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Steve Karnowski, Associated Press
Minneapolis (AP)

Ruling in drug case could clear 2 Vikings to play

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The Minnesota Court of Appeals has rejected the NFL's request to expedite its handling of the case of Minnesota Vikings Kevin Williams and Pat Williams.

The decision means the defensive tackles may get to play the entire upcoming season. The Williamses are still fighting their four-game suspensions for testing positive for a banned diuretic in 2008.

In its order, obtained Thursday but dated Tuesday, the appeals court says the NFL has not demonstrated that the case should get higher priority than others.

The court's standard timelines mean it likely won't issue a final ruling until sometime after the season.

But NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says the league still has the option of asking the appeals court to lift the trial judge's order blocking the suspensions, and is studying whether to do so.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)