Starcaps Situation Part Of The Labor Deal?

by Ted Glover on Feb 21, 2011 8:46 AM CST in Minnesota Vikings

Hi kids. Man, the flu sucks. When you get the flu on a three day weekend, it really, really sucks. Seeing as how I'm about 6,407 stories behind the Chris Gates Story Machine, I really need to drag myself out of bed and put dark electrons to white electrons.

Normally, I'm not a guy that takes anything Charley Walters says seriously, but in this case, I think he might be on to something. Or, at least I hope he's on to something. He reported in his column a couple of days ago:

Also interesting: Although the NFL has won a court judgment to suspend Vikings defensive linemen Kevin Williams and Pat Williams for four games for allegedly violating its anti-doping policy, the league hasn't done so. Some people feel it could become bargaining leverage for a new labor deal, maybe reducing suspensions or fining them instead.

I really find this interesting for a couple of reasons. Personally, I think this whole Starcaps thing has been a farce since day one, and the fact that the NFL hasn't suspended the Williams'...Williamses...Williamsii...whatever...is kind of telling. Or, they could just be so preoccupied with the impending lockout/strike/monumentally stupid work stoppage that Kevin and Pat Williams are way down on their list of priorities.

But how could this Starcaps decision benefit DeMaurice Smith and the players union?

Well, they could say hey, reduce the suspension to two games, or forego the suspensions, and we give a little on...something. I don't know what that something is, but it could be a legitimate negotiating point.

I think it's ironic that Kevin and Pat Williams might not get suspended...for something they never did...just because the NFL and the NFLPA need to hammer out a labor deal.

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I was hoping Fat Pat would reitire after this past season

He was a shell of his former self last season, getting pushed around at the line like never before. Pat you were great, but its time to call it a career.

I don’t think the NFLPA is going to care about whether WillX2 is suspended or not. It will not help or hinder the new CBA.

Worse SB matchup ever!

by VikesPma on Feb 21, 2011 9:48 AM CST reply actions

i am seriously confused

Is pat retiring? Is he playing? Frasier sounds like he was getting surgery this offseason so that he could start next year and at the same time “reporters” say he is retiring. The fudge is going on?

by muffin man on Feb 21, 2011 10:03 AM CST up reply actions

He played though

Some of the problems last year with Phat Pat that never made the news were injuries. Most notably was I believe a torn/strained triceps. It didn’t come out until after the season that he was getting it fixed. K. W. had his knee worked on earlier this month also.

L. A. Player

by L. A. Player on Feb 21, 2011 4:28 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

At this point

I don’t think Pat will ever be what he was. He was great, but its time to shut it down. KW did play through some injuries last year. He should bounce back, still an alternate at the Pro Bowl, not bad for an off year.

Worse SB matchup ever!

by VikesPma on Feb 24, 2011 6:12 PM CST up reply actions