Goodell not fazed by Vilma’s lawsuit, Saints’ blather
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell isn't concerned about Jonathan Vilma's lawsuit. (AP photo)
Troy Vincent heard it from coaches since his days in youth football.
“Tough it out! Get up! Suck it up!’ — but those days are over,” the former NFL safety said Tuesday. “Was that the right thing to do? No. But that’s the way we were taught.”
The NFL, facing player-safety issues and a blur of concussion-litigation lawsuits, potentially could be on the verge of sweeping changes. But the biggest obstacle may be changing mindsets. Players, coaches and owners are driven to win, CAT-scans and EEGs be damned. This is a $9 billion league. A team’s season: 16 games. Evidence of possible post-career brain damage notwithstanding, does anybody really believe a player is not going to stumble back to the huddle even if he feels a little loopy?
Does it seem fathomable that players, not the most stable bunch when it comes to job security, would be willing to sit out games?
“That’s the progression,” said Vincent, who now works as the NFL’s vice president of player engagement. “It’s the right thing to do. I think players realize what’s at stake.”
The NFL held its spring meetings in Atlanta on Tuesday. Player safety stirred most of the discussion. Not surprising. It’s a topic that resonates in most NFL cities, with the notable exception of New Orleans. The Saints are still playing the victim card in “BountyGate.”
New Orleans players believe they’re being railroaded. But with every new whine, they’re morphing into a bigger clown act – and Jonathan Vilma is driving the proverbial overstuffed Volkswagen.
Late last week, “Jonathan Vilma vs. Roger Goodell” was filed in U.S. District Court in Louisiana. Among the amusing claims in Vilma’s libel and defamation suit: “Goodell had no reasonable grounds for believing the truth of his statements. Goodell relied on, at best, hearsay, circumstantial evidence and lies in making the statements.”
The result of these false claims, Vilma said, is that the “media will forever mention his name in the context of the bounty investigation and fans will forever remember Vilma with ill repute rather than remember his substantial accomplishments on and off the field.”
Sorry. I had to laugh at the thought of Vilma sitting on a witness stand, denying he was someone of “ill repute.”
Michael McCann, director of the Sports Institute at Vermont Law School, could not recall a similar case of an athlete suing a commissioner. He said it’s “less than 50 percent” that the case will make it to the courtroom. The collective bargaining agreement may preclude a player from suing the commissioner.
“If it’s not thrown out, it will be interesting to watch,” McCann said. “It’s almost imaginary.”
Truly surreal is the Saints’ and the NFLPA’s reaction to all this. At a time when player safety is the No. 1 agenda item and the belief exists that post-career brain damage may be leading to suicides, the union is complaining about even trivial matters like players having to wear thigh and knee pads again. And suing Goodell?
Perspective, people.
“I don’t expect that everyone is going to agree all the time, particularly when it involves discipline,” Goodell said. “That’s not [my] objective.”
He would not comment directly on Vilma’s lawsuit, nor would he say whether he believed the CBA allowed a player to sue him. But he said the league would release more evidence of the Saints’ bounty program in the future, beyond the statement of facts that was released in March.
Goodell was asked if the criticism hurt him. He smiled and said no.
Does he second-guess himself?
“Sure, but that’s what an appeals process is for,” he said. “You want to hear what the players have to say. I invited them to come in, but they decided not to, at the NFLPA’s suggestion.”
Vincent played 15 seasons, went to five Pro Bowls and was named the NFL’s Man of the Year. Credibility is not an issue. Asked if he ever considered suing a commissioner, he responded, “I didn’t know we could do that.”
His reaction to Vilma’s suit?
“I read about it, and I was just like: When is this going to end?” he said. “When are we going to get back to the real issues?”
It’s a good question, one that Vilma and the Saints need to think about.
By Jeff Schultz
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
99 comments Add your comment
vafalconfan
May 23rd, 2012
10:25 am
Saints are a joke..Period!
