MINNEAPOLIS -- The NFL wants a federal appeals court to rehear the case involving the suspensions of two Minnesota Vikings players who violated the league's anti-doping policy.
In a petition filed Wednesday, attorneys for the NFL say last month's decision by a three-judge panel of the appeals court sets up a situation where players in different states are not treated equally.
The decision essentially allowed Minnesota Vikings Kevin Williams and Pat Williams to continue playing while their attempt to block their four-game suspensions proceeds in state court.
It also left two New Orleans Saints players subject to suspension, though the NFL has not done that.
The NFL says federal labor law should pre-empt state law and uniform standards for players are needed nationwide.
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