Star Tribune reporter Abby Simons details today's latest developments in the long-running StarCaps case involving the NFL and Vikings defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams.

The most important facts are these: 1) The Minnesota Court of Appeals won't block the four-game suspensions of the two players because the banned diuretic found in their systems does not fall under the state's workplace drug-testing laws. 2) The players could appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

That means that for now the NFL is winning the fight, but there could be another round if the Williamses continue to battle. Meanwhile, the NFL issued this statement after the ruling.

"We are pleased that the Minnesota Court of Appeals, like all other federal and state courts to hear the matter, has unanimously upheld the structure and operation of the NFL's collectively bargained Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances. Today's opinion confirms that the testing program did not violate Minnesota state law and vindicates the policy and procedures of the program. We are in the process of reviewing the decision and determining our next steps." In other words, the league knows this might not be over and it's not going to start a full-scale celebration just yet. So what would this mean to the Vikings? Remember, when this case began in December 2008 that Pat and Kevin Williams were very important parts of a defense and team that was en route to winning an NFC North title. Kevin Williams remains a key part of this defense, but 38-year-old Pat Williams is a free agent and could depart Minnesota once a new collective bargaining agreement is in place. Pat Williams talked about retiring after the 2009 season, but said late in 2010 that he wants to return for a 15th year in the NFL. There's just no guarantee that will be in Minnesota. Pat Williams' agent, Angelo Wright, did not rule out an appeal by his client. Wright pointed out that if this decision had gone in favor of the players that the NFL certainly would have appealed. "We'll weigh all our options and we'll make whatever the most effective decision is to keep him playing," Wright said It will be interesting to see if at the end of this, assuming the NFL prevails, whether the players suspended for taking StarCaps will come to an agreement to lessen the time they have to sit out.