Pat and Kevin Williams of Minnesota Vikings will be able to play in 2009

MINNEAPOLIS -- A federal appeals court on Friday cleared the way for Minnesota VikingsPat Williams and Kevin Williams to play all season, despite the NFL's attempts to suspend them for violating the league's anti-doping policy.

The NFL had already said the two defensive tackles could play in Sunday's season opener at Cleveland because their court fight over the suspensions would not be decided in time.

"It's a big sigh of relief to know we're going to get to play the whole season," Kevin Williams said. "We were looking forward to Cleveland not knowing what the future may hold. But it's great to get if off of our shoulders in the season and know we can deal with it in the offseason."

Decision Buys More Time

It's highly likely the Vikings' Williams Wall will stand throughout the 2009 season. They can thank the laws and courts in their home state for that, writes Kevin Seifert. Blog

The fight isn't over, but a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld earlier decisions from a federal district court -- including one that says the remaining legal issues must be resolved in state court. The judge there has issued an injunction prohibiting the NFL from suspending the players, and he has said a state trial during the 2009 season was unlikely.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is troubled by the ruling, which says federal law doesn't pre-empt state law just because the parties are involved in a collective bargaining agreement.

"It is putting in jeopardy a drug program that has been put in front of the entire world as being one of the highest standards in all of sports," Goodell said in an interview on WFAN-AM in New York on Friday. "It puts in jeopardy that players in Minnesota in any sport -- this could affect other sports -- are subject to a different standard than in the other 49 states. You recognize that it is a fairness question for all the athletes."

Goodell said the NFL was considering its next step, which could include an appeal, a trial in state court, or taking the issue to Congress.

A spokesman and an attorney with the NFL Players Association did not immediately return requests for comment.

The NFL wants to suspend the Williamses, who are not related, for four games each after they both tested positive for a banned substance during training camp in 2008.

K. Williams

P. Williams

The players are not accused of taking steroids. They acknowledge taking the over-the-counter weight loss supplement StarCaps, which did not state on the label that it contained the diuretic bumetanide. The diuretic is banned by the NFL because it can mask the presence of steroids.

The legal case contesting the suspensions has many twists and turns. In late 2008, the Williamses met with the league to appeal their suspensions, saying they didn't know StarCaps contained the banned substance. The league upheld the suspensions, saying it had warned about the product in 2006.

So the Williamses sued the NFL in state court, asking a judge to block the suspensions. The Williamses argued the NFL's testing violated Minnesota workplace laws.

The case was moved to federal court, and the NFL Players Association filed a similar lawsuit on behalf of the Williamses and three New Orleans Saints players who were also suspended. In May, U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson dismissed the NFLPA's lawsuit and several claims in the Williamses' case -- then sent two claims involving Minnesota workplace laws back to state court.

The appeals court panel on Friday agreed with Magnuson's decisions.

Attorneys for the NFL had argued it should be allowed to enforce its anti-doping policy because it was a product of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement with the players' union. The agreement is governed by federal labor law, which they argued pre-empted the state laws the Williamses are using to block their suspensions. The NFL has said players are responsible for what they put into their bodies.

Minnesota state law requires that an employer give an employee who tests positive for drug use the right to explain the positive test. The NFL's policy says a positive result won't be excused because a player was unaware he was taking a prohibited substance.

Major League Baseball, the NBA and the NHL filed a friend-of-the-court brief in July supporting the NFL's position. In court papers, they argued that they need uniform policies.

An attorney for the Williamses was pleased with Friday's ruling.

"It's a terrific ruling for us and it's a terrific ruling for unionized employees everywhere," Peter Ginsberg said. He said the ruling shows that "even an $8 billion business cannot ignore liberty rights and protections established by state legislatures."

The appeals court decision could affect current New Orleans Saints players Charles Grant and Will Smith, as well as Deuce McAllister, the Saints' career rushing leader who was released after last season. The three are not part of the Williamses' lawsuit in state court.

The NFL will review the judge's ruling and make an announcement on those suspensions.

"The thing that I'm focused on right now is to play Detroit," Grant said. "Everything else that is happening, if it's meant for us to play, we'll play. If we don't, we have to be grown men, suck it up and take what's due to us."

Vikings coach Brad Childress said his players can put the legal battle behind them for now and look forward.

