ESPN is reporting that New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has filed an appeal of his year-long suspension, claiming that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell should recuse himself.
Vilma’s appeal, ESPN’s Ed Werder reports, cites the fact that Goodell should recuse himself on the basis of bias and partiality.
“Vilma no doubt hopes Judge Helen Berrigan makes a favorable ruling in his defamation suit in federal court that would supersede NFL rulings,” ESPN reported.
The deadline for all players suspended to file their appeals is the close of business Friday.
“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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