NEW YORK — Six to eight players are under investigation by the NFL for violating the league’s drug policy by taking a weight-loss diuretic that is considered a masking agent for steroids.
A person familiar with the case provided the number of players involved Monday, saying estimates of a higher figure were inaccurate.
Saints running back Deuce McAllister confirmed Sunday he is one of the players being investigated, although he stopped short of saying he had tested positive.
David Cornwell, who has represented players in a number of these matters, confirmed last week he is representing some players. He declined to identify any of them except Texans long snapper Bryan Pittman.
Saints defensive end Will Smith and defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams of the Vikings also have been identified in various reports — citing unidentified sources — as some of the players under investigation.
Chiefs’ Johnson charged
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Larry Johnson, already facing possible suspension by the NFL, was charged with simple assault for spitting his drink in a woman’s face. Several hours later, the Chiefs indicated the two-time Pro Bowl running back would not play for the foreseeable future.
A person familiar with the situation said Johnson would meet with league officials today in New York. Johnson also faces a Dec. 4 court date for another incident that occurred last February when he allegedly pushed a woman’s face in another Kansas City nightspot.
Simple assault is a municipal charge, similar to a traffic ticket, and carries a maximum penalty of a $500 fine and 180 days in jail.
Footnotes.
After a contentious, confusing week laced with suspicion, innuendo and dueling statements, Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow returned to the Browns eager to restart his disrupted season.
“I’m ready to move on and just play football,” he said.
• Raiders starting fullback Justin Griffith needs season- ending surgery on his right knee.
• Bills receiver Josh Reed is out indefinitely with injuries to his ankle and Achilles tendon.
• Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor and cornerback Shawn Springs are expected to miss next Monday night’s game against Pittsburgh because of calf injuries.
• Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said it is “really unknown” whether tight end Jason Witten (ribs) and cornerback Anthony Henry (thigh) will be able to play Sunday against the Giants.
• Rams defensive end Leonard Little (hamstring) is day to day, while defensive tackle Adam Carriker (ankle) is questionable for Sunday’s game against Arizona.
• Shaun Hill was promoted to the 49ers’ starting quarterback, replacing J.T. O’Sullivan in the first big personnel move of coach Mike Singletary’s tenure.
• Matt Hasselbeck has returned to Los Angeles for a second visit to a back surgeon, leaving Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren to prepare for Sunday’s game at Philadelphia with Seneca Wallace as his starting quarterback.
• An Arizona man accused of planning to kill people at this year’s Super Bowl in Glendale was sentenced to a year and a day in prison. Kurt William Havelock was found guilty in June of six counts of mailing threatening communications.
