A copy of Goodell’s testimony was obtained yesterday by the AP.
The NFL attempted to suspend the Vikings’ Pat Williams and Kevin Williams for four games, but the players sued the league in state court, arguing the testing violated Minnesota laws. The case was moved to federal court, and the players union filed a similar lawsuit on behalf of the Williamses and Saints players who were also suspended.
In May, a federal judge dismissed the union’s lawsuit and several claims in the Williamses’ case - but sent two claims involving Minnesota workplace laws back to state court. A judge there issued an injunction prohibiting the NFL from suspending the players and has scheduled the trial for March 8. In September, a federal appeals court panel agreed with those decisions, essentially allowing the Williamses to continue playing while the case proceeds in state court.
The use of state law to block the suspensions, Goodell said, “illustrates with compelling force the need for legislation here.’’ He complained that the Williamses, who are not related, are able to work under different conditions than players outside Minnesota.
“Professional athletes and their collective bargaining representatives should not be permitted to manipulate state statutes as a means to gain a competitive advantage,’’ Goodell said.
He also criticized the NFL Players Association.
“With the help of the NFLPA, the Vikings players have been able to prolong their litigation for almost one year now,’’ Goodell said.
The Vikings players tested positive in 2008 for the diuretic bumetanide, which is banned by the NFL because it can mask the presence of steroids. The players acknowledged taking the over-the-counter weight loss supplement StarCaps, which did not state on the label that it contained bumetanide. Neither player is accused of taking steroids.
Browns GM ousted
