Exactly nispikers! The Saints haters seem to forget or ignore that not only is the league refusing to make Williams and Cerullo available for cross-examination in the appeals, but they have ALSO requested a stay of discovery in Federal court blocking not only Vilma’s ability to examine ALL of the evidence collected in this case, but also preventing his lawyers from deposing Williams, Cerullo, and Goodell. What are they trying to cover up?

“Thus, Judge Helen Berrigan should give the NFL a choice: Make the witnesses available, or rescind the suspension of Vilma.”

What about: Contract law dictates Vilma must comply with the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

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Are you referring to the same CBA that Goodell IS NOT complying with?

“Thus, Judge Helen Berrigan should give the NFL a choice: Make the witnesses available, or rescind the suspension of Vilma.”

What about: Contract law dictates Vilma must comply with the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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Seeing as how the commissioner’s first ruling was smacked down because it violated the CBA maybe you should be telling Goodell to comply with the terms of the CBA. Besides the CBA calls for a fair and impartial arbiter and the commissioner has neen anything but. Why don’t people like you point that out when you bring up the CBA?

This refusing to produce argument is a red-herring, as the NFL can’t “make” non-party witnesses appear at a court hearing in a state in which they do not reside if that non-party witness doesn’t want to. Isn’t the legal isue in Loisianna the propriety of the punishment and appeal system as opposed to the underlying merits? How does the witness testimony relate to that core legal issue?
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This is at the appeals hearing that they want Williams and Cerullo to appear. If Goodell can get Williams to sign a sworn statement after the fact, he can compell him to appear.
Ginsburg has already subpoened Williams and Cerullo for the legal case and they are supposed to have depositions sometimes this month. But so was Goodell. Haven’t heard much on that one yet.

What about: Contract law dictates Vilma must comply with the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

A CBA Appeal is not a court appeal; doesn’t have to be. Vilma is trying to claim his innocence based on Goodells hearings not being handle like they would in court.

Lets just get this overwith. The home town court judge will rule with Vilma who will get his stay. NFL appeals and it gets kicked out of Louisiana and will be overturned, AS IT SHOULD, and Vilma will serve his suspension next year at home when he cant catch on with a team.
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The NFL is required by law to follow basic standards of fairness in this country.

The defendents should be able to question any ‘evidence’ the NFL is using against them. In this case, the NFL is refusing to allow them to question the two biggest pieces of ‘evidence’ in this case.

And yes, it’s up to the NFL to compel them to attend the appeal hearing. Cerullo won’t appear because he’s a liar that sought revenge. Williams won’t appear because he won’t ever coach again if he doesn’t follow the NFL’s every order.

If you assume the NFL has asked them to attend, and they refuse, then fairness would require that the NFL not use their testimony as ‘evidence’ against the players.

Everyone must testify to get to the absolute truth.

I also hope Vilma doesn’t feel bad about calling out GWilliams because GW has the ability to clear everything up but hasn’t. GW’s selfishness, truthfulness and lack of integrity are keeping him from coming forward. I bet GW still didn’t tell Goodell the whole and complete truth, that’s why he’s keeping shut.

Here’s what this is. NFL and RG got the fanbase back on their side by rescinding the initial suspensions, despite reissuing them. Now Vilma needs a ploy to get everyone back on his side. Swing the pendulum if you will. So he throws another “hey they aren’t being fair to me” retort to get common folk stirred up hating RG again. Yes it was in a filling, but it’s more of a PR thing and assurance that these 2 will be there in court than anything else. Doesn’t it speak volumes that none of the other players in the case have come to the table with the same issue? Hmmm…

My suggestion? How about waiting until the 23rd is over and worrying about it then?

Whatever the ruling ends up on this, he’s as disingenuous and weasel-like as they come.

No wonder the league won’t produce them for cross-examination.

Bounty punishments = a sham.

Roger Goodell has butchered this process from the start. I don’t think he’s handled any of this properly, and I can’t see how anyone else could agree with him.

If he feels he’s right, if he feels these suspensions are just and that he’s acting in the best interest of the league, and in the correct manner based on the evidence he has, produce it. It’s over. There’s no more investigation, there’s no more cover-up, there’s no more names that need to come out. If you aren’t biased, the evidence should exonerate your intentions.

Everyone hates on the Saints all the sudden, but how can any of you blame them for fighting for something they believe in when the NFL is handling this situation the way that they are? How can you condemn them when the NFL’s stories (all of them almost) contradict each other, and they won’t give those accused an honest chance to prove their innocence?

I believe Roger Goodell is trying to set an example to use as a defense against so many of the concussion lawsuits. That’s my firm, honest belief.

Vilma is guilty! Why else would goodell not have them testify?

Come on saints haters, let’s see the spin…

I mean, even this website reported that New Orleans would be one of two finalists for 50 and now they’re off the list altogether?

If the former, that’s plain wrong. If the latter, and the players are free to produce Williams and Cerullo on their own, this is just yet another smokescreen being blown by the NFLPA.

Lets just get this overwith. The home town court judge will rule with Vilma who will get his stay. NFL appeals and it gets kicked out of Louisiana and will be overturned, AS IT SHOULD, and Vilma will serve his suspension next year at home when he cant catch on with a team.