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Judge Helen Berrigan issues two orders involving NFLPA's temporary restraining order motion

U.S. District Judge Helen Berrigan issued two orders Wednesday morning involving the NFLPA's motion for temporary restraining order to stop the NFL's bounty-related suspensions of New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith and former Saints defenders Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove.

Berrigan first ordered the counsel for the NFLPA and the three players show cause by noon on Thursday whether or not they should be disqualified because of any conflict of interest considering the counsel represents the union on one hand and the players on another.

She also ordered the NFL file any opposition to the motion by the NFLPA and three players for a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction to stop the suspensions by noon on Thursday.

Berrigan wrote that the court is doubtful that negotiations between the league and the union will be fruitful and the court found that "extremely disappointing" since it believes negotiations would bring relief to these three players and Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who is already serving his year-long suspension.

Smith (four games), Fujita (three) and Hargrove (eight) would begin their suspensions this week.

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