Falcons DT Jackson sues manufacturer of diet pill

Nov 12, 2008 - 4:54 PM ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Atlanta Falcons nose tackle Grady Jackson on Monday filed a class-action lawsuit against against the manufacturer of a diuretic that reportedly led to his four-game suspension from the NFL.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Jackson, who is appealing the league's suspension, filed the suit in Superior Court of California against Nikki Harrell's StarCaps diet pills.

The lawsuit also names Balanced Health Products, the maker of StarCaps. Jackson is seeking restitution and damages for false advertising and unfair business practices against the company and retailers of StarCaps.

The company acknowledged the lawsuit in a message posted on its web site, StarCaps.com.

"We've received notice of a problem with an NFL player," the statement read. "We have referred the matter to our counsel and are taking all necessary steps to ensure that our customers receive product that is safe and effective. We have temporarily suspended shipping of StarCaps pending the results of our investigation."

Jackson is among a handful of NFL players who reportedly tested positive for Bumetanide, a diuretic which is on the NFL's list of banned substances.

Defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams of the Minnesota Vikings and a trio of players with the New Orleans Saints - running back Deuce McAllister and defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant - have been identified in multiple media reports as testing positive for the drug.

Bumetanide is a diuretic which can mask the presence of other substances, including steroids.

McAllister said last month that he was not surprised to learn of his inclusion on the list, although he insisted he always has tried to play by the rules.

Grant disavowed any knowledge of the report while Smith said he did not know the full details of the report and declined to comment on it.

"My initial reaction to it, we've been kind of going through this process for a while," McAllister said. "I guess you guys just found out about it at this point.

"But whatever happens that's what's going to happen. We've hired counsel. He's going to do his job to kind of put the case together and however the NFL rules, that's the way it will be."

Jackson did not deny he was on the list of players who tested positive. He directed all questions to his agent, Angelo Wright, who has said he will not comment until he completes his own investigation.

Under the league's policy regarding anabolic steroids and related substances, a first violation typically results in a four-game suspension, although it can vary depending on circumstances.