Jonathan Vilma Was 'Definitely' Offered Eight-Game Reduction in Suspension by NFL

Jonathan Vilma's yearlong suspension still stands, but talks of a reduction won't go away. According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, a source indicates that the NFL "definitely" offered an eight-game reduction to Vilma's suspension. This comes in the wake of reports earlier this month that indicated the league had offered Vilma a reduction. Those reports were denied by the NFL. Vilma, of course, is slated to miss the entire 2012 season as a result of his involvement in the Saints' bounty program. Three other players -- Will Smith, Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove -- were also slapped with suspensions as part of the team's punishment, as were former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, head coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis and assistant head coach Joe Vitt. Florio reports that it's unclear whether the NFL's reduction offer to Vilma was a formal offer or an implied indication that an eight-game reduction was available if he would accept it.


(nesn.com)