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			<title>Saints SS Roman Harper Wants Defense To Retain Their Intensity In New Scheme</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190972</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 May 2012 14:57:38 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[New Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo appears to be the ideal leader to build off all the successful aspects that former coordinator Gregg Williams brought to the Saints defense, while breathing a new life into the unit at the same time according to Mike Tripplet of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. But then even before the bounty scandal erupted this offseason, Williams' blitz-heavy scheme had grown stagnant as offenses learned to adjust. That Saints defense, which ranked second in the NFL in takeaways in 2009, ranked second-to-last in 2011. The time was right for another scheme change and culture change. And now the Saints can have the best of both worlds -- the veteran players who gained that confidence under Williams, plus a new fire being lit underneath them from Spagnuolo. "I think we've still got that same fire burning up under us. You know, Gregg lit a fire that a lot of us aren't going to let burn out. A sense of intensity," said Harper, who developed into a two-time Pro Bowl player under Williams' tutelage. "And now we understand what it takes to win. Before I don't think we understood it, and we didn't have that complete feeling. But now we've been to the top of the mountain. We know what it takes to get there. And that's what we're trying to do now. It's either Super Bowl or bust. And we won't take anything less this year, no matter what our circumstances are."

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26552)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[New Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo appears to be the ideal leader to build off all the successful aspects that former coordinator Gregg Williams brought to the Saints defense, while breathing a new life into the unit at the same time according to Mike Tripplet of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. But then even before the bounty scandal erupted this offseason, Williams' blitz-heavy scheme had grown stagnant as offenses learned to adjust. That Saints defense, which ranked second in the NFL in takeaways in 2009, ranked second-to-last in 2011. The time was right for another scheme change and culture change. And now the Saints can have the best of both worlds -- the veteran players who gained that confidence under Williams, plus a new fire being lit underneath them from Spagnuolo. &quot;I think we've still got that same fire burning up under us. You know, Gregg lit a fire that a lot of us aren't going to let burn out. A sense of intensity,&quot; said Harper, who developed into a two-time Pro Bowl player under Williams' tutelage. &quot;And now we understand what it takes to win. Before I don't think we understood it, and we didn't have that complete feeling. But now we've been to the top of the mountain. We know what it takes to get there. And that's what we're trying to do now. It's either Super Bowl or bust. And we won't take anything less this year, no matter what our circumstances are.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26552" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Patrick Willis Defends 49ers QB Alex Smith's Comments About Cam Newton]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190966</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 May 2012 14:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[49ers quarterback Alex Smith made some comments about Cam Newton that Panthers linebacker Jon Beason didn't appreciate. "This is the honest truth: I could absolutely care less on yards per game," Smith said Wednesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "I think that's a totally overblown stat. Because if you're losing games in the second half, guess what? You're like the Carolina Panthers and you're going no-huddle the entire second half and, yeah, Cam Newton threw for a lot of 300-yard games, that's great. You're not winning, though." Beason then took to twitter to defend his quarterback writing, "Alex smith, don't hate on Cam Bc your stats would've gotten u cut if Peyton decided to come 2 San Fran.Truth b told..That's after a 13-3 yr." 49ers middle linebacker Patrick Willis tweeted Friday night, "Wins are Wins I stand with My Qb Alex Smith and all my teammates. I can't wait for the season."

