Jeudi

It just may be Jonathan Vilma's lucky day. NFL Commissioner Goodell has recused himself from any bounty proceedings, handing the decision-making over to former commissioner Paul Tagliabue. This comes only days after all four Bounty-gate players implored Goodell to remove himself from the proceedings. Although not officially backed by the NFL Players' Association, Goodell says he consulted with the executive director before formally announcing his dis-involvement with the matter.

The move puts the man who Saints fans blame (and hate) for the Bounty saga out of the equation. Vilma, former Saints player Scott Fujita and even Breesus have lashed out publicly at Goodell for the way he handled the Bountygate decision making. If Tagilabue affirms his rulings of guilt, look for Goodell to use that as vindication.

The four suspended players' appeal has already been postponed from this Tuesday, October 23 until October 30, making them eligible for yet another week of football. Vilma has already been cleared from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list for this week's match-up in Tampa Bay. The Saints have until Saturday at 4PM EST to decide if they will activate him for Sunday's game, though most sources expect he will play around twenty defensive snaps. Now, with the postponement, Vilma may be eligible for another week of football – next Sunday's key match-up against Peyton Manning in Denver.

As commissioner, Goodell has complete oversight of all disciplinary action and investigations pertaining to NFL players. His removal of himself from the controversial case is unprecedented. He said he informed the suspended players Friday that Tagliabue is now the man who will “decide the appeals and bring the matter to a prompt and fair conclusion.”

“Paul Tagliabue is a genuine football authority whose tenure as commissioner was marked by his thorough and judicious approach to all matters.” Goodell denied collaborating or discussing the bounty matters at any time previously with Tagliabue.

Tagliabue is most famous locally for, somewhat forcefully, convincing Tom Benson to abandon his plan to move the Saints to San Antonio. His faith in the rebirth of New Orleans, and their need for a hometown team in a time of crisis, endeared him to many Saints fans. Tagliabue has a week and a half to bring himself up to speed on the bounty controversy.

Several new arguments have joined the chorus today, with the Player's Union citing a 1996 “Smash for Cash” program as proof of the NFL's inconsistent policy on pay-for-performance. Packer legend Reggie White is quoted as having given away his entire paycheck away to players he'd tempted into making big hits in a game against the San Francisco 49ers. Although its use as ammo is doubtful, it only adds more ambiguity to the bounty scandal which has dragged on since early off-season. Here's hoping Tagliabue can bring the issue to a swift and positive resolution.