New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith, who was one of four players that received suspensions from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell Wednesday, issued a strong response to the punishment.
Smith was given a four-game suspension without pay for his alleged involvement in the Saints’ “pay-to-injure program.” The league’s statement said Smith—along with Jonathan Vilma (one season), Anthony Hargrove (eight games) and Scott Fujita (three games)—were suspended for “conduct detrimental to the NFL as a result of their leadership roles” as defensive captains.
However, in a statement released to Pro Player Insiders Wednesday evening, Smith made it clear he will fight the ruling, categorically denying the accusations against him and saying the NFL never contacted him regarding evidence or any potential punishment related to the case. Further, the Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion stated he will work alongside the NFL Players Association to appeal the decision.
Smith’s entire statement reads: “I am disappointed the NFL has punished me with a four-game suspension. I have never in my career, nor as a captain, asked others to intentionally target and hurt specific opposing players. I was in no way involved in establishing or assisting Gregg Williams with implementing a bounty program. The accusations made against me are completely and 100 percent false, and I plan to appeal the decision along with the help of the NFL Players Association.
“Through this entire process, the NFL never notified me of what I was being accused of, nor presented me with any evidence or reasoning for this decision. I am interested in discovering who is making these specific and false accusations, and as well as why a decision was made without speaking with me and giving me the opportunity to review the facts. I am going to work with my union to clear my name and returning to the game I love and respect. Thank you to our fans for the continued support.”
As of this writing, Smith, Fujita and Hargrove are allowed to participate in their clubs’ offseason activities including preseason games before their suspensions take effect. Vilma is suspended immediately and will be reinstated following the 2012 season’s Super Bowl.
But all players plan to file appeals, and the union said Wednesday it will “vigorously protect and pursue all options on [the players’] behalf.”