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26546)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[49ers quarterback Alex Smith made some comments about Cam Newton that Panthers linebacker Jon Beason didn't appreciate. &quot;This is the honest truth: I could absolutely care less on yards per game,&quot; Smith said Wednesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. &quot;I think that's a totally overblown stat. Because if you're losing games in the second half, guess what? You're like the Carolina Panthers and you're going no-huddle the entire second half and, yeah, Cam Newton threw for a lot of 300-yard games, that's great. You're not winning, though.&quot; Beason then took to twitter to defend his quarterback writing, &quot;Alex smith, don't hate on Cam Bc your stats would've gotten u cut if Peyton decided to come 2 San Fran.Truth b told..That's after a 13-3 yr.&quot; 49ers middle linebacker Patrick Willis tweeted Friday night, &quot;Wins are Wins I stand with My Qb Alex Smith and all my teammates. I can't wait for the season.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26546" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Saints DC Steve Spagnuolo Installing More Zone Defense</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190884</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 16:45:05 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The all-out blitzing the Saints unleashed during recent seasons appears to be a thing of the past under new defensive co-ordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo, the former head coach of the St. Louis Rams, likes a good blitz, but he is more cautious and likes to play more zone defense. "You have to be multiple, in my opinion," he said. "I think that offenses have gotten so far advanced, and quarterbacks have gotten so intelligent about getting their side of the ball in and out of things and to the best play, that on defense you have to be a step ahead of that. There will be an emphasis on winning up front first both in run and pass. I am a firm believer that you win up front." "We talked about that this morning," Saints interim head coach/linebackers coach Joe Vitt said Thursday. "Defensively, we gave up more big plays — runs of 10 yards or more or pass plays of 20 yards or more — last year than we ever have at 99. We have to get that number down to about 75."

Source: Glenn Guilbeau, USA Today Sports (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/saints/story/2012-05-24/steve-spagnuolo-zone-defense/55194780/1)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The all-out blitzing the Saints unleashed during recent seasons appears to be a thing of the past under new defensive co-ordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo, the former head coach of the St. Louis Rams, likes a good blitz, but he is more cautious and likes to play more zone defense. &quot;You have to be multiple, in my opinion,&quot; he said. &quot;I think that offenses have gotten so far advanced, and quarterbacks have gotten so intelligent about getting their side of the ball in and out of things and to the best play, that on defense you have to be a step ahead of that. There will be an emphasis on winning up front first both in run and pass. I am a firm believer that you win up front.&quot; &quot;We talked about that this morning,&quot; Saints interim head coach/linebackers coach Joe Vitt said Thursday. &quot;Defensively, we gave up more big plays — runs of 10 yards or more or pass plays of 20 yards or more — last year than we ever have at 99. We have to get that number down to about 75.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/saints/story/2012-05-24/steve-spagnuolo-zone-defense/55194780/1" target="_blank">Glenn Guilbeau, USA Today Sports</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190884</guid>
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			<title>CBA Could Help Saints QB Drew Brees Gain Strong Leverage In Contract Talks</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190921</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2012 00:12:05 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>If the NFL Players Association is right, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees could gain some serious leverage against the team. Under the terms of the CBA, a player who is franchised three times gets at least a 44 percent increase in his salary. Brees was franchised by the San Diego Chargers in 2005 and was designated as such by the Saints this offseason. If the 2005 tag counts as being franchised a second time under the current collective bargaining agreement, his one-year tender would jump drastically to $23.574 million in 2013 if the two sides fail to agree on a long-term deal and New Orleans tags him again next year. The two sides are seemingly far apart on agreeing to a long-term deal and failing to reach one would open the door for Brees to be franchised by the Saints again next year.

Source: Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--saints-qb-drew-brees--contract-efforts-could-be-aided-by-language-in-cba.html)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[If the NFL Players Association is right, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees could gain some serious leverage against the team. Under the terms of the CBA, a player who is franchised three times gets at least a 44 percent increase in his salary. Brees was franchised by the San Diego Chargers in 2005 and was designated as such by the Saints this offseason. If the 2005 tag counts as being franchised a second time under the current collective bargaining agreement, his one-year tender would jump drastically to $23.574 million in 2013 if the two sides fail to agree on a long-term deal and New Orleans tags him again next year. The two sides are seemingly far apart on agreeing to a long-term deal and failing to reach one would open the door for Brees to be franchised by the Saints again next year.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--saints-qb-drew-brees--contract-efforts-could-be-aided-by-language-in-cba.html" target="_blank">Yahoo! Sports</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190921</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Saints LB Jonathan Vilma's Lawsuit Assigned In Federal Court]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190923</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2012 00:18:16 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's federal libel and slander lawsuit against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has been assigned to Judge Ginger Berrigan. Berrigan, a Clinton appointee, has served on the bench in the Eastern District Court of Louisiana since her confirmation in 1994. As of court closing Friday, there does not appear to have been any motion filed yet by the NFL in response to the lawsuit.

