Could Williams Wall Still Escape Bogus Suspension?

by Christopher Gates on Jul 31, 2011 5:51 PM CDT in Minnesota Vikings 2011 Season

In the previous post about the Vikings' first Training Camp press conference, I mentioned that Kevin Williams had not yet heard anything about his four-game suspension for the StarCaps incident from the National Football League. On his Twitter feed, Tom Pelissero of 1500 ESPN in Minneapolis has a bit of an explanation as to why that might be the case.

The NFLPA* has once again become, simply, the NFLPA. No asterisk necessary, they're a union again and not a "trade association." The newly-reformed NFLPA is now entering negotiations with the league on a number of subjects. . .including the policy on banned substances.

Obviously, the NFLPA is going to take steps to make sure that this sort of thing doesn't happen again, but what about in the case of Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, and Will Smith of the New Orleans Saints? Since the suspensions will be handed out under the new CBA, it might be possible. . .though not highly likely. . .that the NFL could apply any agreement reached under this CBA retroactively, thereby voiding those suspensions.

Pelissero says that he would bet that those three players will end up serving those suspensions, and I tend to agree with him on that. But, the book isn't completely closed on this story yet. We'll have to see what happens.

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Sadly, I think the Williams wall will serve that bogus suspension

I just don’t think the NFL will let the suspension be voided. If the suspension was cancelled it might, once again, call into question why things were allowed to drag on so long for something that eventually was nullified.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Jul 31, 2011 6:21 PM CDT reply actions

Is Phat Pat staying in Minnesota after all?

The last I heard, Pat Williams was looking for an opportunity elswhere—did I miss a change in thinking by the Vikings and the heaviest brick in the Williams Wall?

by Midnight Rambler on Jul 31, 2011 6:33 PM CDT reply actions

come on

serve the suspensions already. Its going to happen eventually. just get it over with. Even if they find another way around it, they’re just trying to cheat the system, which is kinda what they were doing when they took the starcaps. After hearing Robert Smith say they used to smoke dope and get away with it because they knew when the tests were coming, you’d have to be really stupid to get caught.

by scottfromcmh on Jul 31, 2011 6:44 PM CDT reply actions

unless you didn't think what you were doing was wrong.

Why hide the fact that you spit on the ground if you don’t think it’s illegal, now do it in Singapore and watch what happens.

Childress gone, TJack gone, new stadium on the way: it's like that Christmas when Santa brought prostitutes!

by Grime on Aug 1, 2011 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions

It all depends on the course of negotiations

Part of the distrust factor among the players that hiccupped when the CBA was first approved by management is that NFL management talks a good game about being interested in players health, but sometimes acts more like Simon Legree’s, “I am determined to find a villain,” if only for our PR purposes.

The Williams Wall was apparently trying to cheat and take an unpermitted shortcut on their weight clauses, but that’s not something that deserves the anti-druggie (Lyle Alzado, “I lied”) four-game smack.

Maybe a one-game suspension? Whatever is collectively bargained will go. There are multiple ways to get to peace in the valley. It’s an open question at this stage. Suitable language can prevent ill consequences to both sides.

by Elgar on Jul 31, 2011 7:00 PM CDT reply actions