Saints players disappointed in suspensions

• By SHELDON MICKLES
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Dec 4, 2008 - Page: 1C - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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METAIRIE — The New Orleans Saints went about their business as usual on Wednesday, preparing for a game with the Atlanta Falcons just one day after three of their teammates were suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

When the Saints took the practice field for the first time after an off day on Tuesday, running back Deuce McAllister and defensive end Will Smith were missing. Defensive end Charles Grant was already gone since he’s on injured reserve with a triceps injury.

All three were suspended four games without pay when the league denied their appeal after they tested positive for a banned diuretic which can serve as a masking agent for steroids.

McAllister, Smith and Grant were among six NFL players who used an over-the-counter weight-loss product called StarCaps, which helps rid the body of excess water. The problem was the pills apparently contained the diuretic Bumetanide although the players claimed it wasn’t listed as an ingredient on the bottle’s label.

Reaction to the suspensions was pretty much the same around the locker room after the practice session. Even though many were prepared for the NFL to come down on their teammates, several players were nonetheless disappointed in the action taken by the league.

Saints coach Sean Payton said he was disappointed for the players and their fans.

“It’s really just that,” he said. “Like I said at the onset, it’s a league matter and we leave it at that. Right now we move forward and get these other guys ready to play.”

Strong side linebacker Scott Fujita was among the most outspoken players.

“I don’t know how much of an opinion we’re even allowed to have anymore when it comes to NFL issues, but obviously, I completely disagree with it,” he said. “I think it’s stupid. I think it’s wrong, though I’m not surprised in the least bit.

“I’m not shocked at all, but it doesn’t make it any less lame to me,” Fujita said. “I expected this to happen. I know some of the guys were optimistic, but I kind of saw this coming. It doesn’t make me disagree with it any less.”

Saints fullback Mike Karney, who became the lead blocker for McAllister after he was drafted in 2004 and soon became a close friend of the popular running back on and off the field, said he was devastated by the news.

“I’m speechless,” he said. “It’s tough to take. We all knew that (the suspensions) loomed over them, but it’s still tough to take.”

Karney said he sent McAllister a “long and emotional” text message offering his support for the eight-year veteran, the team’s all-time leading rusher and touchdown maker.