Source: The Times-Picayune (http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/05/new_orleans_saints_lb_jon_vilm_2.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's federal libel and slander lawsuit against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has been assigned to Judge Ginger Berrigan. Berrigan, a Clinton appointee, has served on the bench in the Eastern District Court of Louisiana since her confirmation in 1994. As of court closing Friday, there does not appear to have been any motion filed yet by the NFL in response to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/05/new_orleans_saints_lb_jon_vilm_2.html" target="_blank">The Times-Picayune</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190923</guid>
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			<title>Panthers LB Jon Beason Cracks Back At 49ers QB Alex Smith For Cam Newton Comment</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190870</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 14:11:14 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[49ers quarterback Alex Smith made some comments about Cam Newton that Panthers linebacker Jon Beason didn't appreciate. "This is the honest truth: I could absolutely care less on yards per game," Smith said Wednesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "I think that's a totally overblown stat. Because if you're losing games in the second half, guess what? You're like the Carolina Panthers and you're going no-huddle the entire second half and, yeah, Cam Newton threw for a lot of 300-yard games, that's great. You're not winning, though." Beason took to twitter to defend his quarterback writing, "Alex smith, don't hate on Cam Bc your stats would've gotten u cut if Peyton decided to come 2 San Fran.Truth b told..That's after a 13-3 yr."

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26520)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[49ers quarterback Alex Smith made some comments about Cam Newton that Panthers linebacker Jon Beason didn't appreciate. &quot;This is the honest truth: I could absolutely care less on yards per game,&quot; Smith said Wednesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. &quot;I think that's a totally overblown stat. Because if you're losing games in the second half, guess what? You're like the Carolina Panthers and you're going no-huddle the entire second half and, yeah, Cam Newton threw for a lot of 300-yard games, that's great. You're not winning, though.&quot; Beason took to twitter to defend his quarterback writing, &quot;Alex smith, don't hate on Cam Bc your stats would've gotten u cut if Peyton decided to come 2 San Fran.Truth b told..That's after a 13-3 yr.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26520" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190870</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Steelers LB James Harrison Applauds Saints LB Jonathan Vilma's Lawsuit]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190819</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 18:15:16 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison thinks that all of the NFL's players stand to benefit from Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against commissioner Roger Goodell, even if he loses his fight. "It is really a win-win, whether he wins the case or if he loses it," Harrison said. "If he loses it, it shows that Goodell does have too much power and if he wins it, it opens up the floodgates." Harrison has long been an outspoken critic of the NFL's commissioner and has been fined more than $100,000 in his career for hits the league has deemed illegal.

Source: ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7967571/james-harrison-pittsburgh-steelers-jonathan-vilma-suit-vs-roger-goodell-win-win)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison thinks that all of the NFL's players stand to benefit from Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against commissioner Roger Goodell, even if he loses his fight. &quot;It is really a win-win, whether he wins the case or if he loses it,&quot; Harrison said. &quot;If he loses it, it shows that Goodell does have too much power and if he wins it, it opens up the floodgates.&quot; Harrison has long been an outspoken critic of the NFL's commissioner and has been fined more than $100,000 in his career for hits the league has deemed illegal.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7967571/james-harrison-pittsburgh-steelers-jonathan-vilma-suit-vs-roger-goodell-win-win" target="_blank">ESPN.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190819</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Panthers Hold LB Jon Beason Out Of OTA's]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190827</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 20:05:36 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Panthers are taking precautions with their two recovering linebackers. Middle backer Jon Beason, who had Achilles surgery after Week 1 last season, said he learned Monday that he would not be involved in any of the team drills during OTAs according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Beason, who said his Achilles feels “great,” was disappointed initially but understands the team's thinking. “I think they're just protecting me from myself,” Beason said. “Practice is practice. But to me you come out and compete. You try to win every down and you play the game a certain way. I think that had a lot to do with it, too.” Beason was at middle linebacker for the installation period, with first-round pick Luke Kuechly flanking him at weakside. But after that, Beason kneeled on the sideline and watched.

