Philadelphia Front Page News PRESS/Westside Weekly -National Magazine

Philadelphia Front Page News PRESS/Westside Weekly -National Magazine
LETTERS/COLUMNS: Send letters to the editor for publishing to frontpagenews1@yahoo.com. Please include day/evening phone and home and email address. APEARANCE REQUESTS: All writers are available to speak on radio, television, and in print. They are also available to speak or appear at your next event. Contact Van Stone frontpagenews1@yahoo.com or (215) 821-9147 to submit a request for any writer. Do not contact the writer directly! All appearance requests go through the Managing Editor’s office. COPYRIGHT: The use of any submissions appearing on this site for monetary gain is strictly prohibited.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

4 players suspended by NFL for Saints' bounties

4 players suspended by NFL for Saints' bounties

AP Photo
FILE - From left are NFL football players Jonathan Vilma, in 2011; Anthony Hargrove, in 2010; Will Smith, in 2011; and Scott Fujita, in 2011. New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma was suspended without pay for the entire 2012 season by the NFL, one of four players punished Wednesday, May 2, 2012, for participating in the team's cash-for-hits bounty system. Defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, now with the Green Bay Packers, was suspended for the first half of this season; Saints defensive end Will Smith was barred for the opening four games; and linebacker Scott Fujita, now with the Cleveland Browns, will miss the first three games. All of the suspensions are without pay.

Hoping to close the book on bounties, the NFL suspended New Orleans Saints defensive captain Jonathan Vilma without pay for all of next season Wednesday and gave shorter bans to three other players for their leading roles in the team's cash-for-hits system that knocked key opponents out of games from 2009-11.

Defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, now with the Green Bay Packers, was suspended for the first half of the 16-game season; Saints defensive end Will Smith was barred for the opening four games; and linebacker Scott Fujita, now with the Cleveland Browns, will miss the first three games of 2012. Like Vilma, they were suspended without pay, costing each hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The league said its investigation showed "a significant number of players participated" in the bounties - by ponying up cash or collecting it - but noted that "the players disciplined participated at a different and more significant level." Add the losses of Vilma and Smith to the previously announced suspension of head coach Sean Payton for all of 2012, along with shorter penalties for general manager Mickey Loomis and assistant coach Joe Vitt, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell came down hard on the Saints ahead of a season that will end with New Orleans hosting the Super Bowl.

As attention to concussions has increased in recent seasons, Goodell has emphasized the importance of player safety via rules enforcement and threats of fines or suspensions. The NFL is facing dozens of lawsuits brought by more than 1,000 former players who say the league didn't do enough to warn them about - or shield them from - the dangers of head injuries.

If Goodell aims to move on from the bounty case, the NFL Players Association might not let him: The suspended players have three days to appeal, and NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith said the union would fight the ruling. Fujita is a member of the NFLPA's executive committee who has spoken out in the past about the need for the league to do a better job of protecting players.

Through his agent, Vilma issued a statement saying he is "shocked and extremely disappointed" by the punishment and denying he was a bounty ringleader.

"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," Vilma said. He added: "I intend to fight this injustice, to defend my reputation, to stand up for my team and my profession, and to send a clear signal to the Commissioner that the process has failed, to the detriment of me, my teammates, the New Orleans Saints and the game."

Smith said the union "has still not received any detailed or specific evidence from the league of these specific players' involvement in an alleged pay-to-injure program. We have made it clear that punishment without evidence is not fair. We have spoken with our players and their representatives and we will vigorously protect and pursue all options on their behalf."

The NFL said its investigation determined the Saints ran a bounty system for three seasons, with thousands of dollars offered for big hits that sidelined opponents. Originally, the league said 22 to 27 defensive players were involved in the illegal scheme, which was orchestrated by then-Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and started in the season New Orleans won its only Super Bowl championship.

Targeted players included quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, Brett Favre and Kurt Warner. "Knockouts" were worth $1,500 and "cart-offs" $1,000, with payments doubled or tripled for the playoffs.

"In assessing player discipline, I focused on players who were in leadership positions at the Saints; contributed a particularly large sum of money toward the program; specifically contributed to a bounty on an opposing player; demonstrated a clear intent to participate in a program that potentially injured opposing players; sought rewards for doing so; and/or obstructed the 2010 investigation," Goodell said in a statement.

According to the league, Vilma, a linebacker, offered $10,000 in cash to any player who knocked then-Cardinals QB Warner out of a playoff game at the end of the 2009 season, and the same amount for knocking then-Vikings QB Favre out of that season's NFC championship game. The Saints were flagged for roughing Favre twice in that game, and the league later said they should have received another penalty for a brutal high-low hit from two players that hurt Favre's ankle. He was able to finish the game, but the Saints won in overtime en route to the NFL title.

