NFL to hear Vikings' appeals this week on steroids policy violations

TAMPA, FLA. - Vikings Pro Bowl defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams are scheduled to have their appeals of four-game suspensions for violating the NFL's steroids policy heard late this week in New York, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The two are among a group of six to eight players who could be facing suspensions for testing positive for a banned diuretic that can serve as a masking agent for steroids.

New Orleans running back Deuce McAllister and defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant will have their appeals Tuesday in New York, according to the NFL Network.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello refused to confirm the Williamses' hearings will be heard this week, possibly Thursday. "We do not comment on the appeals process of specific cases," Aiello said in an e-mail.

Kevin Williams declined comment after the Vikings' 19-13 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday. Pat Williams said: "The only thing I know is my kids will be [in Minnesota] Friday. My daughters and my son. So that's all I know is going to happen this week." Asked if he was looking forward to getting this behind him, Pat Williams said: "I don't know, so you all know stuff that I don't know. I've never heard nothing."

Vikings coach Brad Childress declined comment.

Diuretics, or water pills, help the body get rid of unneeded water and salt through the urine. News that the Williamses tested positive for a banned diuretic was first reported by Fox Sports in late October. Atlanta defensive tackle Grady Jackson recently filed a class-action lawsuit in California against Balanced Health Products. The company produced the StarCaps pills that have come into question as the source of a problem for the group of players who took them without being informed a diuretic known as bumetanide was an ingredient. Bumetanide can aid in weight loss, but the NFL considers it a masking agent.

It has yet to be confirmed the Williamses' possible suspension is related to taking StarCaps. But according to an ESPN report, players received warnings about taking pills to help in weight loss: "All players were warned repeatedly about this, and in 2007 and 2008, Dr. John Lomardo, administrator of the program, had team trainers post additional signs to emphasize the policy that bans diuretics and water pills."