In the league’s announcement about Goodell upholding the suspensions of Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, Packers defensive end Anthony Hargrove, Saints defensive end Will Smith and Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, a portion of the letter from Goodell to the players indicates that the commissioner still wants to hear from the players and is committed to listening to what they have to say.
“While this decision constitutes my final and binding determination under the CBA, I of course retain the inherent authority to reduce a suspension should facts be brought to my attention warranting the exercise of that discretion,” Goodell wrote to the players. “The record confirms that each of you was given multiple chances to meet with me to present your side of the story. You are each still welcome to do so.”
Interesting...
Goodell urges Saints to meet with him, could reduce suspensions | ProFootballTalk
'Fidel' Goodell extending an olive branch?
meStevo said:Both of those articles are reporting the same thing, btw.
The NFL Players Association filed a lawsuit against the NFL on behalf of three players suspended in connection with the bounty investigation, calling Commissioner Roger Goodell "incurably and evidently biased."
Sounds AND looks like suddenly, the NFL has blinked in the game of Chicken...
Sources -- Jonathan Vilma suspension could be reduced if he withdraws civil suit - ESPN
they're chicken alright. chicken $#:+!
While sources said league attorneys have urged Goodell to offer reductions in the suspensions as a settlement, a league official reiterated Goodell's position that if the players had participated fully in the appeals process, the commissioner may have reduced the penalties as he has with other players who have been disciplined in other cases. The league official also noted that the current legal proceeding began with a settlement conference.
An often overlooked component here is Vilma's refusal to meet with Goodell during the investigative phase. If he had, maybe this reduced punishment would have been the original one handed down...
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