Fujita, the NFL said, "pledged a significant amount of money to the prohibited pay-for-performance/bounty pool" during that season's playoffs. Smith, according to the NFL, "pledged significant sums to the program pool."

The league said Hargrove "actively obstructed the league's 2010 investigation into the program by being untruthful to investigators." He also "actively participated in the program while a member of the Saints," the league said, adding that he eventually "submitted a signed declaration to the league that established not only the existence of the program at the Saints, but also that he knew about and participated in it."

The NFL said no player agreed to be interviewed in person and the NFLPA did not share information from its own investigation.

Vilma will miss out on $1.6 million in base salary in 2012, while Fujita stands lose more than $640,000, Hargrove more than $385,000, and Smith more than $190,000. Some of their contracts were restructured this offseason, perhaps in anticipation of the punishments.

The Saints, Browns and Packers already have made personnel moves that could help fill the gaps. The Saints signed three linebackers in free agency; the Packers, who also will be without defensive end Mike Neal for four games because he violated the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances, drafted two defensive linemen last week; and the Browns drafted two linebackers.

"We will respect the Commissioner's decision. Scott is a valued member of the Cleveland Browns, and we look forward to his participation in our offseason program and training camp," Browns coach Pat Shurmur said.

The other two clubs did not immediately comment.

Any payout for specific performances in a game, including interceptions or causing fumbles, are against NFL rules. The NFL warns teams against such practices before each season, although in the aftermath of the revelations about the Saints, current and former players from various teams talked about that sort of thing happening frequently - just not on the same scale as was found in New Orleans.

Goodell's decision was heavily criticized via Twitter by many players. But not all.

"I think he's doing the right thing to make sure this doesn't happen ever again. There's no room for any kind of bounty system in the NFL. It's a physical sport, and you've got to respect the game," New York Giants quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning said. "He's been harsh, to try to make a statement saying there is no place for this in the game of football."

James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a linebacker suspended by the NFL for a game last season after an illegal hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy, tweeted that the penalties were "ridiculous" and suggested that Goodell's crackdown is motivated by the concussion lawsuits and a desire to increase the regular season to 18 games.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham tweeted: "I want to see the evidence and hear an explanation."

Reggie Bush, a running back who played for the Saints from 2006-10 and now is with the Miami Dolphins, wrote on Twitter that the suspensions were "outrageous" and "Next thing you know we'll be playing two hand touch football! (hash)Lame"

In a memo sent Wednesday to the NFL's 32 teams, Goodell reminded them that "any program of non-contract bonuses, however it is characterized, is a violation of league rules" and said that every head coach must review those rules with assistants and players during mini-camp or preseason training camp.

Also, all players will be told how they can confidentially report rules violations.

In March, Goodell made Payton the first head coach suspended by the league for any reason, for trying to cover up the system of extra cash payouts. Goodell also indefinitely banned Williams, who was hired in January to run the St. Louis Rams' defense. Loomis was barred for eight games; Vitt for six. The Saints were fined $500,000 and lost two second-round draft picks.

Fujita, Hargrove and Smith are allowed to participate in offseason activity, including preseason games, before their suspensions take effect. Vilma, though, is suspended immediately and will be reinstated after the coming season's Super Bowl is played in his team's city.

"Nothing can be gained from sharing how I feel about" his teammates' penalties, Saints right tackle Zach Strief said. "I will miss Jonathan very much. Knowing him personally, he's a good person. This is going to be a tough thing for him to go through. In terms of his leadership, somebody else will step up and take over."

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

WVSR LIVE STREAM

WVSR LIVE STREAM
Click on the On Air Button for wvsr radio broadcast live and pre-recorded request and other options

Latest edition of Talk Live Philly With Van Stone

FPN NEWS “TAKE TIME FOR WINNERS IN ANY COMMUNITY!”

Philadelphia Front Page News www.fpnnews.us Your Top Stories Of The Day (267) 293-9201

Philadelphia Front Page News www.fpnnews.us Your Top Stories Of The Day (267) 293-9201
Newspaper Billboard: Above- 1 original lady who is a Van Stone Fashion and Beauty Collection Model. Philadelphia, County/Delaware County USA - Out On The Town Swim Gear. In the image is Nina Milano! She is Van Stone's Selected Princess Model out and about traveling the town scene showing women how to dress for the fun and fantastic occasion- whatever it is. Follow the beautiful women of Color as she share with you the Van Stone look- From Bold Colors and Prints to Cool Jewels! Apparel, Accessories & Jewelry Trends. Also, look for her on the Power WVSR 1360.us Radio Station Webpage. Show Your Care By Listening To The Internet Radio Station. It's Philly Internet Radio.