The news, in fact, could not be better for the Vikings, who fancy themselves as Super Bowl contenders this season. Losing the "Williams Wall" would have been devastating for their defense, which is one of the best against the run in recent history.

Now they can be sure that both players will be in the lineup every week as they defend their NFC North title.

"It's definitely great to have them back," said Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards. "They're pretty much the heart of the defense and you can't really do too much without your heart."

Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian is listed as questionable for the regular-season opener at Cleveland on Sunday.

Berrian has not played for most of the preseason because of a hamstring injury. He was limited in practice all week and Childress says the team will continue to evaluate him leading up to the opener.

Berrian led the NFL last season with 20.1 yards per catch and scored a career-high seven touchdowns. He hasn't had much time to work with quarterback Brett Favre because of the injury.

Special-teamer Erin Henderson is out with a calf injury. Fullback Jim Kleinsasser is listed as probable with a hand injury.

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Jon Runyan feels 'great' after working out for Buffalo Bills

PHILADELPHIA -- After completing a workout with a third team in the last week, former Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan left the Buffalo Bills saying he felt "great" and was ready to join a team and make a contribution immediately.

Runyan

"I'm ready to play," said Runyan, who had microfracture surgery on his right knee in February and was cleared by doctors three weeks ago to begin working out with NFL teams. "I'd just need a week of practice to get my timing down and I'd be ready."

Runyan has worked out for the Bills, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Eagles, but so far no contract has been offered. He suspected that teams are waiting until next week. If Runyan is on a roster on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, as a vested veteran his entire 2009 salary is guaranteed. After Sunday, a more club-friendly contract can be ironed out.

"I think everybody is trying to figure out what they have on the O-line," Runyan said.

The Eagles are in a particularly dire predicament. Starting right tackle Shawn Andrews, who was moved from left guard to take Runyan's place, has been ruled out for Sunday, complaining of persistent pain in his back -- an injury that has kept him off the field since Week 2 of last season.

The under-achieving Winston Justice has been inserted in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. The only other start for Justice came on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2007, against the New York Giants and it ended in embarrassment. Justice allowed Osi Umenyiora to sack Donovan McNabb six times. All told, the Giants had 12 sacks in that game. The Eagles lost 16-3.

Runyan said that after three workouts this week his knee was doing better than expected.

"I thought I might have some swelling with all the workouts, and all this time sitting on airplanes, but it hasn't happened," said Runyan, 35, who started 192 straight games before the Eagles released him at the end of last season. "I haven't had any swelling and no pain. So, that's a good sign."

Runyan said he hoped to hear something from one of the teams in the coming week.

Fergie - PL still the bestEx-starting tackle Jon Runyan works out for Philadelphia Eagles

Report: Richard Seymour 'blindsided' by trade to Oakland Raiders

Richard Seymour said he was "blindsided" by his trade to the Oakland Raiders from the New England Patriots, the Boston Herald reported Saturday on its Web site.

Seymour, who was traded Sunday for a first-round draft pick in 2011, but had yet to join the Raiders, was due to board a flight to Oakland on Saturday, according to the report.

When Seymour did not show nearly a week after the trade, the Raiders on Friday sent him a five-day letter, stipulating that he report within five days or be suspended for the entire season and forfeit his $3.685 million salary.

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Seymour said he made no contract demands as a condition of his joining the Raiders, but needed time to settle personal issues first, including where his family would live during the season, according to the report. He said he has been in contact with Raiders owner Al Davis and coach Tom Cable since the trade.

"I didn't demand anything to go there," he said, according to the report. "I'm happy to go there, and I told them that. But me and my family have never been separated. This was a difficult transition."

According to the report, Seymour, 30, learned he had been traded via a phone call from Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

"First of all, I was blindsided by this whole event," Seymour said, according to the Herald. "When you get blindsided, you should take a moment to gather your thoughts. I have a lot of personal issues more pressing than football."

Those issues, according to the report, were arranging for his wife and four children to move back to his home state of South Carolina, while he plans to live alone in Oakland during the season. Seymour is also the legal guardian of a 15-year-old cousin who was starting high school in Massachusetts.

Seymour plans to play in the Raiders' season opener on "Monday Night Football" against the San Diego Chargers. "I'll be the guy on top of the quarterback," he said, according to the report.

