NFLPA Exec Dir DeMaurice Smith yesterday sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that “outlines the union's expectation for the process that should be followed in determining the ultimate fate" of former and current Saints players suspended for their alleged involvement in the bounty scandal, according to Ed Werder of ESPN.com. The letter came “in response to Friday's unanimous decision by a three-member appeals panel that requested clarification from Goodell and led to the reinstatement of Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove.” Sources said that the letter “contains several key elements: reaffirming the players' contention no pay-to-injure program existed, stressing players must have a full opportunity to present their cases and cross-examine evidence and witnesses, and expressing a continued willingness to engage in settlement negotiations as the courts have recommended.” A league source said that the NFL yesterday sent a letter to the NFLPA "stating its willingness to meet with any player who wants to submit information regarding the bounty scandal.” The letter stated that players “wishing to present further information on the issue should contact the NFL by the close of business” today. Smith said, "It's great these players were vindicated and able to join their teammates on the sideline. But at the end of the day, my hope is that our players and fans understand that any time this kind of thing happens, it vindicates the importance of collective bargaining. It vindicates the importance of fairness and it certainly vindicates the notion that power is not absolute." Smith acknowledged that he "was uncertain how temporary the reinstatements might prove to be.” Werder noted Friday's decision “does not preclude Goodell from suspending the players again,” but he "would have to offer different justifications.” Smith said that he has “no sense of a time frame for a decision from Goodell” (ESPN.com, 9/10).