Bishop Eddie Long
May 23rd, 2012
10:49 am
Hey Jeff I think you have enough issues to last you a lifetime. Why would you attempt to throw a offseason smoke screen to cover our beloved falcons obvious failures. Why we can’t beat the saints on constistant basis should be the topic of discussion. I like you Jeff but your taste is quite trivial.
Hillbilly D
May 23rd, 2012
10:58 am
Don’t lose sight of the fact that the Commissioner is employed by the owners.
WHO DAT BLACK
May 23rd, 2012
10:59 am
Hey Jeff,
I hope you enjoy your vacation. Enjoy it so much so that you don’t return to writing this trash.
I, of course, don’t care about the bounty situation anymore as I have come to realize that they have to tilt the playing field so that no team will ever host a Super Bowl. Next year, I believe the game is in New York. Either Coughlin or Rex will get fired or something else drastic will happen to their respective teams to knock them out of contention. It’s all about business. If a team hosts a Super Bowl, that’s half the hotel rooms, half the rental cars, etc. It’s good business, but over the last 2 years, it’s been real fishy how they go about it.
C Patterson
May 23rd, 2012
11:13 am
The aints are a bunch of cry babies. Can’t wait to see them in the dome when we play them this year. They are going to be crying then as well. GO FALCONS!!!!
Rodster
May 23rd, 2012
11:30 am
Vilma’s a typical U of Miami thug.
Robert
May 23rd, 2012
11:31 am
You’re correct, WHO DAT BLACK, this is all one big conspiracy because the New Orleans players are real “SAINTS” who would never do anything wrong.
Taxi Smith
May 23rd, 2012
11:47 am
The Saints play dirty and then want sympathy? Guys, grow up! It it a big mans’ game and you’re acting like the child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Anyway, sc*ew the Saints.
SeenThisB4
May 23rd, 2012
12:13 pm
Ah Jeff Schultz, do I detect just a smidge of anti-Saints bias, cultivated over the past half decade of failure against your perennial nemesis? Let me remind you Jeff: You are a sports reporter, that’s all. Let the legal experts in the courts determine whether or not Jonathon Vilma has a case. You do what you’re an expert in, reporting the results, instead of providing prejudiced opinions slanted against the team that has regularly been abusing yours.
Speaking of victims: Who did Drew Brees break the passing record against, with a touchdown pass no less? LOL! Your sorry team will be victimized by the Saints again this year, twice, as is the norm. Have a stellar day falcan’t fans! LOL!
Bounty Hunter
May 23rd, 2012
12:19 pm
(statement of facts that was released in March)
Just the facts, Monsieur,
Just the facts.
wxwax
May 23rd, 2012
12:36 pm
Schulz,
It’s a kangaroo court. Goodell refuses to produce any evidence. He’s relying on secret testimony. How do we know he isn’t being lied to? How do we know he himself isn’t lying?
What we do know is that the NFL and former US Attorney Mary Jo White grossly misrepresented the one piece of evidence we have seen — the Hargrove declaration. Some might say they actually lied to us.
I don’t care if the players are guilty. I *do* care that there’s no kind of due process, no right to confront the accuser… hell, no evidence whatsoever is being presented to the players involved.
That’s weak sauce. from Goodell. He first said 27 players were involved. Now he only charges 4. His pet attorney lies about the Hargrove declaration.
The NFL has a lot riding on this. It’s made a big deal out of it. But it hasn’t produced any evidence whatsoever.
Until Goodell gives the players a fair shake, I’ll believe he’s manufacturing and overstating the evidence.
ATLFAN01
May 23rd, 2012
12:41 pm
This story is just the tip of the iceberg. Wait till it comes out that Sean Payton got a Saints cheerleader pregnant. That is the real reason the wife and kids moved to Dallas. The local New Orleans media is protecting the coach.
Mister.Earl
May 23rd, 2012
1:44 pm
Has Roddy White sent any informative tweets today?
The sad fact remains that the Saints swept the Falcons away quicker than a Swifter dust mop. The Falcons scored 2 points against the NY Giants.
