NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has authority to punish New Orleans Saints players rules arbitrator - NFL News
One of the two National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) grievances submitted against NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, has been dismissed by arbitrator, Stephen Burbank on Monday.
Burbank announced his decision five days after the first hearings took place and reiterated that Goodell did have the authority to announce the wide ranging suspensions for Saints players who took part in the bounty programme.
The NFLPA has decided that it would appeal Burbank’s decision and maintain that since the bounties were paid for by players it is a salary cap offence under the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and Goodell does not have the authority to lay down
the punishments in the matter.
In a statement released by the media, the NFLPA said that.
"[NFLPA] believes that the players are entitled to neutral arbitration of these issues under the CBA and will continue to fight for that principle and to protect the fair due process rights of all players."
The statement also said that Burbank in his decision wrote.
"Nothing in this opinion is intended to convey a view about the underlying facts or the appropriateness of the discipline imposed."
Burbank in his decision though asked commissioner, Roger Goodell, to share more information about former Saints and now Green Bay Packers defensive end, Anthony Hargrove’s participation in the bounty scandal.
The NFL in a statement said that Burbank has.
"Invited the commissioner to clarify the precise basis for his discipline of Mr. Hargrove who, among other things, was found to have lied to the league's investigators and obstructed their investigation,"
Roger Goodell had earlier laid down severe punishments to Saints players for their involvement in the bounty scandal.
Goodell suspended four players for their alleged leadership roles in the bounty scandal.
Saints linebacker, Jonathan Vilma received a year-long suspension, Anthony Hargrove was suspended for eight games.
Saints defensive end, Will Smith also received a four-game suspension and Cleveland Browns linebacker, Scott Fujita was suspended for three games.
These punishments received heavy criticism from many quarters and Goodell currently is facing a defamation lawsuit filed by Vilma in a New Orleans court.
A decision over a second grievance filed with arbitrator Shyam Das has still not been given as of now.
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