NEW YORK (AP) - The NFL has suspended six players for four games each for violating the league's anti-doping policy. One of them is Utica native Will Smith of the New Orleans Saints.

The players used a diuretic, which can serve as a masking agent
for steroids.

The other suspended players are running back Deuce McAllister and
defensive lineman Charles Grant of New Orleans; defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams of Minnesota; and long snapper Bryan Pittman of Houston.

The punishment is an especially harsh blow to Minnesota, which
leads the NFC North and relies heavily on the two Williamses to
stop the run game.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)