Judge: Williamses can play for Vikings this season
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Pro Bowl tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams can play for the Minnesota Vikings this season unless a federal court revives a companion case and sides with the NFL over the pair's suspensions.
A Minnesota judge agreed Wednesday to halt action in state court for now. Judge Gary Larson also says it's doubtful he would hold a trial during the season on the NFL's move to enforce its four-game suspensions of the two defensive linemen for anti-doping violations.
It's not a clear win for either side, though. A U.S. Court of Appeals panel is due Aug. 18 to hear the NFL's attempt to pull the matter back into federal court.
The Williamses sued in state court last year over suspensions for taking banned substances, which they said they did unwittingly. The NFL has maintained that federal courts have jurisdiction.
Barring a quick trial, the suspension issue won't be sorted out during the season.
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