I was standing right next 2 @jonvilma51 when he found out abt his suspension ON @SportsCenter. Really? He has to find out about it that way?On Twitter this morning, Jeff Duncan is touting the fact that Anthony Hargrove "submitted a signed declaration to the NFL that established the existence of the bounty program" which is good enough for Duncan. Of course, just about every press release emanating from the league office regarding the bounty scandal has been good enough for Duncan so far.
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) May 2, 2012
Others are questioning the validity of any evidence offered by a man the NFL has also suspended today for having "actively obstructed the league's 2010 investigation into the program by being untruthful to investigators." Keep in mind, also, Hargrove has a past that it isn't too far fetched to wonder whether the league might have held over his head when leaning on him for a statement. Isn't this the part where Judge Englehardt steps in to lecture us all about the folly of using "liars to convict liars" again? No? Okay we'll wait. Meanwhile I guess Goodell can go back to lobbying for that 18 game schedule and "protecting the shield" and what not.
Anyway the NFL Players' Association isn't buying it and they are planning to appeal. Here's their statement via NOLA Defender.
After seeing the NFL's decision letters, the NFLPA has still not received any detailed or specific evidence from the league of these specific players' involvement in an alleged pay-to-injure program, the statement said. "We have made it clear that punishment without evidence is not fair. We have spoken with our players and their representatives and we will vigorously protect and pursue all options on their behalf.
Update: Vilma responds. Apparently there was some sort of bounty on the Caps Lock key.
I INTEND TO FIGHT THIS INJUSTICE, TO DEFEND MY REPUTATION, TO STAND UP FOR MY TEAM AND MY PROFESSION AND TO SEND A CLEAR SIGNAL TO THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE PROCESS HAS FAILED, TO THE DETRIMENT OF ME, MY TEAMMATES, THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AND THE GAME.
Well okay, then. Meanwhile Jimmy Buffet is playing Jazzfest this weekend. He may be looking for a new bongo player.
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