NFL reportedly offers to cut Jonathan Vilma's ban to eight games
Published: Aug 05, 2012 at 06:56 PM
The NFL has offered to cut New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's season-long suspension to eight games as part of ongoing negotiations with the NFL Players Association and the counsel for the four players suspended for their involvement in the team's "bounty" program, sources familiar with the discussions told ESPN.com.
According to the report, the NFL's offer was made on the condition that Vilma drop his defamation lawsuit against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
An email seeking comment from an NFL spokesman wasn't immediately returned Sunday night.
Negotiations between the parties are expected to resume Monday, according to ESPN.com, as a Friday appearance before U.S. District Court Judge Ginger Berrigan looms.
Saints defensive end Will Smith (four games), now-Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove (eight games) and now-Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita (three games) also could have their suspensions reduced as part of the potential deal, according to ESPN.com.
A league official told ESPN.com that Goodell would have considered reducing the players' suspensions had they cooperated to his liking during the appeals process.
Goodell previously denied Vilma's appeal of his suspension for participating in the Saints' "bounty" program, in which former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams led a system that rewarded defenders from 2009 to 2011 for injuring or knocking opponents out of games.
Goodell told NFL.com's Marc Sessler on Sunday that it was "clear" the system was in place and that the NFL would not tolerate it.
Tennessee man convicted in murder of C.J. Beathard's brother
A Tennessee man was convicted Thursday in the stabbing deaths of two college students, including Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback C.J. Beathard's brother, outside a Nashville bar in 2019.
Cardinals star CB Patrick Peterson set to play out contract
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson is set to play out the final year of his contract, but things could get interesting for the eight-time Pro Bowler after this season.
Bears, Saints loomed under the radar in pursuit of Tom Brady
It seems the Bucs and Chargers weren't the only teams interested in acquiring Tom Brady this offseason. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport sheds additional light on the courting of the star QB, who also drew interest from the Bears and Saints.
49ers to split $1 million among 9 groups in fight for equality
Jim Trotter reveals the details of the 49ers' decision to split $1 million in grants among nine organizations to further the movement for social justice.
Howard Mudd, former All-Pro OL and longtime NFL assistant coach, passes away at 78
Howard Mudd, a former NFL lineman who coached in the league for 38 seasons, passed away Wednesday, his family announced. Mudd was surrounded by family after suffering multiple injuries from a motorcycle accident in late July. He was 78.
Maryland's Michael Locksley forms group for minority football coaches
Frustrated by the slow pace of minority hiring in college and professional football, Maryland's Michael Locksley has created the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches. The nonprofit will seek to groom coaches of color for upward mobility.
Phil Krueger, first GM of the Buccaneers, passes away
Phil Krueger, who helped build a dominant defense as an assistant for 1967 national champion Southern California and later became part of the first coaching staff in Tampa Bay Buccaneers' history, has died. He was 90.
Panthers HC Matt Rhule considers kneeling during national anthem
Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule said he's considering kneeling alongside his players during the national anthem this season in support of the movement against racial injustice.
Miss State RB: I won't represent 'this State' until flag is changed
Mississippi State's Kylin Hill announced via social media on Monday that he will not be "representing this State" until the Mississippi state flag, which features the Confederate battle emblem, is changed.
Mike Gundy meets with OK State players, commits to changes
Oklahoma State's Chuba Hubbard expressed unity with head coach Mike Gundy in a video on Monday after threatening a boycott earlier in the day when he took exception to an OAN T-shirt worn by the coach.
Attorneys for Baker, Dunbar claim clients' innocence
The attorneys for New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar have issued statements claiming the innocence of their clients following an arrest warrant issued on Thursday.
Owners to vote on resolution to incentivize minority HC, GM hires
The NFL will present a pair of resolutions to increase coaching and GM opportunities for minorities this coming Tuesday during the owners' virtual meeting, Jim Trotter reports.