So now what?
 

will these players appeal?

Maybe.

If the players appeal that's their business. I think the NFL is singling these players out as individuals responsible for their own actions.
Technically Green Bay and Cleveland got hit with this too, but that's because these individuals were involved.

If they choose to appeal that's their right.

As for the Saints, I'm hopeful Bountygate is coming to a close.

They will appeal on principle, but it won't matter...

I don't want to drag this out. The first part of the season is easier than the last half.imho I would rather Smith be gone for the first part of the season and then come in and contribute late when we need fresh blood.

I expect Vilma to appeal, I hate to say it but sitting out this year probably will be the end of his career...

I'm probably in the minority among Saints fans, but I want it dragged out from here to the moon and back.

I agree. Goddell obviously was punishing intent, and not an actual hit, which make Vilma's suspension ridiculous. He has never been mentioned as a dirty player, and has already gotten support around the league.
Let the PA's high-priced lawyers piss off god-all for another couple weeks.

Oh, zero chance it gets reduced, but I like the nuisance factor and a little more press

Does a cat have climbing gear?

They probably will appeal but goodell won't change his mind, only thing we can do is move on.....for like the 50th time this offseason, it's all we've been able to do anytime we got accused of anything

This was on ESPN.COM - I refuse to link back:

“I am shocked and extremely disappointed by the NFL’s decision to suspend me for the 2012 season. Commissioner Roger Goodell has refused to share any of the supposed evidence he claims supports this unprecedented punishment. The reason is clear: I never paid, or intended to pay, $10,000, or any amount of money, to any player for knocking Kurt Warner, Brett Favre or any other player out of the 2009 Divisional playoff game, 2010 NFC Championship Game or any other game.

“I never set out to intentionally hurt any player and never enticed any teammate to intentionally hurt another player. I also never put any money into a bounty pool or helped to create a bounty pool intended to pay out money for injuring other players. I have always conducted myself in a professional and proud manner.

“I intend to fight this injustice, to defend my reputation, to stand up for my team and my profession, and to send a clear signal to the commissioner that the process has failed, to the detriment of me, my teammates, the New Orleans Saints and the game.’’

That's what Vilma released through his lawyer. Give 'em HELL Vilma!

Yeah I think Vilma's going to court to sue Godell :) , and we all know the NFL does not have any evidence of this.
Its going to be fun to see a New Orleans Saint make Godell look like and idiot in public.
They will be forced to show what they have in court, and what the NFL has is a weak defense with inept ego driven team captain. Godell just tried to tackle the wrong guy.

I want it to end but I also want the NFL to be ordered to to show their hand by a higher power and it better be something substantial like a recording or video. Statements are not going to cut it in a real court of law.

I have no idea so somebody with an education feel free to chime in here...

But the league has this anti-trust exemption thing, which is why Goodell is able to act as judge and jury and executioner, right?

So the question is, if any of these people being slammed -- well, DO any of these people being slammed by Roger have any recourse in a real court. I think the immediate answer is no, but once their careers are over, and in Vilma's case, for example, at his age, he's close, do they have an recourse in a real court then?

What, exactly, can Vilma's lawyers - or the NFLPA for that matter, actually DO other than appeal to the almighty Roger Goodell? Does anyone know for sure?

Its a civil case, the NFL is not protected by players filing civil cases against them. Defamation of character etc...

Vilma getting reinstated is an employment contract issue. Under the the Fair work place act, if I remember right.
As long as Vilma did not violate his contract, he's fine. So, the NFL will have to provide evidence that proves his removal from the work place, for the reason they stated.
The NFL anti-trust exemption thing dosnt really pertain to this. From what I know, could be wrong.
The NFLPA can't really do anything except support Vilma in court.

Expect more than hell for Goodell in this case.

Teams receive memo from NFL on player 'bounty' punishments
Teams receive memo from NFL on player 'bounty' punishments - NFL.com

To me this just further exemplifies Godells desperation. Still unwilling to show proof of player involvement he releases a memo, and post a story on NFL.com with his hand picked experts.
Its obvious now that the owners are not even aware of the evidence Godell has.

This memo seems to be directed at the players and, hoping to scare off Vilma or any that are planning to bring this to civil litigation. Its not going to work Godell

"The process has failed" basically means...Goodell has failed....that is a DIRECT shot at Goodell without mentioning him by name.

Right about now would be a really good time for the ol' "popcorn eating" emoticon!

:popcorn: