Vikes await possible punishment for pair

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Whether or not Vikings stars Kevin Williams and Pat Williams get suspended for reportedly testing positive for a weight-loss diuretic has yet to be confirmed by the NFL.

But the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances is quite clear.

Here's an excerpt: "The use of so-called 'blocking' or 'masking' agents is prohibited by this policy. These include diuretics or water pills, which have been used in the past by some players to reach an assigned weight. ... Players are responsible for what is in their bodies."

The NFL has a medical expert authorized to field questions from players regarding specific supplements. It also has a toll-free hotline players can call.

Fox Sports has reported that the Williamses, who both made the Pro Bowl last season and anchor the Vikings' stout run defense, are facing a four-game suspension for failing a drug test.

The Associated Press has reported that six to eight players around the league are appealing findings that they took a weight-loss diuretic considered a masking agent for steroids.

Four players have already received four-game suspensions for violating the policy this season, and all of them claimed they unknowingly took products that were illegal. But the NFL's guidelines don't appear to allow for any grace for maintained innocence.

Saints

Saints offensive guard Jamar Nesbit filed suit against the maker of a weight-loss supplement, alleging it was improperly spiked with a diuretic that is banned by the NFL.

The lawsuit against the makers of StarCaps, an over-the-counter product, was filed in federal district court in New Jersey, said Nesbit's attorney Brian Molloy.

Nesbit, a former Summerville High and South Carolina standout, returned last week from a four-game suspension levied after he tested positive for Bumetanide, a substance that helps rid the body of excess water and salt. The NFL considers the substance a possible masking agent for steroids.

--New Orleans released kicker Taylor Mehlhaff and punter Ben Graham, leaving the team to spend its bye week trying to fill each position for a third time this season.

Mehlhaff, who the Saints drafted last spring but cut after training camp, was brought back to replace injured kicker Martin Gramatica in Week 6. In three games since, Mehlhaff was 3-of-4 on field goals and 9-of-10 on extra points.

Chargers

Without a sack or interception in the last nine quarters, San Diego fired defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell and replaced him with inside linebackers coach Ron Rivera.

Cottrell had become a popular target of fan ire as the Chargers (3-5) lost three of their last four games, including a 37-32 loss to former teammate Drew Brees and the Saints on Sunday. Coach Norv Turner decided after the game that Cottrell had to go, and informed him on Monday.

Seahawks

Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said a doctor has not cleared him to play because of a leg problem stemming from a bulging disk in his back.

Hasselbeck said he does not need surgery. He said he failed tests in Los Angeles and was unable to walk on his heels. He says there's no pain in his back or right leg, just a "dead leg" feeling.

"Just got a weakness in my leg," he said. "Because of the disk issue in my back that nerve is shutting off the muscles that are supposed to work in your leg."

It appears Hasselbeck will miss his fourth consecutive game when the Seahawks host the Eagles on Sunday.

Steelers

Pittsburgh won't further punish wide receiver Santonio Holmes for being charged last week with a marijuana-related offense and plan to start him Monday in Washington.

Holmes, who led the NFL in yards-per-catch last season, was benched for the team's loss to the Giants and was not in uniform. He was allowed to return to the team after speaking to his teammates and issuing an apology. The NFL could punish Holmes once his case is resolved.

Falcons

Atlanta is sending rookie lineman Sam Baker to a pair of specialists after an injured hip failed to improve with treatment. Baker, a first-round pick who had been starting at left tackle, will not play Sunday at Oakland and it's not known when he might return.

Raiders

Oakland signed fullback Jason Davis after placing starter Justin Griffith on the injured reserve list with a season-ending knee injury.

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