Judge Refuses to Make Official Ruling in Vilma Case, Wanted to Rule in his Favor
By Josh Hill
U.S. District Court Judge Ginger Berrigan wanted to rule in New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma’s favor during Friday’s hearing, but she declined to do so, stating she wasn’t sure if she legally could.
Another hearing will be held on August 30, in which an appeal will be heard form an arbiter who decided back in June that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was well within his rights as an authority figure to suspend any member of the New Orleans Saints that was involved in the bounty gate scandal, even remotely.
Jonathan Vilma was joined by Drew Brees when he spoke to the media following the hearing.
“I didn’t really think anything. I came here with no expectations. I’m glad she could see through some of the b.s. I’m cool with that until we get a decision. Patience is my best friend.”
The most significant thing to take away from this is that Vilma and the NFLPA found a judge that is willing to rule in their favor. Judge Berrigan however did encourage both sides to continue to meet in the middle in terms of a settlement. Vilma though, didn’t sound very confident that he’d back down and who would blame him after the judge hearing the case was willing to rule in his favor, basically letting him know he’s right in this whole mess.
“Hopefully she will rule before the start of the season,” said Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for the NFL Players Association.
If Vilma wins this case it will be a decisive blow to Roger Goodell’s power in the NFL, as he already has a majority of the NFLPA throwing stones at him and that didn’t start with this case. Goodell has long been against hard hits in his sport and has handed out heavy fines and lengthy suspensions for anyone who dares to defy him or his rules.
The feeling by the NFLPA is that Goodell went too far this time and was too heavy handed in his punishments. If Goodell is successfully sued by Vilma for defamation of character, Goodell will have to pay Vilma out of his own pocket.
Based on the hearing today, that’s looking like a real possibility.