Click on logo to listen to Visit the webpage.

"PROMOTE YOURSELF. DO IT YOURSELF".

VAN STONE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC & USA:

Van Stone Dominican Republic & USA: Fashion and Beauty Collection

Van Stone Dominican Republic & USA: Fashion and Beauty Collection
If you are interested in wear and style by Van Stone or wish to promote your own brand or logo click on the Van Stone Logo to go the VSP member page. We can make a simple logo of your name for you. Thanks.

POWER WVSR: POPULAR HITS PLAYED BY DJ VAN STONE


Enjoy The Interactive Radio Station

Enjoy The Interactive Radio Station
Become a guest at the Power WVSR 1360.US Internet Radio Station. Click on the image to go to the radio station sign up membership page.

FPN News -Woman, Man, Teen/Kid Of The Year: Send Us Your Best Of The Year Shots

Share your women, man, teen/kid photos and help FPN promote the best of people to radio, entertainment, car shows, school, parents, and the general public. The magazine cover images are just below for news readers and music listeners to view.

FPN will be promoting the benefits of being a winner to radio, entertainment, car shows, school, parents, and the general public through this year’s theme, "Take Time for Winners in Any Community."

We would like to feature pictures of real, awesome women, men, teens/kids from across the country and beyond and need your help –and your donation for the photo.

Please consider sending your high-resolution, quality photos of your best person to FPN. Click on any of the magazine cover images to go to the VSP form submit page. Please complete the form and include the name of the individual for your image. Someone will return your submission to your email requesting that you complete the submission by emailing your picture and donation amount. Thank you for supporting the best of the year shots.

Potencia WVSR 1360.us.

Potencia WVSR 1360.us.
Haga clic en el logo para escuchar Poder WVSR 1360 la estación de radio por Internet y visitar la página web.

Van Stones' Beautiful World Images-Nina Milano -Beautiful World Imágenes- Nina Milano Van Stones

Van Stones' Beautiful World Images-Nina Milano -Beautiful World Imágenes- Nina Milano Van Stones
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia

Van Stones' Beautiful World Images - South Asia, Latinamerica, and USA Fashion and Beauty Images.

Van Stones' Beautiful World Images - South Asia, Latinamerica, and USA Fashion and Beauty Images.
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia. Click on the image to complete the membership form.

Van Stones' Beautiful World Images -Hermosas World Images Van Stones

Van Stones' Beautiful World Images -Hermosas World Images Van Stones
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia

Van Stones' Beautiful World Child Images-JONAE- Van Stones Hermosas Imágenes Mundial de Niños

Van Stones' Beautiful World Child Images-JONAE- Van Stones Hermosas Imágenes Mundial de Niños
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia

WE'RE #1

WE'RE #1

Van Stones' Beautiful Tween Images-Hermosas Imágenes Tween Van Stones

Van Stones' Beautiful Tween Images-Hermosas Imágenes Tween Van Stones
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia

WE'RE NO 1

WE'RE NO 1

Van Stones' Beautiful Youth Images -Van Stones imágenes hermosas de la Juventud

Van Stones' Beautiful Youth Images -Van Stones imágenes hermosas de la Juventud
Family Modeling -Modelado de la familia

Van Stones' Beautiful Child Images -Van Stones Niño hermoso Imágenes

Van Stones' Beautiful Child Images -Van Stones Niño hermoso Imágenes
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia
CHILD OF THE YEAR

WE'RE #1

WE'RE #1

Van Stones’ Beautiful Woman Images -Van Stones Imágenes hermosas de la mujer

Van Stones’ Beautiful Woman Images -Van Stones Imágenes hermosas de la mujer
Family Modeling -modelado de la familia

Like us On Facebook

Blog Archive

Internet Weekly Newspaper, the “Front Page News” on-line blogs and more!

No newspaper carrier is involved

Ask about donation to our community newspaper online


Subscriptions:
Philadelphia, PA
Delaware County, PA
Wilmington, DE
New Jersey
News, and more about:

Youth, Education, Political analyst, Schools, Anti-violence, Social Justice, Grass roots

Health N Wellness,

Democracy, Ecological Protection, Seniors, Historic Preservation & Restoration, (Black, Latinos, Asian, Pakistani, Italian, and other) Religious Studies,(Judaism, Christian Ministry, Islamic Study), Arts, Books, Super Heroes & Trading Cards, College, and Pro Sports, Non-profits and Real-estate.