Seymour has been a stalwart in New England since being drafted sixth overall in 2001. He played on three Super Bowl winners with the Patriots, recording 39 career sacks and being selected to the Pro Bowl for five straight seasons beginning in 2002.

The Raiders were looking to upgrade a run defense that was the worst in the league during the exhibition season and has been the worst over the past six seasons. Since going to the Super Bowl following the 2002 season, Oakland has had the worst run defense in the NFL, allowing 141.7 yards per game on the ground and 122 touchdowns rushing.

"There are a lot of different emotions," Seymour said, according to the Herald. "Football was not my main concern at that point. I have had discussions with the Raiders. ... I'm excited and happy with the way they're looking at me."

Cable is expected to address Seymour's pending arrival after practice Saturday.

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Sources: Oakland Raiders have 5-day letter set for holdout Richard Seymour

Four days after his trade from the East Coast to the West, defensive lineman Richard Seymour was still a no-show, and the situation is getting prickly.

The Oakland Raiders have drafted and signed a five-day letter addressed to Seymour, which means the former New England Patriots defensive lineman has five days upon receipt to report to the Raiders or be suspended, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter Thursday night.

Seymour

There is some question as to whether the letter has been delivered, however. A high-ranking Raiders official said he wasn't sure if the letter was sent "at this time." Various parties with knowledge of the situation have indicated different timetables regarding the letter.

One thing is certain. The five-day letter imposes a deadline on both sides, with plenty to lose for each. Oakland could lose the player it covets, and Seymour could lose a season and a salary of $3.685 million.

"I don't have any knowledge of that right now," Raiders coach Tom Cable told The Associated Press when asked about the letter Thursday. "I've heard something about that, but I have no knowledge of that right now. It has been nothing more than just trying to get some of these details worked out, that's it."

In the meantime, the Raiders re-signed defensive tackle William Joseph on Thursday.

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Joseph was cut by the Raiders on Sunday after the team acquired Seymour from New England in exchange for its first-round draft pick in 2011.

Oakland was granted a roster exemption by the NFL while Seymour's situation waits to be resolved.

"I have nothing new to report," Cable said after the Raiders' night practice. "But in the meantime this was granted to us so we could get ready."

Trevor Scott, who tied for the Raiders lead in sacks as a rookie in 2008, likely will start at right defensive end against the Chargers if Seymour does not show up.

"It's out of my control, whatever's going to happen is going to happen," Scott said. "So if he does get here, some things are changed or different. I'm not going to let it affect me."

San Diego coach Norv Turner, whose teams travels to Oakland for Monday's season opener, said Seymour could still have an impact in the game if he reports soon.

"He's an outstanding football player," Turner said in a conference call Thursday. "A guy who's that good a football player, I think you find a spot, whether it be as an end pass rushing on third down, whatever those things might be. But certainly, it's hard to fit a guy in and get him going in a short period of time."

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who has rushed for more yards (1,906) and touchdowns (19) against the Raiders than any other team, also expects Seymour to play well if he reports.

"He's a pro for one, he knows how to play football and he knows how to turn it on when it's time to turn it on," Tomlinson said. "I think he can absolutely have an effect on the game."

Joseph, a former first-round pick of the New York Giants who played in eight games for Oakland last season, wasn't surprised the Raiders re-signed him.

"The day they let me go, they released me, Coach Cable said, 'Don't go nowhere,' " Joseph said. "I was just around, sticking around, seeing what was going to happen."

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Ex-starting tackle Jon Runyan works out for Philadelphia Eagles

Former starting right tackle Jon Runyan has worked out for the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Runyan will work out for the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, ESPN.com's Matt Mosley reports.

Runyan never missed a game in nine years with the Eagles, starting 192 straight regular-season contests. He wasn't re-signed after having microfracture surgery on his right knee.

Coach Andy Reid brought Runyan in Thursday to check his fitness level.

Philadelphia revamped its offensive line in the offseason, acquiring two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters from Buffalo to replace longtime starter Tra Thomas. Shawn Andrews, a two-time Pro Bowl pick at right guard, was moved to Runyan's spot. Shawn's brother, Stacy, was signed to play right guard.

Shawn Andrews missed the preseason with a back injury but expects to play Sunday.

