National Football League

Starcaps case is a blow to NFL drug policy

Published Sep. 16, 2009 8:51 p.m. ET

Alex Marvez

Minnesota and New Orleans fans have reason to cheer, but the recent blow struck against the NFL's drug-testing program is nothing to celebrate.

In a move that greatly bolsters the Vikings and Saints defenses, four starting linemen — Minnesota's Kevin and Pat Williams and New Orleans' Charles Grant and Will Smith — are cleared to play this entire season. The quartet, along with ex-Saint and currently unsigned running back Deuce McAllister, had faced four-game suspensions following positive tests for a substance banned under the league's steroid policy.