9 A.M. Vilma Hearing
 

NEW ORLEANS -- Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma is hoping for a win in federal court Friday in his bid to rejoin his teammates as they prepare for the upcoming season, attempting to break the NFL's season-long suspension he received for his alleged role in the Saints bounty program.
U.S. District Court Judge Helen "Ginger" Berrigan scheduled a hearing for 9 a.m. for Vilma's request for a temporary restraining order.
If Berrigan rules in favor of Vilma, the linebacker will be allowed to return to training camp -- Vilma is looking to rehab after knee surgery -- while the case filed over the bounty scandal and his suspension works its way through the court.
Two weeks earlier, Vilma and other Saints players and coaches testified before Berrigan that the team had no bounty system, a pay-to-injure program for opposing players.
NFL attorneys have argued that the issue and suspensions don't belong in federal court, instead decided in the NFL's arbitration system approved by the league and players in the collective bargaining agreement.
What is unknown is if Berrigan will rule on the case Friday or wait until next week to issue her ruling.

Vilma hoping for win in federal court, rejoin Saints |
wwltv.com New Orleans

Re: 9 A.M. Vilma Hearing
 

If he does win and the judge allows him to play, wonder if his knee is ready to play on?

He hasn't been able to rehab it with the Saints staff hardly any this offseason...

Re: 9 A.M. Vilma Hearing
 

Well, at least he'll get paid while rehabbing and might be ready for the SB run. Of course, it could affect the salary cap too.

Re: 9 A.M. Vilma Hearing
 

From what I have seen of Lofton... Can Vilma replace Shanle? If not ......

Much love to Vilma but Loften better not come out of the line up for him.

I am more hoping that the judges ruling effects Smith also and our born again Will Smith can play the first 4 games.

Re: 9 A.M. Vilma Hearing
 

Supposedly live updates through the hearing.

Jonathan Vilma Hearing, live updates - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

Re: 9 A.M. Vilma Hearing
 

Yeah I see no way that Vilma takes the MLB spot back...

Re: 9 A.M. Vilma Hearing
 

So far from what I see its looking really good for Vilma right now. Goooooooodbye SHANLE! :)

Re: 9 A.M. Vilma Hearing
 

"id like to" is never a good start of a sentence LOL... Thats usually followed by a "but"...

Looks like the Judge will make Vilma wait until all efforts are exhausted with Burbanks on the 30th.

Vilma has suffered irreparable damages means Vilma will get paid by Goodell for damages but not be able to play...

Re: 9 A.M. Vilma Hearing
 

... right on, my fellow WhoDat!

Re: 9 A.M. Vilma Hearing
 

"May need to exhaust internal appeal of Burbank ruling. &, judge suggests that cartoffs are bounties. So,mostly good for plyrs, but bag mixed"

Vilmas lawyer tried to argue the difference.. Judge said she didn't see the difference.