NEW YORK (AP) -- The NFL has suspended six players for four games each for violating the league's anti-doping policy.
The players used a diuretic, which can serve as a masking agent for steroids.
The suspended players are running back Deuce McAllister and defensive linemen Charles Grant and Will Smith of New Orleans; defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams of Minnesota; and long snapper Bryan Pittman of Houston.
The punishment is an especially harsh blow to NFC North leader Minnesota, which relies heavily on the two Williamses in a run defense which ranks second in the league.
The agent for Pat Williams says he plans to file a motion in federal court in the next 24 hours, presumably to put off his client's suspension.
If a player's team makes the playoffs, the player would be eligible to return to the active roster on Dec. 29.
(Copyright ©2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
