Bounties wrong and Saints, Vilma and NFLPA just don’t get it
Jonathan Vilma has some free time to admire this.
(4:10 p.m: Updated and rewritten)
The NFL Players Association needs to re-brand itself, perhaps as the Union of People We Feel Like Representing. Because how is it that a players’ union, whose stated mission includes looking out for the well-being of all its membership …
• Ignores all evidence uncovered in a two-year NFL investigation into a bounty program.
• Ignores the public admission of a former assistant coach, Gregg Williams, who orchestrated and partially funded the program.
• Ignores an audio recording in which Williams is heard instructing his New Orleans defensive players to deliver repeated head blows to the opposing quarterback and running back and then references a specific wide receiver, saying: “He becomes human when we [bleepin’] take out that outside ACL.”
Where’s their union?
The NFL did the right thing again Wednesday. Following the suspensions of coach Sean Payton and other team officials for “Bounty Gate,” commissioner Roger Goodell suspended linebacker Jonathan Vilma for the entire 2012 season and three other players: defensive end Will Smith (four games), linebacker Scott Fujita (now with Cleveland, three games) and defensive end Anthony Hargrove (now with Green Bay, eight games).
It could’ve been worse. The league initially stated “22 to 27″ players were involved in the bounty program. But Goodell, in his own little bounty program, focused on the Saints leaders who contributed money, demonstrated the greatest intent to participate “and/or obstructed the 2010 investigation.”
The union’s immediate response was indignation. It will appeal. I understand a union has members’ backs. But is Drew Brees’ back more important than everybody else’s? How about the guys targeted to be beheaded? Or is the NFLPA just somehow trying to save face after giving so much back in collective bargaining talks?
The NFLPA released a statement saying it has “not received any detailed or specific evidence from the league of these specific players’ involvement in an alleged pay-to-injure program.”
In legal circles, this is called The Bart Simpson Defense: “I didn’t do it. Nobody saw me do it. You can’t prove anything.”
Former Saint Darren Sharper said he read the NFL security report and saw no “proof” that bounty payments made. I love it when people go all CSI on us.
Fear not, I’m sure video of Williams and Vilma handing out $100 bills will surface because don’t you just know the Saints would want it for bookkeeping purposes?
Probably won't see this photo again: Payton, Goodell, Brees smiling
Exactly what would the players union and its muddled-brained leader, DeMaurice Smith, say to Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was among those targeted for $10,000 bounties by the Saints defense? Rodgers said recently, “I think the line is drawn when people knowingly take money for hits that cause injuries to another player.”
The Saints have now lost their head coach (Payton) for the entire season, their interim head coach (Joe Vitt) for six games, their general manager (Mickey Loomis) for eight games, two of their best defensive players (Vilma and Smith) and a second-round draft pick. Quarterback Drew Brees also remains unsigned and unhappy about being franchise tendered, so there’s a degree of uncertainty about his future.
The Saints will play up the Us-Against-The-World theme. But how can you not look at this and logically conclude that the Falcons have the inside track for the NFC South title?
We’ve addressed this before: Anybody who trivializes the bounty program with comments like, “Everybody does it” (not true) or the NFL loves violence (true, but they don’t love concussions and torn ligaments) is missing the point. There’s a difference between rewarding an athlete for an unscripted play and a premeditated assault.
Payments for “cart-offs” aren’t acceptable. We’re taking about people’s livelihoods. And lives.
There aren’t a lot of people around the NFL who feel sorry for the Saints. Along with the team’s success, New Orleans has been viewed as one the more arrogant organizations for a few years. Nobody wears that crown better than Vilma. He recent demonstrated that by changing the avatar on his Twitter account (@JonVilma51) to the Sports Illustrated cover with his picture and the headline: “Bounty Culture.”
I’m sure that went over well in Goodell’s office.
Clearly, there’s a level of acceptance that hasn’t taken place yet with Vilma or the NFLPA. It’s easy to understand a player who can’t get out of the way of his own ego. But a union that is supposed to be looking out for all doesn’t have that excuse.
