NFL asks court to dismiss Jonathan Vilma's claims
New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma answering questions during a news conference at the NFL football team's training facility, in Metairie, La. (July 28, 2011) Credit: AP
The NFL has asked a U.S. District Court judge to dismiss Jonathan Vilma's motion seeking to have his season-long suspension overturned.
The Saints linebacker is scheduled to have a hearing on Thursday. But the NFL wants the case dismissed because the collective bargaining agreement reached last August to end the lockout gives Commissioner Roger Goodell the authority to punish players for "conduct detrimental" to the NFL.
Vilma and Saints coach Sean Payton have been suspended for the 2012 season for their roles in the bounty program the NFL says went on for three seasons.
The NFL also claims Vilma and three other players suspended refused "to exhaust the dispute resolution procedures" by not defending themselves during the appeals process.
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