NFL asks to move lawsuits over Minnesota Vikings suspensions back to federal court

NFL seeks to move doping case to federal court

MINNEAPOLIS — The NFL wants to move lawsuits by two Minnesota Vikings facing suspension for using a banned diuretic back to federal court — nearly on the eve of trial.

The league has filed notice that it wants to move the lawsuits filed by defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams out of state court, where a trial is to begin Monday.

The Williamses — who are not related — tested positive in 2008 for the banned substance bumetanide, which can mask the presence of steroids. They are not accused of taking steroids. They sued the NFL, arguing the league’s testing violated Minnesota labor law.

Last May, U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson sent claims involving Minnesota law back to state court. Magnuson will hear the NFL’s request, which came in a motion filed Wednesday.

An NFL attorney didn’t immediately return a call. League spokesman Greg Aiello calls it a procedural matter.