New Orleans Saints defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith will not be suspended "at the present time," allowing the players to continue playing this season, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday.

In fairness to the Saints, Goodell announced the suspensions of Grant and Smith for their 2008 violations of the NFL's Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances will not be enforced at the present time.

"This situation presents several unique and narrow aspects that I believe call for us to put the good of the game ahead of questions of discipline," Goodell said. "Considerations of fairness, uniform application of our policies, and competitive integrity all support deferring the suspensions at this time. I am not prepared to treat players differently when the same conduct is involved."

It remains unclear when or if the players will face suspension in the future, although it appears unlikely the suspension will come down this season.

Commissioner Goodell added, "Our primary goal is to maintain the effectiveness and integrity of our program, which has repeatedly been recognized as among the finest in all of sports. An important part of that program has been a tradition of fairness for players and clubs, with all players knowing they are held to a common standard. Because the Minnesota and New Orleans players committed the same violation and had their appeals resolved at the same time, I believe the appropriate step is to defer the suspensions while we pursue both our legal options and continue discussions with the NFLPA.

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