RockyMountainSaint

NFLPA seeks TRO for Fujita, Smith, Hargrove | ProFootballTalk
When the NFLPA filed suit on behalf of Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, Saints defensive end Will Smith, and former Packers defensive end Anthony Hargrove, the NFLPA specifically chose not to seek an order lifting their bounty suspensions pending a final decision. The NFLPA opted not to pursue that type of relief because the NFLPA believed a final decision would come before the first game of the regular season.

A final decision has yet to be issued, and so the NFLPA decided to try to force the issue on Tuesday.

According to the Associated Press, the union has asked Judge Helen G. Berrigan to lift the suspensions pending the outcome of the litigation, so that the players can return to their teams and participate in the first game of the regular season, and beyond. Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma made a similar request immediately after the NFL upheld his full-season suspension.

It was believed a ruling of some sort would come from Judge Berrigan on Tuesday. Now, with a decision coming on Wednesday at the earliest, the players are guaranteed to miss the first full day of practice in advance of the Sunday games.

Look for Judge Berrigan to do something on Wednesday. And if she lifts the suspensions, look for the NFL to have little or no chance to overturn her ruling by Sunday.

I'm no one.
Who are you?

saintsfan1976

I'm all for any move that makes Roger's face more red.

TXGSP

Wondering why it took this long for the NFLPA legal team to follow the lead taken by Vilma's legal team.

Did they really think the league and Der Kommisar would change their mind during the process?

The appeal panel "hoped to rule by this week". The panel wasn't created for months and only heard the appeal August 30th, basically leaving the players involved waiting around just like Vilma.

TheOak

Vilmas situation was a little different. Vilma cant play period and if I remember correctly it was framed as to allow him to get into the training room to rehab.

lee909

Seems strange to me that Vilma would want a injunction.I can understand him wanting to use the facilities at the training complex to help but if they do hold the suspension off a few weeks it will only be tacked onto next season,assuming he doesn't get the suspension overturned.
He isn't going to be fit to play for a whole from what I have read.Im not saying don't fight the suspension but of it costs him games next season he is going to have to work hard to stay on the roster if the LB's play up to expectations this seasons.If what I have read is correct he will be paid nearly $6ml inc bonus next season,that's alot of money for a player who will not have played a down in 20 months.
Hopefully he gets everything overturned and has a shot at a late season comeback.

"Two receivers to the left, Garcon to the right. Manning in the shotgun, puts Collie in motion. Looks in his direction...it's picked off! It's picked off! It's Tracy Porter again! He's runnin' free! He's gonna go all the way!

TheOak

Well I am not sure that is entirely true if I understand what you wrote. Hargrove has no team and is on no roster... week 7 he is able to get back on the field. Regardless.

lee909

If a injunction holds off the suspensions until its been through court will he count as having served his suspension come week 7?.I would have thought if they get a injunction that all suspensions wouldn't start until after a judge decides the case.
If so my whole point is invalid and a waste of time typing that out on a phone(lol).

TheOak

Honestly Lee... its confusing to me also.... Its the NFL and their haphazard method of punishment enforcement. Honestly If I were Vilma and Hargrove I do not seek an injunction... serve time at home like you would be any way with out a team or being injured.

The way the punishment was handed down was "the first x games of the season".... Not weeks... Not just x playable games of the season... Which is what is screwy about Vitt... He is punished for the first 6 games of the season so he has to wait out the bye week...

Its all FUBAR

lee909

Agreed,just have to see what the judge decides.

The way they work out suspensions is beyond belief.
Kenny Britt 1 game,what is it now,8 arrests since he entered the league.
Crazy.

lee909

@Larry_Holder: Berrigan said today the NFL has until noon Thurs. to file any opposition on the NFLPA's TRO or injunction motion to stop bounty suspensions. Berrigan said the court doubts negotiaitions would be fruitful, and it's disappointed because it would mean relief for the players.