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The Vikings players tested positive in 2008 for the diuretic bumetanide, which is banned by the NFL because it can mask the presence of steroids. The players acknowledged taking the over-the-counter weight loss supplement StarCaps, which did not state on the label that it contained bumetanide. Neither player is accused of taking steroids.
Smith, of the NFLPA, told Congress the administrator of the league's steroids policy knew that StarCaps contained bumetanide but did not inform the players.
"This should not be a 'gotcha' game," Smith said.
Goodell said after the hearing: "We do not do product-by-product warnings. There are thousands of products out there."
Williams and Williams -- who are not related -- sued the NFL in state court, arguing the league's testing violated Minnesota laws. The case was moved to federal court, and the NFL players union filed a similar lawsuit on behalf of the Williamses and New Orleans Saints players also suspended.
In May, a federal judge dismissed the union's lawsuit and several claims in the Williamses' case but sent two claims involving Minnesota workplace laws back to state court. A judge there issued an injunction prohibiting the NFL from suspending the players and has scheduled the trial for March. Those decisions were upheld by a federal appeals court panel.
The court ruling led the NFL to allow New Orleans defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith, who had also been issued four-game suspensions, to continue playing. Both players also tested positive for bumetanide.
Goodell told Congress he is disappointed the union "refused to support us on the issue" and said the lawsuit by the Vikings players "expressly violated" the collective bargaining agreement.
Smith said the way to fix the problem is through collective bargaining, but Goodell said that won't work.
"This has gotten beyond the control of the two parties," Goodell said.
[Associated Press;
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