By Jeff Schultz
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259 comments Add your comment
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:18 pm
By the way , I’m in Atlanta so we’ll see if you make that game in N.O.–if you’re able
Jeff
May 2nd, 2012
5:20 pm
The Saints General Manager, coaches, and players are perfect reflection of their city, just plain “dirty.”
Dirty GM
Dirty Coaches
Dirty Players
Dirty Mayor
Dirty City
Hurst
May 2nd, 2012
5:20 pm
Jeff says “But how can you not look at this and logically conclude that the Falcons have the inside track for the NFC South title?”
Very easily. For one thing, the Saints talent level is still much higher than what the Falcons can muster up. You really think with adding Samuel and Tatupu that they’re going to slow down the Saints’ offense? You really think you can outscore the Saints when you have to deal with DC Spag’s schemes? Yes Jeff, please think logically. This looks like another typical ATL sycophantic piece written just so you can get continued access.
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
5:21 pm
WHO DAT BLACK- I pretty sure your little resident criminals are not the ones on the blog site talking trash. Those guys are busy selling dope to the natives. Every city has it’s street thugs surely you know this. I grew up in the projects homie in a small city called Chicago. Cabrini-Green projects. Funny one of the streets close by was Orleans St. I walk mine just like I talk it.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:25 pm
What about it Flub Pebble? You’re not talkin’ my language-maybe ’cause I don’t speak sissy
Chuck Clausen
May 2nd, 2012
5:25 pm
When I was coaching in the league (1976-1990) The word was out that their was one head coach giving out monitary rewards for injuring opponents – the players I knew didn’t like it, they had little or no repect that coach – I think he lasted 3 or 4 years, hard to win if your players don’t respect you.
Bill Cosby
May 2nd, 2012
5:27 pm
suspensions won’t stand when they go to court, there is no proof only hearsay, this has all been a sham to cover the NFL’s butt with the pending lawsuits. It’s not about player safety as Schultz would have you beleive. All of this will come into the light and all of the WHO DATS will have their day. We don’t need Smith and Vilma to beat the failcons anyways, it doesn’t even matter if the dirty birds win the division, they will have an early exit reguardless.
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
5:33 pm
10 of 12-Flub Pebble? Are you even serious? Are you a man or a woman? If you’re a woman I apologize because I don’t bash women. I have just never heard of a grown man coming up with such queer names before. I asked you once before if your name 10 of 12 was in reference to your search for 10 of the 12 inches needed to put you sound to sleep but wow now I think I’m blog arguing with a girl. Conversation ended on the “Flub Pebble” comment. LOL I dont bash women or gays.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:35 pm
Hooters on 41 near Cumberland Mall . I usually get there around 7 on Wed and Thurs nights . I’ll be the one with a Saints shirt on Ther, that gives you somewhat of a chance to get the first shot . Better make it count ’cause I’m not responsible for scrapin’ 400 lbs of lard off their floor once I get finished with you
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:36 pm
Now you’re cluckin’ like a chicken – or is it a Falcon?
BigBadBartkowski
May 2nd, 2012
5:37 pm
If the NFL has the evidence?!? There is a public admission by Williams that it EXISTED. The coach admitted it! And y’all don’t think they have any more evidence if the guy who orchestrated it owned up to it? Y’all are delusional.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:39 pm
Chubs forecast calls for pain!
falconfan58
May 2nd, 2012
5:50 pm
Old saying, “if you can’t do the time, then don’t do the crime”. The decision to suspend the players was up to the commish and he not only punished the players, but their organization-the Saints-as well. There are more than enough injuries to go around in the NFL without some lame brain idiot paying bounty hunters a reward for taking out other players. Sounds like the old Steve McGueen tv show. Now everytime there is an injury will there be a fine. Players it is now time to just suit up and play good old fashion football. Hit them hard and hurt them, but do not go out there with the intention to injury a player. Play football.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:51 pm
The only crew you got is your box of twinkies fat boy so eat up. The bouncers there don’t let thugs in anyway and you’re welfare HOMIES aren’t gonna waste gas for a fat slob who can’t do his own work . I knew you were gonna Falcon out -ooops I mean chicken out. Tell your momma I said to get my socks ironed
OPEN YOUR EYES
May 2nd, 2012
5:51 pm
Falcons are even lucky to make it to a 7-9 record this season! Y’all schedule look mighty tough, and besides it doesn’t matter how much help you get from the league, We still have the best offense in the league!! SAINTS WILL WIN THE DIVISION 13-3!!! WHO DATT??!!!! WE DAT!!!! LETSS GO SAINTS TIME TO PUT OUR RALLY CAP ON AN PROVE TO THE NFL WE NOT BACKIN DOWN!!!
