NEW YORK (AP) — The appeals hearing for four players suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for their role in the Saints bounty program has begun.
On hand at NFL headquarters Monday are all four players: Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who is suspended for the 2012 season, and defensive end Will Smith, who has been docked for four games; Green Bay defensive end Anthony Hargrove, suspended for eight games; and Cleveland linebacker Scott Fujita (three games).
Lawyers for the players and the NFL Players Association also are attending.
The union recently lost two grievances challenging Goodell’s authority to hand out discipline for the bounty program.
