Fitzgerald Cecilio
Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has overturned the earlier suspensions imposed by the league on Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove, who were involved in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal
"Unlike Saints' broad organizational misconduct, player appeals involve sharply focused issues of alleged individual player misconduct in several different aspects," Tagliabue said in a statement released by the league.
"My affirmation of Commissioner Goodell's findings could certainly justify the issuance of fines. However, this entire case has been contaminated by the coaches and others in the Saints' organization," he added.
Tagliabue was earlier appointed by the league to handle a second round of player appeals.
In a statement, the NFL said it respects Tagliabue's decision, saying it "underscores the due process afforded players in NFL disciplinary matters".
"This matter has now been reviewed by Commissioner Goodell, two CBA grievance arbitrators, the CBA Appeals Panel, and Mr. (Tagliabue) as Commissioner Goodell's designated appeals officer," the NFL said.
The NFL also defended Commissioner Roger Goodell's earlier decision to suspend the four, emphasizing that "he has the authority under the CBA to impose discipline for those actions as conduct detrimental to the league".
"Strong action was taken in this matter to protect player safety and ensure that bounties would be eliminated from football," the league's statement added.
Earlier, Goodell suspended Vilma for the whole season, while Saints defensive end Will Smith, Cleveland linebacker Scott Fujita and free agent defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove received shorter suspensions.
Shortly before the regular season, the initial suspensions were vacated by an appeal panel created by the league's collective bargaining agreement. Goodell then reissued them with some modifications.
Vilma's attorney, Peter Ginsberg, said his client plans to pursue a defamation lawsuit.
"Jonathan intends to continue to pursue the defamation lawsuit in order to reclaim his reputation," Ginsberg said. "We're pleased that the unjust penalties have been overturned, but this is only one piece in remedying the situation for Jonathan."
"Congratulations to our players for having the suspensions vacated. Unfortunately, there are some things that can never be taken back," Saints quarterback Saints quarterback Drew Brees tweeted.
Earlier, an NFL probe that covered three seasons concluded that Vilma and Smith were ring-leaders of a cash-for-hits program that rewarded injurious tackles labeled as "cart-offs" and "knockouts."
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Tagliabue Overturns Ban on Players Involved in Saints Bounty Scandal - NFL 2012