Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has overturned the suspensions of four New Orleans Saints players accused of being paid to hurt opposing players.
Tagliague, who was appointed by current commissioner Roger Goodell to handle player appeals in the case, blames the Saints organization instead, saying the case has been “contaminated” by the team’s coaches.
The “BountyGate” scandal included the Saints’ 2009 NFC title game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The attorney for Jonathan Vilma, one of the Saints players implicated in the scandal, accused Goodell of manufacturing the allegations.
Despite his suspension being lifted, Vilma continues to pursue a defamation case against Goodell, as he alleges his reputation has been tarnished.
