Report says at least six violated steroid policy

New Orleans Saints veterans Deuce McAllister and Will Smith reportedly are among several players who have violated the NFL steroids policy.

Fox 31 television in Denver, citing an unnamed source, reported yesterday there are between six and 10 positive tests in the NFL for a weight-loss diuretic. The only names the station mentioned were the two Saints, who are in London for tomorrow's game with the San Diego Chargers.

However, Houston TV station KRIV later reported Texans long snapper Bryan Pittman also tested positive and would appeal.

"Bryan did everything humanly possible to comply with the NFL steroid policy, including obtaining doctor's written authorization to take weight-loss medication," attorney David Cornwell said in a statement for the Houston station. "He did not use steroids."

ESPN.com, citing two unnamed sources, reported the number is more than 10 and may exceed 15.

The NFL would not comment on the reports, but Cornwell told the Associated Press he has been hired to handle the appeals of a number of players facing possible suspensions. Cornwell declined to identify any other clients or say how many there were.

Holmes faces drug charge

Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes will be charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession after a traffic stop in Pittsburgh in which police smelled burning marijuana and found marijuana-filled cigars in his car. The team said Holmes will be deactivated for tomorrow's game against the New York Giants. The Steelers also announced running back Willie Parker did not practice because of ongoing problems with his sprained left knee and is unlikely to play against New York . . . Giants receiver Plaxico Burress was fined $45,000 by the NFL for verbally abusing an official after being called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and tossing a ball into the stands during last Sunday's game against San Francisco.

Three Broncos fined

Denver's lopsided 41-7 loss to the Patriots Monday proved costly for several Broncos players, with the league fining Ryan Harris, Michael Pittman, and Jamie Winborn $5,000 each for various infractions. Harris, an offensive tackle, drew a fine for unnecessary roughness when he shoved a Patriots player. Pittman was penalized for a chop block, and Winborn for grabbing quarterback Matt Cassel by the face mask, with the league deeming it a "major" face mask . . . Right guard Brad Butler (knee) and defensive end Aaron Schobel (foot) won't play tomorrow when the AFC East-leading Bills play at Miami . . . Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (knee) will miss tomorrow's game against the 49ers and receiver Deion Branch (bruised heel) will likely join him on the sideline. Backup QB Seneca Wallace will get his second consecutive start for the Seahawks . . . Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor went to a hospital to have his left calf reexamined, and coach Jim Zorn said Taylor will have a second operation on the leg next week. Taylor did not practice but still hopes to play tomorrow against the Lions . . . A staph infection in a bursa sac in Peyton Manning's left knee led to the surgery that kept him out of much of the Colts' training camp, the team confirmed. The Colts said the second surgery did not "materially" delay Manning's recovery . . . Commissioner Roger Goodell wants to lengthen the 16-game regular season but said it won't happen before 2010 and would depend on negotiations with media partners and the players' union.