Commissioner Roger Goodell faces lawsuit by New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma - NFL News
New Orleans Saints, linebacker, Jonathan Vilma, filed a lawsuit in a district court in New Orleans against National Football League (NFL) commissioner, Roger Goodell on Thursday.
Vilma’s lawsuit alleges that statements made by the commissioner have destroyed his reputation and threatens to end his football career.
The suit was filed by the linebacker’s lawyer, Peter Ginsberg asks for monetary damages from the league as well as punitive damages and lawyer fees.
Vilma took to Twitter after filing the lawsuit and once again reiterated that he was not involved in paying any amount of money to teammates as part of the bounty scandal.
"As I've said before..I NEVER PAID, NOR INTENDED TO PAY ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY, TO ANY PLAYER FOR INTENTIONALLY HURTING AN OPPONENT."
The lawsuit alleges that the commissioner made false statements in front of the media which have damaged Vilma’s reputation and because of these accusations the player will be remembered for the bounty scandal and not because of his achievements on the field.
"Vilma will soon have to leave behind the world of professional football and will likely face difficulties in obtaining other employment and entering into new ventures as a result of Goodell's false and defamatory statements,"
The linebacker’s attorney, Peter Ginsberg talking to the media after filing the suit said that court proceedings will give his client a fair ground to make his case while also forcing the commissioner to reveal the evidence he claims to have regarding Vilma’s
participation in the bounty scandal.
"By suing Commissioner Goodell in court, Jonathan opted to use a fair playing field where he has procedural rights and protections to remedy the harm Commissioner Goodell has done to him."
In early March the NFL revealed the existence of a bounty programme in the Saints defensive roster through which players received monetary incentives to injure targeted opponents.
Vilma was the only player whose name was specifically mentioned in that report and he was accused of offering $ 10,000 for a hit on quarterback, Brett Favre during the 2009 National Football Conference (NFC) Championship game.
Goodell has suspended the veteran linebacker for a year over his alleged leadership role in the bounty scandal, however, the linebacker has filed an appeal over that decision.
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