Tagliablue Overturns Bountygate Suspensions

How does the knife feel in the back, Goodell?

The former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliablue was appointed to hear the 2nd round of appeals from the suspended Saints players. Despite the players initially opposing the appointment, it turned out to work for them. While Tagliablue said that the players participated in the performance pool and should be fined for those actions, he overturned the suspensions putting the blame on the coaching staff with part of the release saying "My affirmation of Commissioner Goodell's findings could certainly justify the issuance of fines. However, this entire case has been contaminated by the coaches and others in the Saints' organization."

It looks like the iron fist of Roger Goodell has been stopped in this case which was perhaps the most unlikely thing to happen. The players, especially Jonathan Vilma, score a huge victory. The league is left looking vulnerable and NFL players might be able to challenge the league on several other issues going forward.

P.S. I guess there is fairness in the NFL... under the old commissioner.