New York Times article explains why Goodell may not be able to suspend Smith, Grant
In that article Jeff Pash (NFL counsel) said:
The state law issue has cast a needless cloud of uncertainty over... for the first time, we have an effort to attack the program through the vehicle of one's state law
This all boils down to the NFL pursuing a suspension on a case that they are partially responsible in causing.
The main reason all of these players are fighting so hard is because the NFL is refusing to acknowledge and deal with their own culpability in this case.
Now they are dealing with some unintended consequences that could effect their ability to continue the anti-doping policy.
I don't think any of these players would be fighting so hard if it weren't this particular case.
I'm glad to see Goodell struggle with one of his bad decisions.