The suspensions of the four players named in the NFL’s bounty investigation of the Saints have been vacated! Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who was appointed by Roger Goodel to hear the second round of player appeals, ruled today that the suspensions of Saints Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith, and former Saints Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove be vacated. The NFL reacted to the decision by tweeting a statement saying they respect the decision of Tagliabue. Goodell is scheduled to speak with reporters tomorrow following the owner’s meetings in Dallas.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed Tagliabue's decision Tuesday in a series of tweets that read,

Tagliabue affirms factual findings of Commissioner Goodell...concludes Hargrove, Smith, Vilma "engaged in conduct detrimental" and vacates all player discipline. "Unlike Saints' broad organizational misconduct, player appeals involve sharply focused issues of alleged individual player misconduct in several different aspects. My affirmation of Commissioner Goodell's findings could certainly justify...the issuance of fines. However, this entire case has been contaminated by the coaches and others in the Saints' organization."

"Having reviewed the testimony very carefully, including documentary evidence that is at the center of the conflict, and having assessed...the credibility of the four central witnesses on these matters, I find there is more than enough evidence to support...Commissioner Goodell's findings that Mr. Vilma offered such a bounty (on Brett Favre)."

The NFL's official statement reads,

We respect Mr. Tagliabue’s decision, which underscores the due process afforded players in NFL disciplinary matters. This matter has now been reviewed by Commissioner Goodell, two CBA grievance arbitrators, the CBA Appeals Panel, and Mr. Tag...as Commissioner Goodell’s designated appeals officer. The decisions have made clear that the Saints operated a bounty program...in violation of league rules for three years, that the program endangered player safety, and that the commissioner has the authority...under the CBA to impose discipline for those actions as conduct detrimental to the league. Strong action was taken in this matter...to protect player safety and ensure that bounties would be eliminated from football.

Jonathan Vilma’s attorney, Peter Ginsberg, says his client still plans to pursue a defamation lawsuit against the league.

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