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26506)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Panthers are taking precautions with their two recovering linebackers. Middle backer Jon Beason, who had Achilles surgery after Week 1 last season, said he learned Monday that he would not be involved in any of the team drills during OTAs according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Beason, who said his Achilles feels “great,” was disappointed initially but understands the team's thinking. “I think they're just protecting me from myself,” Beason said. “Practice is practice. But to me you come out and compete. You try to win every down and you play the game a certain way. I think that had a lot to do with it, too.” Beason was at middle linebacker for the installation period, with first-round pick Luke Kuechly flanking him at weakside. But after that, Beason kneeled on the sideline and watched.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26506" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190827</guid>
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			<title>NFLPA Files Collusion Suit Against The NFL</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190728</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 16:16:29 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The NFL Players Association has filed a federal lawsuit, alleging that the NFL and its owners conspired in collusion to establish a "secret $123 million salary cap" in 2010, which under the previous labor agreement was designated as an uncapped year of spending. the NFLPA claims that it learned on or about March 12, 2012 that four teams -- the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints -- did not abide by the NFL's secret rules that effectively advised teams to operate in 2010 under a $123 million salary cap. An NFLPA source said that the union was "strong-armed" into the agreement because the salary cap would have been set at a league-wide $113 million per team instead of $120 million.

Source: Chris Mortensen, ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7963260/nfl-players-association-files-suit-vs-nfl-alleges-collusion-2010)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The NFL Players Association has filed a federal lawsuit, alleging that the NFL and its owners conspired in collusion to establish a &quot;secret $123 million salary cap&quot; in 2010, which under the previous labor agreement was designated as an uncapped year of spending. the NFLPA claims that it learned on or about March 12, 2012 that four teams -- the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints -- did not abide by the NFL's secret rules that effectively advised teams to operate in 2010 under a $123 million salary cap. An NFLPA source said that the union was &quot;strong-armed&quot; into the agreement because the salary cap would have been set at a league-wide $113 million per team instead of $120 million.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7963260/nfl-players-association-files-suit-vs-nfl-alleges-collusion-2010" target="_blank">Chris Mortensen, ESPN.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190728</guid>
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			<title>Panthers WR Steve Smith Says Money Troubles Common In NFL</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190776</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 02:23:41 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The ink is barely dry on Steve Smith's four-year, $37.75 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. The three-year extension he signed last month includes $16.8 million guaranteed, with a $10 million signing bonus, but Smith doesn't plan to flaunt it. The accomplished veteran receiver has seen too many of his NFL peers stumble into financial fiascos that often stretch the imagination. Millionaires going broke, hard for many of us to comprehend, but Smith isn't surprised by any of it. "Mismanagement of money doesn't change because you have a lot of money. There are a lot of guys out there that make a lot of money and that make a little money and still live paycheck-to-paycheck," Smith told WFNZ-AM in Charlotte on Wednesday, via ProFootballTalk.com. "You know, ignorance of how the financial game works or managing money doesn't exclude you because you have a lot of it. It just enables you to make bigger and dumber mistakes because you have a lot of money." In some situations, the problem is a lack of a strong support system around young athletes. With that first contract, family and friends -- and a legion of more tenuous associates -- often emerge from the woodwork, asking for support and favors. Smith talked openly about younger athletes trusting the wrong people, players themselves are given spending power, sometimes for the first time in life. Heady territory, littered with warning signs. "I'll tell you why so many athletes are broke: 17 weeks out of the year you get paid, and the rest, you have to manage," Smith said, adding that when players stumble into money troubles, some crumble: "People get dangerous, get desperate, and that's how you get these guys that do drug runs and start driving down highways with kilos of marijuana just so they can get that fast cash."

