LB Scott Shanle argues that New Orleans Saints bounty scandal has been blown out by NFL - NFL News
Punishments handed down by National Football League (NFL) commissioner, Roger Goodell, continue to be debated by players most of whom question the severity of the punishments handed down.
Goodell earlier had suspended four players for their leadership role in the bounty scandal according to what he claimed was irrefutable evidence gathered by a NFL investigation team.
Saints linebacker and defence captain, Jonathan Vilma was suspended from playing in the league for an entire year with teammate and defensive end, Will Smith suspended for four games.
Former Saints players who now ply their trade at other franchises also received suspensions with Green Bay Packers defensive end, Anthony Hargrove given an eight-game suspension and Cleveland Browns linebacker, Scott Fujita getting suspended for three.
Such harsh punishments have resulted in intense criticism by both players and the union NFL Players Association (NFLPA) who claim that Goodell is just looking to make an example out of the Saints.
Saints linebacker, Scott Shanle, also echoed the same sentiment in a wide ranging interview with the New Orleans Times-Picayune on Tuesday.
Speaking about the bounties the linebacker told the newspaper that the Saints were being made an example off and the bounties were actually just small payments for making big plays which the NFL has overblown out of all proportion.
He said.
"I never saw any money for injuring somebody exchange hands,"
Adding further he continued.
"There's been this picture painted that (Jonathan) Vilma was standing in front of the defense before every game picking out players to go after and offering money. It was blown up to be something more than it is."
He also said that the Saints made some mistakes and former defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams used fiery words to motivate his players but none of them took his speeches literally.
"Gregg said crazy stuff. If you take him literally, you're gonna be locked up. But he was the best motivator I've ever been around."
The linebacker said that the Saints players received $ 500 to $ 1,000 for big plays which unfortunately were categorised as “Cart-offs” and “Knock-outs” and these terminologies have been jumped on by the NFL to make something out of nothing.
With no definite evidence revealed about the bounty scandal it is still difficult to judge who is right or wrong and more news is likely to come out over the scandal over the coming days.
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