The NFLPA keeps fighting to try and keep the former Saints players who were a part of the Saints bounty scandal from getting suspended, but they were dealt yet another blow to that end on Tuesday. Roger Goodell and the NFL upheld the suspensions once again after
Both sides of the debate have released statements since the upheld sentencing, and both have accusations for the other side to chew on. Goodell claims that there was never any evidence given to him to change his mind on the suspensions:
"Throughout this entire process, including your appeals, and despite repeated invitations and encouragement to do so, none of you has offered any evidence that would warrant reconsideration of your suspensions. Instead, you elected not to participate meaningfully in the appeal process..."
While the NFLPA accuses him of an unjust trial:
The players are disappointed with the League's conduct during this process. We reiterate our concerns about the lack of fair due process, lack of integrity of the investigation and lack of the jurisdictional authority to impose discipline under the collective bargaining agreement. Moreover, the Commissioner took actions during this process that rendered it impossible for him to be an impartial arbitrator.
The NFLPA has never and will never condone dangerous or reckless conduct in football and to date, nothing the League has provided proves these players were participants in a pay-to-injure program. We will continue to pursue all options.
It looks very likely that Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita is going to be suspended the three games that the NFL sentenced him to before the appeals process.
For his part, he hopes that the process continues to work, hopefully eventually in his favor so that he can play every game this year for the Browns.
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