The gloating stops when the regular season begins. I heard Payton Manning is coming to town.
Jean Claude Killy
May 23rd, 2012
2:19 pm
SeenThis,, why dont you go back to your NOLA blog and cry some more about your beloved QB not getting a contract extention….oh yeah I’ve seen you over there whining,, HAHAHAHA,,, LOSER…
Let me buy the groceries
May 23rd, 2012
2:20 pm
Ole’ Bill Parcells
don’t wanta mess with those expired groceries in New Orleans.
SeenThisB4
May 23rd, 2012
2:55 pm
Jean Claude Dilly: I’ll post where I please, stalker.
Mister.Earl
May 23rd, 2012
3:07 pm
Jean Claude – nice screen name by the way..
Drew Brees is a Hall of Fame quarterback. You know it and the rest of the league knows it. If you think there is any concern over his contract then you are sadly mistaken. Your time might be better spent on an innovative gameplan for Cam Newton. There is no stopping Drew – you can only hope to contain him for less than 400 yards.
Did I mention we have reloaded at WR?
Hardee har har.
Jean Claude Killy
May 23rd, 2012
3:16 pm
SeenThis,, Dont flatter yourself Loser…Oh now your a tough guy on the Falcons blog,, on the NOLA blog you were crying like a Little Girl,, If the Taints had any class (which they obviously dont) they would have already locked up Brees,, Without him you guys dont stand a chance so you better hope and pray they get their head out of their you know what and lock him up long term,,, HAHAHAHAHA,, Otherwise this little party is about to come to a halt… That is all…
Jean Claude Killy
May 23rd, 2012
3:23 pm
Mister.Hearl,,, thanks,, Really,, no concern huh,, can you say delusional…
Jean Claude Killy
May 23rd, 2012
3:25 pm
Drew Brees himself is already concerned,, so why shouldnt Aints Fans Be,,, From everything I here he’s not real happy right now…
Jean Claude Killy
May 23rd, 2012
3:26 pm
Sorry,, “Hear”
SeenThisB4
May 23rd, 2012
4:22 pm
Drew is going to sign, inspite of your prayers to the contrary Jeanie. And when he does, he’ll be signing the richest contract of his life, One that will have him smiling like he was the night he broke Marino’s passing record. You remember that? And watch the resolve he will tender when he signs his contract.
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
5:00 pm
B4 – Drew jus may NOT sign. He may sit thru at least 5 games of the season – that would be preseason + one the opener. Humm that means ain’ts are lookin at maybe 2-14 instead of at best 5-11 this upcoming season. How does dat feel chump?
Go Falcons
SeenThisB4
May 23rd, 2012
5:08 pm
@true Falcan’t Fan: LOL! Wake up fool! You’re dreaming again.
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
5:20 pm
Prove me wrong dawg, you wake up FOOL!
Go Falcons
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
5:25 pm
B4 – nothin but a chunk N’ Duck u r —- Drew Brees maybe in the TOP 4 elites QB’s OF NFL TODAY – he is not an idiot – the bOy is going to get the $$$$$$$$$$ this time, either with the Ain’ts or NOT! Like i said he is NO fool, his playing days in Greatest oysters town USA, ARE NUMBERS WATCH AND SEE…………….
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
5:29 pm
Ain’ts need draft picks next year — they will be in a total re-tool – re-build mode in 2013 – for sure!
Go Falcons!
SeenThisB4
May 23rd, 2012
5:59 pm
The Saints Will prove you wrong, Sleepy. By the way, keep an eye out for a new head coach, your team will need one soon, and you can’t have Sean Payton.
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
6:24 pm
Now your ignorance is really coming out, think about it – #9 is within 3 years & done – no matter what happens this season, the Ain’ts will be re-tooling the team and really starting NOW, but big time re-build in 2013… Re: Falcons HC – no doudt about it Falcons don’t go post season and POST first play-off win Smitty is in my opinion DONE!
Go Falcons!
