A water pill known as "StarCaps" manufactured by Balanced Health Products and marketed by Hollywood diet guru Nikki Haskell is at the center of the NFL's latest drug controversy. Five players who have ingested StarCaps were suspended for four games each on Dec. 2. However, a Minnesota judge has blocked the suspensions, allowing the players to finish the season.

The league claims that an ingredient in the pill, bumetanide, masks steroids. The players include Saints' running back Deuce McCallister. Several players have already sued the company for false advertising. StarCaps has put all orders on hold under the matter is resolved.

StarCaps is a diuretic that increases urination and hence decreases body weight. Its main ingredients are papaya and garlic extracts.

Bumetanide is used to reduce sweliing and fluid retention caused by heart and liver disease. It's marketed under the name Bumex by Hoffman-La Roche.

The StarCaps 5 are:

• Deuce McCallister (left), RB, New Orleans Saints

• Charles Grant, DE, New Orleans Saints

• Will Smith, DE, New Orleans Saints

• Kevin Williams, DT, Minnesota Vikings

• Pat Williams, DT, Minnesota Vikings

Also see:

The NFL's All-Drug Bust Team

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