Four NFL players suspended for their involvement in the New Orleans Saints’ Bountygate scandal have been reinstated. Jonathan Vilma (New Orleans), Will Smith (New Orleans), Scott Fujita (Cleveland), and Anthony Hargrove (Free Agent) are free to play for their respective teams, unless NFL commissioner Roger Goodell finds evidence of wrongdoing.
In a statement issued to Buzzfeed, the NFL confirmed that the suspensions have been lifted. “Consistent with the panel’s decision, Commissioner Goodell will, as directed, make an expedited determination of the discipline imposed for violating the league’s pay-for-performance/bounty rule. Until that determination is made, the four players are reinstated and eligible to play starting this weekend.”
While the players are free to play, the superiors remain suspended. Saints head coach Sean Payton is suspended for a season; general manager Mickey Loomis is out for eight games; current Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is suspended indefinitely.
I suspect we haven’t heard the last word on Bountygate. Stay tuned.
