New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who was suspended by the NFL earlier Wednesday, issued a statement through his attorney a few minutes ago. Here it is in its entirety: “I am shocked and extremely disappointed by the NFL’s decision to suspend me for the 2012 season. Commissioner Roger Goodell has refused to share any of the supposed evidence he claims supports this unprecedented punishment. The reason is clear: I never paid, or intended to pay, $10,000, or any amount of money, to any player for knocking Kurt Warner, Brett Favre or any other player out of the 2009 Divisional playoff game, 2010 NFC Championship Game or any other game. “I never set out to intentionally hurt any player and never enticed any teammate to intentionally hurt another player. I also never put any money into a bounty pool or helped to create a bounty pool intended to pay out money for injuring other players. I have always conducted myself in a professional and proud manner. “I intend to fight this injustice, to defend my reputation, to stand up for my team and my profession, and to send a clear signal to the commissioner that the process has failed, to the detriment of me, my teammates, the New Orleans Saints and the game.’’ Source: ESPN
One of two possible outcomes. 1. Goodell snitches out and settles for a lesser suspension. 2. Vilma and co. puts the NFL in the baked chicken and hecks them over good. I see option 1 happening. If the NFL had even a grainy audio tape or something like that I would give them a chance. But, basing this crap on hearsay??? I'm no lawyer but I watch Law and Order enough to know that dog don't hunt.
This whole discipline system in the NFL is hecked up. Goodell has too much power. Its stupid for him to deal suspensions and then rule on the appeals. There needs to be a committee or something. Even a dean of discipline like the NHL. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2 Skyrocket
It's the power the owners have given him. He works for them But I could also see this as in I have the evidence and if I reveal it other players are gonna hate you and retaliate Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
jonathan, if you don't understand why the league is over-disciplining everything, why don't you talk to all of the ex-players that are suing the crap out of the league left and right. that's your answer.
i agree that it's hecked up to not even present the evidence but what people need to realize is that the players signed away their rights in the last CBA when it comes to "on the field" infractions. they gave the comish absolute power so unless they can prove this is an off the field situation they cant do a damn thing about it.
