In a not so suprizing move the NFL handed out suspensions yesterday to Deuce McCallister of the New Orleans Saints, Kevin and Pat Williams of the Minnesota Vikings. Each of the players will serve a 4 game suspension for the infraction against the NFL drug policy. All of these players were caught using a banned diaretic from the NFL that is supposed to help athletes lose weight.

The impact of this is large for two NFL teams trying to make the playoffs. In the case of the Minnesota Vikings, they lose their two interior linemen on the top rated run defense in the NFL. This greatly reduced the ability of the Vikings to stop the run on defense. In the case of the New Orleans Saints, they lose their goalline back and a running back that has been productive for many years. The infraction seems extremely harsh since Matt Jones (WR Jacksonville) is still playing despite getting caught with cocaine.

These suspensions can greatly change a players career and then in turn affect their rookie card value. Look at a Michael Irvin, once he got caught with cocaine his stock as a player fell despite being elected to the hall of fame. Pay close attention to these types of infractions when buying cards as they usually have a very detrimental impact to their overall value.