Saints bounty evidence released to players

[Ram Quixote]

So, you're arguing that the players can not seek due process if they believe that the NFL Commissioner defamed them? Is that your position?

Anyone can use civil court to seek due process, though that doesn't necessarily guarantee it. Evidence of defamation and all that. Vilma and Fujita would probably have to seek an injunction against their suspensions, otherwise they'll simply do their time waiting for the civil suits.

 

[Stranger]

So, you're arguing that the players can not seek due process if they believe that the NFL Commissioner defamed them? Is that your position?

Anyone can use civil court to seek due process, though that doesn't necessarily guarantee it. Evidence of defamation and all that. Vilma and Fujita would probably have to seek an injunction against their suspensions, otherwise they'll simply do their time waiting for the civil suits.

Yes.... Thank you

And yes, it's stupid beyond belief that the CBA is written in such a way that it gives the players such a limited avenue of redress in the courts.... which is a super tough road to climb. I do, however, hope, Vilma can get it into the court system, as Goodell was totally irresponsible in his media campaign. Perhaps a court challenge, even if unsuccessful, will make Rodger the dodger think twice next time he decides to go after players to publicly.

 

[Stranger]

Don't have link accessible right now, but Jason La Canfora and CBS Sport are reporting NFLPA will challenge Goodell's power to rule on this matter in Federal court.....

DeMaurice Smith, like some players, is taking a more militant tone with NFL management.

The NFLPA is prepared to make one other attempt via federal court to attempt to challenge Roger Goodell's powers regarding the Saints players discipline in the "bounty" case, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

If Goodell ends up upholding his own previous decisions on Jonathan Vilma, Anthony Hargrove, Scott Fujita and Will Smith, the NFLPA has a legal strategy in place to attempt to limit Goodell's powers via the court system. It plans to make the case that he should not have full authority in this matter because on-field discipline is doled out via Ted Cottrell and Art Shell.

The CBA gives Goodell wide berth here, and thus the court challenge may prove fruitless, but the step is likely to be taken to exhaust all legal means with frustration growing in union circles regarding the league's bounty investigation and subsequent penalties. Two grievances on the matter were denied by arbitrators -- they are currently under appeal -- including one that claimed these accusations to be the domain of the on-field justice system (Shell and Cottrell are hired jointly by the NFL and NFLPA).

The strategy also helps explain why the accused players did not speak or raise any new evidence during last week's appeals hearing in New York; they were advised to allow the league to continue the process using its evidence from the lengthy NFL investigation into the matter. Several parties involved in the case figure Goodell will render a decision as soon as this week, with many officials and executives heading to vacation in early July around the holiday, although the league has put no timetable on the commissioner's decision.

A final decision on filing the lawsuit has not been made, sources said, but several people familiar with the case said they expected it to be filed unless the NFL makes a drastic decision in regards to the punishment. The NFLPA has also requested that the NFL start a new investigation into the matter. To this point the NFL has said it stands behind its investigation.

 

[Stranger]

[nfl]09000d5d82a235a5[/nfl]

 

[Stranger]

Jonathan Vilma might seek injunction to keep playing

NFL.com
Published: June 28, 2012 at 12:04 a.m.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... ep-playing

Lawyers for New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma have notified the judge hearing his defamation lawsuit against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that he will file an injunction challenging his season-long suspension if Goodell rules against his appeal.

Vilma's lawyers filed the notice with U.S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan in federal court on Wednesday, according to WWL-TV.

Following an investigation by the NFL, Vilma was suspended for the 2012 season for his role in the Saints' "bounty" program from 2009 to 2011.

Vilma then sued Goodell for defamation, claiming that the commissioner damaged his reputation and his ability to earn a living. Goodell has until July 5 to respond to the allegations.

Goodell held a hearing on the appeals of Vilma and three other players suspended in the bounty case on June 18. He has not said when he will announce his ruling.

