The NFL Players’ Association continues to state that the league’s investigation into the Saints’ bounty program was flawed, and that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has made serious missteps in his suspensions of four players.
Shortly after Goodell confirmed that he is upholding the suspensions of Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, Packers defensive end Anthony Hargrove, Saints defensive end Will Smith and Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, the NFLPA released a statement expressing disappointment.
“The players are disappointed with the League’s conduct during this process,” the statement said. “We reiterate our concerns about the lack of fair due process, lack of integrity of the investigation and lack of the jurisdictional authority to impose discipline under the collective bargaining agreement. Moreover, the Commissioner took actions during this process that rendered it impossible for him to be an impartial arbitrator.
“The NFLPA has never and will never condone dangerous or reckless conduct in football and to date, nothing the League has provided proves these players were participants in a pay-to-injure program. We will continue to pursue all options.”
For the players, the next option is expected to be heading to court.