NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Suspended former Saints defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove says he’s disappointed his sworn statement regarding the NFL’s bounty investigation was leaked.
Hargrove said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press Wednesday by his agent Phil Williams that he hoped the NFL would not discuss the signed declaration publicly.
Hargrove says the NFL “grossly mischaracterized” his words, which made the declaration a “hot item” that was subsequently leaked to media.
Hargrove’s sworn declaration explains how ex-Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and current assistant head coach Joe Vitt told him to deny the existence of a bounty program in New Orleans when he was interviewed by NFL investigators in March of 2010.
Hargrove’s statement Wednesday was also given to ESPN.
