New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma releases statement on bounty punishments - NFL News
New Orleans Saints linebacker and defensive line captain, Jonathan Vilma received the most severe punishments out of the four players suspended by the National Football League (NFL) and he is none too happy about it.
The linebacker was alleged in the NFL report to have offered $ 10,000 to his teammates if they injure and knock out former Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Brett Favre during the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship game against the Vikings.
Vilma has responded to the punishments with a hard hitting statement released through his agent right after the announcement by commissioner, Roger Goodell.
Vilma stated that.
“I am shocked and extremely disappointed by the NFL's decision to suspend me for the 2012 season.”
Adding further he said.
"I never set out to intentionally hurt any player and never enticed any teammate to intentionally hurt another player. I also never put any money into a bounty pool or helped to create a bounty pool intended to pay out money for injuring other players. I
have always conducted myself in a professional and proud manner.”
The linebacker was the only player whose name was mentioned in the NFL report the first time the bounty scandal was revealed to the public.
The Saints were found guilty of running the illegal program in their defensive unit under the aegis of former defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams who maintained a bounty pool of $ 50,000.
Williams was subsequently banned indefinitely from coaching in the NFL by Goodell.
Players received around $ 1,000 to $ 1,500 for injuring and knocking out targeted opponents.
Vilma was not the only Saints player punished with defensive end, Will Smith was also suspended for four games.
Green Bay Packers linebacker and former Saints player, Anthony Hargrove and Cleveland Browns linebacker, Scott Fujita were also handed suspensions by the league.
Vilma also said in his statement that he will appeal the suspension.
“I intend to fight this injustice, to defend my reputation, to stand up for my team and my profession...”
The New Orleans Saints have not released any comment on the suspensions for now and are likely to keep silent on the matter.
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