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Tila Tequila has meeting with San Diego district attorney in Shawne Merriman case

Tila Tequila, the reality TV star who accused Shawne Merriman of domestic violence last weekend, said via her Twitter feed that she will meet with the San Diego County district attorney's office on Friday.

Tequila

Wednesday, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department turned over its reports to the DA's office. The DA will review them to decide if charges should be filed.

Merriman, the San Diego Chargers' Pro Bowl linebacker, was arrested early Sunday after Tequila accused him of choking and throwing her to the ground while she was trying to leave his suburban San Diego home. Tequila signed a citizen's arrest warrant accusing Merriman of battery and false imprisonment. Both are felonies. Tequila was hospitalized briefly and filed a citizen's complaint against Merriman. No charges have been filed.

Merriman contends he was protecting Tequila, who he says was drinking and intended to drive home. "At the time, I was concerned about her welfare given the intoxicated state she appeared to be in and I encouraged her to stay until safe transportation could be provided," he said in a statement.

Merriman also said in a statement that he wants to clear "his name" and "put this behind me so I can continue to focus on a successful season for the San Diego Chargers."

Merriman

Tequila, whose real name is Tila Nguyen, has denied Merriman's claims that she was drunk at the time of the incident.

San Diego County spokesman Paul Levikow said the DA's office can reject the accusations, or can refer them to the San Diego City Attorney's Office for consideration as misdemeanors.

The tweet from Tequila's account that said she would meet with the district attorney, which is verified by Twitter but is not guaranteed to have been written by her, was part of a string of tweets Thursday morning. She started by writing: "I will never be a VICTIM of anything. So when someone lays a hand on me then lies. Its on." She followed that up with more than 30 updates in the next hour, including accusing Merriman of lying in his statements to the media about her.

"Damage control. Blame Tila. Make her look bad. Send it out to the media so they don't [sic] believe her! Quick! Cover it up!" she wrote, according to the Twitter feed.

Later Thursday, some of the tweets were deleted from Tequila's page, including one saying she would meet with the district attorney.

Tequila's attorney, Alan Gutman, said earlier this week that Merriman is making personal attacks against her to spin coverage from his "illegal and indefensible actions."

"It is never justifiable to brutally assault, choke, strike and imprison a woman," Gutman said in a statement Tuesday night. "Once the truth is fully revealed, Mr. Merriman's fantastic story of how he was trying to keep Ms. Tequila safe will be completely discredited. No one, especially a woman, should ever have to endure what Mr. Merriman did to Tila Tequila."

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Cleveland Browns' Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn told who will start, Eric Mangini says

CLEVELAND -- Browns coach Eric Mangini finally notified his quarterbacks who will start Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

But the Browns still aren't telling the media or anyone else.

Mangini said he met Tuesday night with Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn and explained the reasons for his decision.

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The Browns' coaching staff didn't make a formal announcement to the rest of team. But Mangini said it will be pretty easy for the rest of the team to figure out who the starter is during practice this week.

Expect the entire locker room to be grilled by the media on this subject leading up to the 1 p.m. ET game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mangini added that he doesn't believe it will bother his players to try to keep this quarterback situation a mystery.

"I don't think anybody is in an awkward spot of trying to maintain a competitive advantage," Mangini said. "We all do that, and that's all of our goals, trying to do everything we need to do to win the game on Sunday."

Neither quarterback offered much comment, as it was clear that a gag order was in place in the locker room.

The general reaction was no reaction at all. "We're going to be supportive of one another with whoever gets the job," Quinn said.

But at least internally, there is finality with Cleveland's quarterback competition. "I think it's always going to make our team better," Quinn said of the long competition. "We'll be able to adjust to times of adversity better."

Most are predicting Quinn got the nod, based on his preseason performance. Quinn had his best showing in the third exhibition game, where he completed 11 of 15 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.

Neither quarterback played last week in the final preseason game.

Cleveland remains the only team yet to publicly name its starting quarterback. Mangini, a former defensive coordinator, contends the unpredictability will give the Browns an edge. But Vikings coach Brad Childress didn't seem too caught up in Mangini's secrecy.

"It doesn't [affect us]," Childress said earlier this week. "You just schematically look at what you've seen. You are going to go back and look at [New York] Jets tape and see what you've seen ... It will be more about us deploying than about what they do."

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