Goodell Says Bounty Evidence Will Be Made Public

Speaking at the Owners meetings today NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that he expected the evidence of the bounty scandal would be released once the player appeals had been heard – presumably this would be once the lawsuits currently underway are settled also and that the defamation suit brought against him by Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma would delay the release of evidence.

"“I’ve been around this league for 30 years and you are going to make decisions that will not be unanimous, it just doesn’t happen, particularly in a game where there is a lot of emotion, a lot of passion. What I have to do is what is in best interests of the game long term.”"

There have been numerous appeals from players and commentators alike calling for the evidence to be released immediately but from what Goodell has said it is apparent that this will not happen.

The most recent call for the release of bounty evidence has come from former Saints player Scott Fujita – now with the Cleveland Browns – who says the whole incident has hurt him personally. Among the comments, Fujita had this to say:

"“That’s the reality of the situation that we’re in, and unfortunately for a lot of us, we’re on public trial and that’s unfortunate.”Of Goodell: “It’s a challenging position he’s in and I’m sensitive to that. But I think there’s also a better way to go about doing things.”"

While players may want evidence to become public quickly so they can try to defend themselves, the comments of Roger Goodell today will do nothing to help an already inflamatory situation as there is a lot of ill feeling directed at the Commissioner’s office.

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