Appeals court decision means Vikings Kevin and Pat Williams might get to play all season

Ruling in drug case could clear 2 Vikes to play

MINNEAPOLIS — 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. That could mean the ruling won’t come until sometime after the season.

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.