In wake of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision to once again impose suspensions on four players as a result of the league’s ‘Bountygate’ investigation, Saints QB Drew Brees is standing firmly behind his teammates.
Brees said Thursday on NFL Network’s NFL AM this morning,
“It seems like so much of his suspensions have been based upon speculation and rhetoric, and maybe the testimony of some pretty unreliable sources. That’s the unfortunate thing. It seems like his decision changes quite a bit, at least the reasoning behind what his decision is. That’s the disappointing part of it for all of us. It’s been a tough road, but we’re really just trying to compartmentalize this, block it out so that we can focus on the season.”
Scott Fujita, currently with the Browns, in a statement called the Commissioner’s decision an “abuse of power” and said Goodell’s letter to him was condescending.
“Additionally, I am now purportedly being suspended for failing to confront my former defensive coordinator for his inappropriate use of language,” said Fujita. “This seems like an extremely desperate attempt to punish me. I also think it sets a dangerous precedent when players can be disciplined for not challenging the behavior of their superiors. This is an absolute abuse of the power that’s been afforded to the Commissioner.”
The players are not going to allow themselves to be bullied by a process they view as unfair. Next step will be for the players to work with the NFLPA and file an appeal of the Commissioner’s latest decision.
“We will review this decision thoroughly and review all options to protect our players’ rights with vigilance,” said the NFLPA on Tuesday.
Jonathan Vilma’s season-long suspension and Will Smith’s four-game suspension were unchanged. However, Vilma will retain his salary for the six weeks he spent on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Scott Fujita’s suspension was reduced from three games to one game. Anthony Hargrove’s suspension was reduced from eight games to seven games. Hargrove will be credited for five games missed while a free agent, and will serve a two-game suspension once he is signed by an NFL team.
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