Jon Vilma's attorney eager for NFL to turn over evidence Friday

The attorney for suspended New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma is "cynical" about evidence the NFL is required to turn over by Friday as the four players suspended in the bounty scandal prepare for Monday's appeals hearing.

Vilma, who has also filed a defamation civil suit against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, requested weeks ago to see the evidence that resulted in his one-year ban. "If the Commissioner was really interested in a fair process, he would have disclosed the evidence weeks or months ago," attorney Peter Ginsberg told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday. "That fact that this isn't occurring until now makes me cynical." The other suspended players -- Will Smith (four games), Scott Fujita (three games) and Anthony Hargrove (eight games) -- will be represented in the appeals hearing by NFL Players Association counsel. Goodell will ultimately rule on whether to maintain or reduce the penalties.

Although the NFL requested meetings with the suspended players before punishment was determined, they declined. Ginsberg said in Vilma's case, the league's offer was turned down because it would not agree to disclose evidence.


(usatoday.com)