Players rooting for New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma to win lawsuit against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell
There is a huge legal battle brewing between the National Football League (NFL) commissioner, Roger Goodell on one side and New Orleans Saints linebacker plus defence captain, Jonathan Vilma on the other.
On Thursday, Vilma filed a lawsuit against the commissioner in a New Orleans court in which he alleged that Goodell’s statements about his involvement in the bounty scandal have tarnished his reputation forever.
A court date to hear the case has yet to be agreed upon but the filing of the lawsuit has made Vilma a kind of hero amongst his peers.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity two players belonging to a National Football Conference (NFC) and American Football Conference (AFC) franchise respectively told
Yahoo! Sports reporter Michael Silver about the increase in respect they felt for Vilma after they heard the news about the lawsuit.
"What a badass," one NFC player said. "He's the man. I think it's nuts, but I love it. He's going after Goodell. He should, too."
The AFC player also supported Vilma’s decision and said.
"It's aggressive, and I love it. I'm excited to see what happens. I love the sound of 'Vilma v. Goodell.' This is gonna cement Vilma's name forever."
Vilma was suspended by Goodell for the entire 2012-13 season for his alleged involvement in the bounty scandal, however, the linebacker has always maintained that the accusations are false.
He has also on repeated occasions told reporters that he wants Goodell to share the evidence used to decide on his long punishment.
An appeal over the suspension has also been filed by the linebacker which will be heard after arbitrators make their decision on two grievances filed by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) against Goodell’s suspensions.
Even though chances for Vilma winning his lawsuit remain slim, his peers are hoping that the linebacker wins the case.
"If the ruling is favorable [to Vilma] in any way, it's going to open the floodgates," the AFC player said. "If he prevails, man, that would be sweet."
While his NFC counterpart said.
"If Vilma wins? Oh, then he's God. They should just put him as commissioner if that happens."
It remains to be seen how the case progresses and more news over this development is expected in the coming days.
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