OPEN YOUR EYES
May 2nd, 2012
5:52 pm
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
Mike Franklin
May 2nd, 2012
5:53 pm
Somebody with the legs to check this out see if it’s for real:
Jo Bonner (R-AL) has called for a congressional inquiry on the NFL’s pay-for-hits scandal.
‘Bout damned time.
BigBadBartkowski
May 2nd, 2012
5:54 pm
Bouncers at Hooters at Cumberland… Haha yeah right. That is like a screen door on a submarine.
bamadawg
May 2nd, 2012
5:55 pm
Schultz, you are right about one thing . I’ve never seen any union of late (get it). Do away with all unions.
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
6:06 pm
10 of 12- Ok I will tell her and you tell that 10 dollar curbside trick mother of yours to use a condom sometimes because that single wide trailer is about to fall off the bricks. What do thugs look like you ignorant reject? You just show up with the Saints shirt on and everything else will take care of itself.
Who Dat
May 2nd, 2012
6:14 pm
WHO DAT??
Goddell DAT!
Suck it, Aints.
Nativebird
May 2nd, 2012
6:14 pm
Their all just basically greedy ba$tards with undeserved God-given physical advantages over the rest of us. Pro sports has become the microcosm of all the selfish, self-loathing, narcissism that our cult-of-personilty society has become. Enjoy the long look in the mirror Amercia.
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
6:24 pm
BigBadBartkowski- He or she whatever it is, probably works part time at Hooter’s. All of this talk about the Falcons and Atlanta but it(10 of 12) needs Atlanta to put a roof over its moms head. Geaux back home and cheer your Saints in person LOL. Probably can’t afford to geaux back.
Get over it
May 2nd, 2012
6:25 pm
Well not all of the players are currently with the Saints now. I think only Vilma is. The only one. So it is not over for the saints.
Let me buy the groceries
May 2nd, 2012
6:28 pm
Even old cranky Bill Parcells
refused to join that mess in New Orleans.
Cam Newton
May 2nd, 2012
6:32 pm
Cam Newton with that forehead large enought to land a plane smile reminds me of “Chuckie” from the horror movie.
Vince Lombardi
May 2nd, 2012
6:46 pm
OPEN YOUR EYES is “SeenThisB4.”
Loser………………
Don Schula
May 2nd, 2012
6:47 pm
I agree with Vince.
Norm Van Brocklin
May 2nd, 2012
6:51 pm
Without a doubt, we all know it’s just Seen up to his old tricks. He has been about a dozen different characters on the Falcon blogs. His M.O. is so identifiable.
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
7:09 pm
No Show just like I figured. Hide behind the blog. LMAO!!!
LakeDawg
May 2nd, 2012
7:30 pm
The players union is nuts on this one. BTW The Taints will rally for a few games, but evenyually it will catch up to them. A good year for them will be 7-9.
Dawglasville
May 2nd, 2012
7:35 pm
I don’t know how those defensive guys looked their offensive brothers in the face and barked about this crap. Knock a guy out by the rules so be it. No need to celebrate it. Those guys are making a living too.
1990_Champs_GT
May 2nd, 2012
7:35 pm
Aints are just lucky that trophy they “won” is still in the Bayou. Goodell was too soft on them. BTW: How much will a healthy Brees who just sat out the 2012 season bring on the open market? He’ll look good in Dallas!
