Goodell rejects argument that players were simply following orders
 

Of course, some would say that a one-year suspension for Vilma constitutes a much stiffer punishment than the one-year suspension imposed on Saints coach Sean Payton. The difference between players’ careers and coaches’ careers resembles the distinction between dog years and human years. Payton can coach two decades or more after his suspension ends; Vilma after sitting out an entire season may be done.

Goodell rejects argument that players were simply following orders | ProFootballTalk

Wouldn't the Kommisar fire underlings who didn't do what he told them to?