NFL: Saints Bounty Thread

[AsylumGuido]

Vilma could force NFL to produce evidence

New Orleans Saints fans, who have been screaming for the NFL to produce more evidence in the bounty scandal, just might get their wish.

Linebacker Jonathan Vilma has filed a defamation lawsuit against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The suit claims Goodell made false statements about Vilma while discussing the league’s investigation of the bounty system. Vilma has drawn the harshest punishment of any player, drawing a suspension for the 2012 season. The league has identified Vilma as a leader of the bounty program and said he put up money as an incentive for Saints’ defenders to injure opponents.

Vilma has repeatedly denied those allegations and he did it again Thursday on his Twitter account.

"As I've said before..I NEVER PAID, NOR INTENDED TO PAY ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY,TO ANY PLAYER FOR INTENTIONALLY HURTING AN OPPONENT. "Maybe this will get some people(‘s) attention."

Vilma already has appealed the suspension to Goodell and the NFL Players Association has filed grievances on behalf of Vilma and the three other suspended players. But the lawsuit against Goodell ups the stakes.

It may take the ball out of the NFL’s court. When Goodell was playing judge and jury, the NFL only revealed the evidence it wanted to. In a court of law, the NFL could be forced to reveal all of its evidence and where it came from.

The lawsuit asks for unspecified legal damages, but I don’t think Vilma is simply looking for money. I think he’s trying to clear his name and resume his career. Vilma is the only person to take to the legal system before, but I wouldn’t be surprised if any of the coaches, players or administrators that have been punished and named in the investigation follow his lead.

[AsylumGuido]

James Varney ‏@jvarneyTP

Point of reference: Payton and G. Williams apologized generally; did not admit full charges, esp. never intent to injure.

[AsylumGuido]

This looks to have really caught Goodell off guard:

League responds to Vilma suit, reiterates commitment to safety and integrity

The NFL has responded to the lawsuit filed Thursday by Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma against Commissioner Roger Goodell for defamation.

“We have not yet reviewed the filing,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told PFT via email. “However, our commitment to player safety and the integrity of the game is our main consideration. We recognize that not everyone will agree with decisions that need to be made.”

Goodell will have 30 days to formally respond to the complaint, once it is officially served. It will be far more detailed than the paragraph appearing above, and it likely will consist of an effort to dismiss the case, possibly under the argument that the labor agreement supersedes the litigation process, forcing Vilma to file a grievance under the CBA.

[AsylumGuido]

Saints' Vilma sues Roger Goodell for defamation - Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Suspended Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma filed a defamation lawsuit Thursday against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The suit in U.S. District Court in New Orleans claims Goodell has made false statements about Vilma while discussing the NFL's bounty investigation of the New Orleans Saints.

Goodell has said Vilma was a leader of the team's bounty program that put up thousands of dollars for big hits on opposing teams' star players from 2009-11, including on then-Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner and then-Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre during the playoffs in 2010.

''Commissioner Goodell opted to make very public and unfortunately erroneous allegations against Jonathan,'' said Vilma's attorney, Peter Ginsberg. ''By making these false and public statements, he has significantly harmed Jonathan's reputation and ability to make a living.

''By suing Commissioner Goodell in court, Jonathan opted to use a fair playing field where he has procedural rights and protections to remedy the harm Commissioner Goodell has done to him,'' Ginsberg added.

Vilma wrote on his Twitter account that, ''As I've said before..I NEVER PAID, NOR INTENDED TO PAY ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY, TO ANY PLAYER FOR INTENTIONALLY HURTING AN OPPONENT.''

Goodell has suspended Vilma for the entire season. Vilma and three other players who received shorter suspensions - defensive end Will Smith, defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove and linebacker Scott Fujita - all have appealed their punishments. Hargrove now plays for Green Bay while Fujita is with Cleveland.

''We have not yet reviewed the filing,'' NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. ''However, our commitment to player safety and the integrity of the game is our main consideration. We recognize that not everyone will agree with decisions that need to be made.''

Vilma's lawsuit, which is expected to be heard by Judge Ginger Berrigan, asks for unspecified monetary damages.

The players' association has said that the league has refused to turn over what the union would view as hard evidence that Vilma or the other sanctioned players tried to intentionally injure targeted opponents or sponsored such behavior on the field.

Ginsberg has echoed those complaints and said the federal lawsuit could force the NFL's hand.

''It is certainly the case that in court, Jonathan will have a right to see whatever it is that Commissioner Goodell has been hiding from us and what Commissioner Goodell contends gave him a basis to make these false allegations,'' Ginsberg said. ''We will have a fair and neutral judge to preside over the dispute rather than contending with the executioner also being the person making the final decision.''

[JDaveG]

You know the problem with suing someone? The first thing they're going to do is take your deposition. Under oath. Under penalty of perjury.

If, that is, it isn't dismissed on the pleadings.

[AsylumGuido]

(05-17-2012 04:55 PM)JDaveG Wrote:  You know the problem with suing someone? The first thing they're going to do is take your deposition. Under oath. Under penalty of perjury.

If, that is, it isn't dismissed on the pleadings.

I'm sure both Vilma and his lawyer are well aware of that fact. Perhaps they are not the ones that should be concerned.

[phocis850]

Your overconfidence will end in sadness. This is gonna get interesting.

And no, Goodell wasn't taken off guard. These things are expected from retards.

[AsylumGuido]

Jeff Duncan ‏@JeffDuncanTP

Interesting and pertinent fact. RT @wyche89: Vilma's lawuit against Goodell was done independent of the NFLPA according to his attorney

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Skip Bayless ‏@RealSkipBayless

I believe JVilma has a strong case vs. Goodell. I want to see some evidence.

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Cindy Brunson ‏@ESPNCindyB

Hell hath no fury like 3x pro bowler scorned. RT/@adbrandt: For your reading pleasure: Jonathan Vilma v. Roger Goodell: http://bit.ly/MoO7yo

[AsylumGuido]

(05-17-2012 05:04 PM)phocis850 Wrote:  Your overconfidence will end in sadness. This is gonna get interesting.

And no, Goodell wasn't taken off guard. These things are expected from retards.

I think this is a bit more serious than you think. And, yes, it is going to be VERY interesting.

[pauliwood]

lol@ using a skip bayles quote to push an agenda.