SeenThisB4
May 23rd, 2012
6:34 pm
#9 easily has six years of production left, and as long as he stays healthy, he’ll remain productive. His style of play and quick release lends itself to longievity in the league. The Saints will dominate this division for years.
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
6:58 pm
NOPE U R WRONG THIS YEAR FORSURE!! YOU’LL SEE
HEY #9 IS GOOD DON’T GET IT WRONG, BUT WHEN U DON’T HAVE “RIGHT” COACHING & PLAYER CAST AVAILABLE NOPE U R WRONG U’LL SEE
GO FALCONS! KICK SUM DAT AIN’TS ASS IN 2012!!
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
7:03 pm
Hey B4 u got a boat? We need to hook-up U & JSS up in dat boat – maybe U two could start sailing to Mexico “he/she luv’s Mexico” barring no sinkage yall could go for it – sounds sweet…………Don’t it
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
7:05 pm
Kinda like U want to go campin?????????
SeenThisB4
May 23rd, 2012
7:09 pm
Un-huh. Dude, the Saints are equipped with veteran experienced coaches. Which is why they are STILL the overwhelming favored choice to win the division, again. Like I said, keep an eye out for a new head coach; Raheem Morris may still be available for you.
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
7:36 pm
Un-huh DUUUUDE, U wanna bet B.I.T.C.H. – U’ll see U ignorant MORON IDIOT!
SeenThisB4
May 23rd, 2012
7:49 pm
LOL! Insolent scaramouch!
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
8:08 pm
U r Hilarious ignorance at it’s best – U an JSS put u 2 in the same boat! Sailin who cares…………….
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
8:09 pm
Geau Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
8:11 pm
How do U say dat again DUUUUUUDDDEEEE!
U make me sick!
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
8:11 pm
GeauXXXXX Falcons!!!!!
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
8:18 pm
Jeff & everyone else – I’m sorry i’m into sum Mexican gasOline and it’s GOOD! This moron B4 & JSS should be he-she-it’s don’t cha tink? I can’t stand either one of da MORONS!
I do know one tang dirs a great pawn shop in Canton for both of dim……………..S&W forsure!! jus 2 all it takes!
Geaux Falcons!
SeenThisB4
May 23rd, 2012
8:21 pm
LOL! Ah the limited capacity of the simpleton mind, so amusingly quaint. Have a good night TFF, I’m sure your nurse maid will be putting you to bed soon.
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
8:36 pm
YES, bed is in my immediate future forsure, but ignorance is bliss isn’t it B4??????????
LOL – Final and out!
Be sure & kiss JSS good night U two forsuuurre have something in common…
True Falcon Fan
May 23rd, 2012
8:37 pm
OH wait by the way
GOOOOooooFalcons!!!!!!!!!
10 of 12
May 23rd, 2012
9:39 pm
GOOOOOOoooooooFailclowns-home to watch the rest of the playoffs like every other year
V Chip
May 24th, 2012
12:47 am
Dear God what a horrible writer. JS, Atlanta deserves a PoS like you.
Jerry Glanville
May 24th, 2012
9:56 am
The Saints did it right and won the Super Bowl with tough play…my birds are just envious. Jealousy is a disease.
Schultz -you ought to see my 2011 NFC South Champs T-Shirt I bought outside the Superdome last year after that Monday night beat down. It is great! On the back it says Congrats Drew on breaking the record against Dem Dirty Azz BIrds. Fry ‘em up! I would have got you one, but they sold out…
Good luck this year with Matty! Look out for Lofton on the edge…I’m sure he’s going to be playing so much harder now that he can earn $1k more dollars for taking Matty out!
JSS
May 25th, 2012
12:33 am
I see the little boy blogger has crawled back out of his hole again… More nap time babble at the kindergarten computer! Still trying 1950s toilet humor in the 21st century world I see… Oh, Pat Robertson and Franklin Graham said your check bounced, they only take money orders from you from now on! Have fun at your local John Birch Society meeting!
Goodell kicks a$$
May 26th, 2012
10:03 am
Take a lie detector test Vilma…….