Saints LB Vilma to seek injunction should suspension not get rescinded
Posted on June 27, 2012 at 9:47 PM
Updated today at 7:13 AM

Bradley Handwerger / WWLTV.com Sports Reporter
Email: bhandwerger@wwltv.com | Twitter: @wwltvsports

http://www.wwltv.com/sports/black-and-g ... 6425.html#

NEW ORLEANS – Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has informed Judge Helen G. Berrigan that he will file an injunction of his suspension should NFL commissioner Roger Goodell “not rescind” it.

The notice was filed in federal court Wednesday, more than a week after Vilma's June 18 appeal hearing. (See letter to Judge Berrigan.)

The move would put his playing future in the Berrigan’s hands, asking the court to step in and allow him to play.

Already Vilma has filed a defamation lawsuit against Goodell, claiming the league’s commissioner has ruined his reputation as well as his ability to make a living playing the sport.

Per Wednesday’s notice of injunction, Vilma is alerting Berrigan that he would seek the injunction in her court because his defamation lawsuit was assigned to her. The latest move is separate from the defamation suit.

The injunction says, in part, “Mr. Vilma intends to seek injunctive relief in a separate action filed in this District which we believe would be considered a related case and assigned to your Honor …”

It continues, “Since such an action would require immediate review, we are simply writing in advance to advise the Court and all known interested parties of our anticipated actions.”

Vilma vehemently denies the allegations.

Goodell hasn’t hinted at when he’ll announce his decisions on the players’ appeals.

Vilma was one of four current or former Saints suspended by Goodell for what the NFL said were roles in a bounty system the Saints allegedly ran from 2009-11. Vilma was suspended for the entire 2012 season.

Current Saints defensive end Will Smith was given a four-game suspension, former defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove (now with Green Bay), was suspended eight games and former linebacker Scott Fujita (now with Cleveland) was docked three games.

The NFL said its investigation determined Vilma offered $10,000 for any player who was able to take out then-Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner or then-Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre in the 2010 playoffs. Additionally, the NFL believes Vilma was a leader in a program it says paid players for injurious plays over a three-year period.

 

[Stranger]

Brees on David Letterman
[flv]http://www.cbs.com/thunder/canplayer/canplayer.swf?pid=_zJ_Xc_ZryoTe04omvUn888P5LPuqHvr&partner=cbs&gen=1[/flv]
Link to CBS Video
http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show ... &play=true

Drew Brees to David Letterman: Fans are weary of 'bounty' case

NFL.com
Published: June 29, 2012 at 03:44 a.m.
Updated: June 29, 2012 at 08:42 a.m.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... ounty-case

An occasionally frustrated Drew Brees let off a little steam on Thursday's edition of "Late Show with David Letterman," seeming to blame the NFL for continuing coverage of the New Orleans Saints' "bounty" scandal.

"I'll be honest with you, and I think I can speak for all fans in America for that matter, we are tired of hearing about it," Brees told Letterman in an interview that was conducted on Tuesday. "We don't want to talk about it anymore. Put forth the facts, the truth, and if indeed there was a pay-to-injure scheme, then people will get punished, and if there's not, then let's exonerate these men because, at this point, it seems like it's a smear campaign. We're dragging them through the mud, we're ruining their reputations and careers with no true evidence."

The record-setting signal caller was also on the show to promote the PACE program for concussion testing, relating a story about a concussion he suffered in a 2005 game when he was playing for the San Diego Chargers.

But the NFL's investigation into the Saints' program dominated the discussion.

"I mean, just the whole process itself and the investigation I feel like has been extremely unfair. Unfortunately, it seems like it's been more of a media campaign then it is actually finding the truth to the matter," Brees said.

"... I think for all of us, it was a shock when we were accused of that because that's a pretty heinous accusation. So the entire time, for a lot of us, it's been, 'Show us the proof, put forth the facts, and if indeed it is proved that there was a pay-to-injure program in place, then, yes, there should be punishment enforced.' Unfortunately, to this point there's been no hard evidence to show that that was indeed taking place."

"If you're fed up, I can get you a deal with the (New York) Jets," Letterman said.

"They have enough quarterbacks," Brees answered.