Visit FPN Advertisers

Support The Philadelphia Front Page News

Daily Publishing/Readership Online 190,000

Inquire About FPN

ADS/Gifts

Creative Services

Marketing/Entertainment News

Action Groups

Volunteers


BY PHONE:

267-293-9201


In Delaware

County, PA & Philadelphia County, PA

Van Stone

267-293-9201

Frontpagenews1@yahoo.com


In Philadelphia County, PA

James Sullivan

215-416-0862

In Haverford Township, PA

Joel Perlish

610-789 -7673


By EMAIL:

frontpagenews1@yahoo.com

phillygeek74@yahoo.com

joelperlish@aol.com

sullivancoach@yahoo.com

vspfoundation@yahoo.com

wvsr1360@yahoo.com


FPN Contact Address

Phila. Front Page News

P.O. Box 395

E. Lansdowne, PA 19050


VSP/FPN

Editorial Board

Van Stone,

Volunteer Editor

James Sullivan, Volunteer Editor and Publisher

Joel Perlish, Volunteer Proofing

Diane White,

Volunteer Editor

BY FAX:

To Van Stone Editor

215-474-5155

FRONT PAGE NEWS

PRINT DEADLINES:

Daily

7PM Monday to Friday

(Space and Published)

4PM Saturday to

Sunday

(Space and Published)

All materials published at least 2 days or less after submission

We accept All donation transactions

money order; company check

(no personal check) Please donate at the Donate Button

We accept Credit Card/Debit Card

with symbol Mastercard, Visa,

American Express and Discover.


About Us

  • FPN can reach out to Representatives from your side of: The Village, The Township, or The City

  • FPN Features:

    Sports
    Radio Control Race Models (Cars & Monster Trucks)
    Skateboarding

    Classified
    Radio Broadcasts
    Cars


    Community

    Family Entertainment
    Neighborhood News
    Scholastic News
    Regional News
    National News
    Citywide News
    Legal News
    Alternative Green Energy Education News
    Superhero & Comic Strip News
  • Teen Stars
  • Humanitarian/Ministers/Political
  • Community Services
  • Women & Men & Kids

  • You acknowledge and agree that you may not copy, distribute, sell, resell or exploit for any commercial purposes, any portion of the Newspaper or Services.
    Unless otherwise expressly provided in our Newspaper, you may not copy, display or use any trademark without prior written permission of the trademark owner.

    FPN/VSP® is in no way responsible for the content of any site owned by a third party that may be listed on our Website and/or linked to our Website via hyperlink. VSP/FPN® makes no judgment or warranty with respect to the accuracy, timeliness or suitability of the content of any site to which the Website may refer and/or link, and FPN/VSP® takes no responsibility therefor. By providing access to other websites, FPN/VSP® is not endorsing the goods or services provided by any such websites or their sponsoring organizations, nor does such reference or link mean that any third party websites or their owners are endorsing FPN/VSP® or any of the Services. Such references and links are for informational purposes only and as a convenience to you.

    FPN/VSP® reserves the right at any time to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the Website and/or Services (or any part thereof) with or without notice to you. You agree that neither FPN/VSP® nor its affiliates shall be liable to you or to any third party for any modification, suspension or discontinuance of the Website and/or Services.

    You agree to indemnify and hold harmless FPN/VSP®, its subsidiaries, and affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, legal representatives, agents, successors and assigns, from and against any and all claims, actions, demands, causes of action and other proceedings arising from or concerning your use of the Services (collectively, "Claims") and to reimburse them on demand for any losses, costs, judgments, fees, fines and other expenses they incur (including attorneys' fees and litigation costs) as a result of any Claims.

    The Website is © 2009 by VSP®, or its designers. All rights reserved. Your rights with respect to use of the Website and Services are governed by the Terms and all applicable laws, including but not limited to intellectual property laws.

    Any contact information for troops overseas and/or soldiers at home provided to you by FPN/VSP® is specifically and solely for your individual use in connection with the services provide by Van Stone Productions Foundation VSP.

    FPN/VSP® soldiers contact information for any other purpose whatsoever, including, but not limited to, copying and/or storing by any means (manually, electronically, mechanically, or otherwise) not expressly authorized by FPN/VSP is strictly prohibited. Additionally, use of FPN/VSP® contact information for any solicitation or recruiting purpose, or any other private, commercial, political, or religious mailing, or any other form of communication not expressly authorized by FPN/VSP® is strictly prohibited.