since 2008, thanks to a court ruling Tuesday in Minnesota.
The NFL hasn't announced whether it plans to proceed with the suspensions of the players involved in the Starcaps saga, including New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith. Smith was one of several players who tested positive for a banned diuretic in the infamous "StarCaps" saga, along with former Saints players Deuce McAllister and Charles Grant and Minnesota Vikings players Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. But their suspensions have been on hold for more than two years while the players have battled the merits of their punishments in the courtroom.
All five players lost their cases and appeals through the federal court system in 2009, but the Vikings players have continued to fight the NFL's ruling in Minnesota state courts.
On Tuesday, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled against the Williamses, affirming the state's lower-court ruling that the NFL didn't violate state law by trying to discipline them. The players could still appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court, but it's unclear if they plan to do so.
The NFL hasn't yet announced whether it plans to proceed with the suspensions, but the league has time to make a decision with no games scheduled until September, at the earliest.
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