Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has overturned the suspensions of four NFL players who had been punished by the league in connection with the bounty scandal that has been overshadowing the NFL since the bounties were revealed earlier this year, and hopefully this ruling will finally provide some closure on the whole matter. The NFL had originally suspended current Saints LB Jonathan Vilma and DE Will Smith, as well as former Saints DT Anthony Hargrove and current Browns LB Scott Fujita, but Tagliabue ruled that the players would no longer be suspended. The four players will also not be fined.

Tagliabue was appointed by Roger Goodell, to handle the appeals of the Saints’ bounty program that was run by former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams from 2009-2011. Here is a small excerpt from the NFL’s ruling:

Unlike Saints’ broad organizational misconduct, player appeals involve sharply focused issues of alleged individual player misconduct in several different aspects. 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.

We respect Mr. Tagliabue’s decision, which underscores the due process afforded players in NFL disciplinary matters. This matter has now been reviewed by Commissioner Goodell, two CBA grievance arbitrators, the CBA Appeals Panel, and Mr. Tagliabue as Commissioner Goodell’s designated appeals officer.

The decisions have made clear that the Saints operated a bounty program in violation of league rules for three years, that the program endangered player safety, and that the commissioner has the authority under the CBA to impose discipline for those actions as conduct detrimental to the league.

Strong action was taken in this matter to protect player safety and ensure that bounties would be eliminated from football

You can read the full release here.

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Nov 29, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) gets stopped by the Atlanta Falcons defense during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE

When the Saints and Falcons have faced off since Drew Brees and Matt Ryan joined their respective teams, it’s been an offensive shootout nearly every meeting, but it was the Falcons defense that shined last night, holding Brees to 28/50 passing for 341 yards, no touchdowns, and five interceptions, as the Falcons handled the Saints, 23-13. Brees also saw his NFL record streak of 54 games with TD pass end as his Saints fell to 5-7 and likely saw their playoff dreams shattered.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart is unlikely to play this week vs. the Chiefs after he sustained a high-ankle sprain last week.

Raiders Head Coach Dennis Allen is staying tight-lipped on how the team plans to handle MLB Rolando McClain after he was kicked out of practice this week and later posted on his facebook that he was done with the Raiders.

Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall has been fined $35,750 for multiple infractions in last Thursday’s win over the Dallas Cowboys.

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November 11, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Week 13 is here and NFL teams are beginning to separate from the pack and solidify their playoff position, while others are clawing and scratching just to get in the postseason. Both examples will be on display tonight as the New Orleans Saints head to Atlanta fro an AFC South showdown with the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta (10-1) is looking to lock up the #1-overall seed in the NFC while the Saints (5-6) need to win out just to secure a playoff spot after an 04 start to their season.

The Steelers are suddenly getting healthier as QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) returned to a limited practice Wednesday, while WR Antonio Brown (ankle) and safety Troy Polamalu (calf) practiced fully.

Bills Head Coach Chan Gailey claims QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to be the guy going forward for the Bills, despite another disappointing season with Fitz as the starting QB.  Meanwhile, General Manager Buddy Nix has stated he wants to draft a QB in the 2013 NFL Draft to develop into a franchise QB, something Fitz clearly is not.

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