Arno
May 2nd, 2012
7:40 pm
Our punishment is that we will be subjected to contstant rehash for the next few years when miserable Saints games are televised.
Cajun Crap Talker
May 2nd, 2012
7:43 pm
Think about what Roethlisberger did. He only got 4 freaking games. Time to ban football and play tiddly-winks.
Jeff
May 2nd, 2012
7:46 pm
Jeff. You don’t get it.
Why in the hell should we believe the NFL and not the players who were involved. Where is Hargrove’s letter? Did you see it?
You know what’s funny, is that the NFL ‘investigated’ in 2010 and again in 2011 and had ‘information’ that Vilma had 10000 out on a qb. The NFL did NOTHING! They asked the Saints to stop. So, evidently, these were egregious violations only after the NFL felt slighted by the Saints and all of these lawsuits from former players.
The NFL is/are a bunch of retards.
Round1
May 2nd, 2012
8:15 pm
gooddell better drop these suspensions or the union will sue for big money!
Devil's Advocate
May 2nd, 2012
8:22 pm
I know the Falcons suck in the playoffs. I’m just pointing out that the Saints do too (except one lucky season where every break went their way). Whoever said the Falcons need to win as much as the Saints the past 2 seasons, you’re right. The Falcons do need to win ONE game. LOL!
Fresh Spring
May 2nd, 2012
8:35 pm
FIRST !!
Fresh Spring
May 2nd, 2012
8:40 pm
Vacate the Super Bowl “victory” and all wins since the transgressions. Actually……. death penalty for New Orleans Saints and remove the franchise for all time. Salt the earth in all the parishes. What a mockery to humanity ! Be done with this aberration. NOW !
Fresh Spring
May 2nd, 2012
8:46 pm
So ……… any other THUGS want to step up for judgement ? Yeah. I didn’t think so. Out getting new tatts. What a joke. Disgusting non humans bouncing around as “people” wanting to ride the gravy train in professional sports. Step up to the gallows. We have rope waiting for you thug….. c’mon…
SlapnutSaints
May 2nd, 2012
8:52 pm
Trivia question here: Drew Brees was drafted in 2001. In what year did he win his first playoff game???
SlapnutSaints
May 2nd, 2012
8:56 pm
Peyton Manning was drafted in 1998. In what year did he win his first playoff game???
Fresh Spring
May 2nd, 2012
9:09 pm
Brees — 2006 Manning — 1999 point ? next question ? move on.
SlapnutSaints
May 2nd, 2012
9:20 pm
Drew Brees first 4 yr stat totals: Matt Ryan first 4 yr stat totals:
QB rating avg first 4 years 86 QB rating avg first 4 years 88.4
Completion % avg first 4 years 59.8 Completion % avg first 4 years 60.9
Total yards thrown first 4 years 8772 Total yards thrown first 4 years 14238
TD totals first 4 years 56 TD totals first 4 years 95
It took Drew Brees and Peyton Manning 5 years in the NFL to win their first playoff game. Saints fans are such complete idiots they don’t even know the facts. Matt Ryan at 26 years old has just begun and Drew Brees at almost 34 yrs old is about to hit his decline.
SeenThisB4
May 2nd, 2012
9:22 pm
@open your eyes- thank you for joining the dark side, I need all the troops I can get on this blog
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2012
9:34 pm
Old School — Awful news about Seau. A lot of speculation going about why/how but I wish we could just wait 24 hours in circumstances like this to remember the player and the man.
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2012
9:35 pm
Williams — Thanks for the comments. As for protests from Saints fans, fans are fans. I understand.
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2012
9:36 pm
PMC — Thank you, sir.
Section242
May 2nd, 2012
9:37 pm
The Saints are getting off light. Pats lost a first round pick and paid a $750,000 fine for spygate. Saints lost two second round picks (less value) and get a $500,000 fine for commit planned team assault for three years. Hargrove and Fujita were already on other teams and they renegotiated with Vilma to reduce his cap value. They replaced him with Lofton. As far as players go, they lose 1 DE for 4 games. They basically get a slap on the wrist.