Starcaps Suspensions: Fair or Unfair?

On the surface, the NFL's policy on banned substances seems pretty simple; a player is responsible for what he puts in his body and if he tests positive for a banned substance, he pays the price. End of story. But for those embroiled in the Starcaps scandal, there are certainly some extenuating circumstances related to the case that make it a little less cut and dried, as can be seen with a little background and outline of both sides of the issue.

Regardless, the NFL upheld the four-game suspensions of six players, Tuesday, meaning each -- barring a legal injunction -- will miss the rest of the regular season. Those affected by the ruling include Deuce McAllister, Charles Grant, and Will Smith of the Saints, Kevin and Pat Williams of the Vikings, and Bryan Pittman of the Texans.

The team hit hardest by this obviously is the Minnesota Vikings, who stand to lose two Pro Bowl defensive tackles while holding just a one-game edge in the NFC North. The New Orleans Saints for all intents and purposes are already out of the playoff hunt, although they have yet to be mathematically eliminated.

The big problem with the Vikings losing both the Williamses is not only that they lose an almost impenetrable wall against the run game up front, but that the absence of their two tackles will allow opponents to consistently double team defensive end Jared Allen, who has been a terror for opposing quarterbacks of late.

The team is also scheduled to face some of the league's better rushing attacks in the coming weeks, and the loss of their two best run stuffers significantly damages their chances of winning those contests.

It almost seems unfair that so much could be lost due to these suspensions, but the league's policy is what it is. And the players helped dictate that policy -- which really limits the options of the players' union in cases like this -- by agreeing to it in the last round of labor negotiations.

Obviously this is something that needs to be looked at when both parties prepare to hammer out the next CBA.