RockyMountainSaint

There is the chance that all parties -- the Saints, coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis and assistant head coach Joe Vitt -- could have their appeals heard Thursday, a source said.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who suspended Payton for the season, Loomis for eight games, Vitt for six; fined the Saints $500,000 and docked them two second-round picks, will hear -- and rule -- on the appeals. Goodell said he hoped to expedite the process and there is little thought any discipline would be reduced, however the appeals process could buy all parties more time to chart their futures while punishment is being administered.

The NFL has yet to rule on the 22-27 players cited in the bounty scandal but discipline could also be meted out in the near future. NFL security and league officials met with representatives from the NFL Players Association on Monday to go over evidence.

Goodell said he hopes to get a recommendation from NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith regarding player discipline before ruling. However, NFLPA sources said Smith might not offer counsel on punishment.

Goodell has sole authority to punish players.

NFL.com news: Some of 'bounty' appeals will be heard by Goodell on Thursday

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