Appeals Panel Lifts Suspensions of NFL Players in Bounty Scandal

[txradioguy]

NEW ORLEANS –  The suspensions of four players in the NFL's bounty investigation have been lifted by a three-member appeals panel. The league reinstated those players a few minutes after Friday's ruling.

The panel said Commissioner Roger Goodell did not have jurisdiction to hear the players' appeals of their punishment for their roles in the New Orleans Saints bounty program that paid cash bonuses for hits that injured opponents.

While the ruling allows Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, Saints defensive end Will Smith, Cleveland linebacker Scott Fujita and free agent defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove to play immediately, it does not permanently void their suspensions.

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/09/07/appeals-panel-lifts-suspensions-nfl-players-in-bounty-scandal/

[Ralph Wiggum]

Vilma tweeted this line:

[Lacarnut]

Being a Saint's fan, I am happy about this ruling. I think the Commis. overstepped his bounds using heresay and locker room trash talking to make his case for the suspensions. If he can prove that any player rec. compensation (cash) for injuring another player, the suspensions are warranted. If he can not, he is just shooting blanks and shame on him. That is what it boils down to, and I think that is only fair.

[txradioguy]

Being a Saint's fan, I am happy about this ruling. I think the Commis. overstepped his bounds using heresay and locker room trash talking to make his case for the suspensions. If he can prove that any player rec. compensation (cash) for injuring another player, the suspensions are warranted. If he can not, he is just shooting blanks and shame on him. That is what it boils down to, and I think that is only fair.

Very well said.

[BigTex]

Being a Saint's fan, I am happy about this ruling. I think the Commis. overstepped his bounds using heresay and locker room trash talking to make his case for the suspensions. If he can prove that any player rec. compensation (cash) for injuring another player, the suspensions are warranted. If he can not, he is just shooting blanks and shame on him. That is what it boils down to, and I think that is only fair.

clearly un-baised. the NFL isnt a court of law, Goodell clearly thought their was enough evidence to warrant the suspensions. The committee did not overturn because of lack of evidence but because they said he didnt have the authority to issue player suspensions for salary cap infractions.

[Skul]

A few decades ago, I knew and partied with some pro ballers.
One of them was responsible for a hit that took out a good up-coming quarterback, which ended that QB's career.
He pretty much told me he dearly regretted that hit.
It brought another mans livelyhood to an end.
He was the nicest guy in the world. The last thing he'd ever want.
Bounty/headhunting should not be tolerated on the field.

[thundley4]

A few decades ago, I knew and partied with some pro ballers.
One of them was responsible for a hit that took out a good up-coming quarterback, which ended that QB's career.
He pretty much told me he dearly regretted that hit.
It brought another mans livelyhood to an end.
He was the nicest guy in the world. The last thing he'd ever want.
Bounty/headhunting should not be tolerated on the field.

Key words: " A few decades ago".  I have a feeling that guys like your friend are few and far between in the NFL these days.

[BigTex]

Looks like all the suspensions are upheld

Linebacker Scott Fujita's three-game suspension has been reduced to one while defensive end Anthony Hargrove's eight-game penalty has been trimmed to seven games.

The suspensions of linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Will Smith will remain the same.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story?storyId=8483685