The NFL has requested a federal judge not to interfere in Roger Goodell's attempt in trying to discipline four players who had paid out improper cash bonuses for intentionally trying to injure opponents.
The New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma had requested a federal judge to overturn his suspension in the NFL's bounty probe of the Saints Monday.
The NFL said Wednesday, in a response to papers filed by players that Goodell had the power to handle any misconduct by players that would malign spirit of the sport. As per the mutual agreement between the players' union and the NFL, Goodell could deal with such indiscipline solely at his discretion.
The players want Ginger Berrigan, the U.S. District Judge to consider their cases as they feel that Goodell is biased and incapable of an impartial investigation.
The other three suspended players in question are Scott Fujita - the Browns linebacker, Will Smith - the Saints defensive end -- and Anthony Hargrove -- free-agent defensive end.
Smith has been suspended for four games, Hargrove for seven games and Fujita for one game. Vilma was suspended for the entire season.
The NFL announced the suspensions when it found out that Vilma and other teammates operated a pool that paid out improper cash bonuses for intentionally trying to bring down opponents. The NFL also alleged that Vilma offered a sum of $10,000 to any player who knocked Favre out of the 2009 NFC Championship Game. Favre was later forced out of that game due to an ankle injury.
The suspensions although not enforced, it is likely to change early next week and a lot will depend on the players' next appeal hearing scheduled for October 23 by Goodell.
The NFL asserted that it had plenty of evidence in the bounty case which was good enough to justify Goodell's actions and it really didn't matter if he was partial to any side or not.
The NFL said: "When all of the circumstances are considered, it is clear that the reasonable observer would not have to conclude that ... the outcome is due to bias. The circumstances here include the fact that Plaintiffs do not dispute that the Saints program offered incentives for cart-offs and knockouts, and that cart-offs and knockouts were plays in which an opposing player was disabled or injured, at least temporarily.
"Not disputing that this program existed, Plaintiffs should not be heard to complain that an adverse appeal decision would have to be due to bias."
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