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8294d142/article/steve-smith-says-money-troubles-common-in-nfl)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The ink is barely dry on Steve Smith's four-year, $37.75 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. The three-year extension he signed last month includes $16.8 million guaranteed, with a $10 million signing bonus, but Smith doesn't plan to flaunt it. The accomplished veteran receiver has seen too many of his NFL peers stumble into financial fiascos that often stretch the imagination. Millionaires going broke, hard for many of us to comprehend, but Smith isn't surprised by any of it. &quot;Mismanagement of money doesn't change because you have a lot of money. There are a lot of guys out there that make a lot of money and that make a little money and still live paycheck-to-paycheck,&quot; Smith told WFNZ-AM in Charlotte on Wednesday, via ProFootballTalk.com. &quot;You know, ignorance of how the financial game works or managing money doesn't exclude you because you have a lot of it. It just enables you to make bigger and dumber mistakes because you have a lot of money.&quot; In some situations, the problem is a lack of a strong support system around young athletes. With that first contract, family and friends -- and a legion of more tenuous associates -- often emerge from the woodwork, asking for support and favors. Smith talked openly about younger athletes trusting the wrong people, players themselves are given spending power, sometimes for the first time in life. Heady territory, littered with warning signs. &quot;I'll tell you why so many athletes are broke: 17 weeks out of the year you get paid, and the rest, you have to manage,&quot; Smith said, adding that when players stumble into money troubles, some crumble: &quot;People get dangerous, get desperate, and that's how you get these guys that do drug runs and start driving down highways with kilos of marijuana just so they can get that fast cash.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8294d142/article/steve-smith-says-money-troubles-common-in-nfl" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190776</guid>
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			<title>NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Says Public Will See Proof Of Bounties</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190684</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 00:09:27 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated Tuesday at the Spring League Meeting that the NFL plans to release proof to the public which proves bounties were paid by the New Orleans Saints players according to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com.. "Yes, I do," Goodell said when he was asked if he expected the public to see the proof. Eventually. Goodell said the league won't release any more information publicly until the appeals and grievance processes are finished. Goodell also said that the NFLPA "expressly told the players not to cooperate in the bounty investigation. "I invited them in and they decided not to do that," Goodell said. The appeals and grievance process will take more time. In the meantime, Goodell knows he will continue to be a target for criticism from players. "You don't worry about a popularity contest. You can't. You can't make everyone happy on this," Goodell said.

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26459)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated Tuesday at the Spring League Meeting that the NFL plans to release proof to the public which proves bounties were paid by the New Orleans Saints players according to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com.. &quot;Yes, I do,&quot; Goodell said when he was asked if he expected the public to see the proof. Eventually. Goodell said the league won't release any more information publicly until the appeals and grievance processes are finished. Goodell also said that the NFLPA &quot;expressly told the players not to cooperate in the bounty investigation. &quot;I invited them in and they decided not to do that,&quot; Goodell said. The appeals and grievance process will take more time. In the meantime, Goodell knows he will continue to be a target for criticism from players. &quot;You don't worry about a popularity contest. You can't. You can't make everyone happy on this,&quot; Goodell said.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26459" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
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			<title>Seahawks Trade For Buccaneers TE Kellen Winslow</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190614</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 04:03:41 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded tight end Kellen Winslow to the Seattle Seahawks for a draft pick on Monday night and signed former Colts star Dallas Clark to replace him. Earlier in the day, Winslow told SiriusXM radio that first-year coach Greg Schiano was "kind of upset" that Winslow has not been working out with the team during the offseason. "That's kind of shocking, but that's what it is," Winslow said, adding that Schiano told him the coach "would help me out with a trade." Winslow has been one of Tampa Bay's best offensive players since being acquired from Cleveland in a trade three years ago. He had 77 receptions for 884 yards and five touchdowns in 2009, 66 catches for 730 yards and five TDs in 2010 and 75 receptions for 763 yards and two TDs in 2011. Tampa Bay received a conditional 2013 draft pick in the deal.


Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer (http://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/Bucs-TE-Winslow-says-he-s-not-in-team-s-plans-3574786.php)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded tight end Kellen Winslow to the Seattle Seahawks for a draft pick on Monday night and signed former Colts star Dallas Clark to replace him. Earlier in the day, Winslow told SiriusXM radio that first-year coach Greg Schiano was &quot;kind of upset&quot; that Winslow has not been working out with the team during the offseason. &quot;That's kind of shocking, but that's what it is,&quot; Winslow said, adding that Schiano told him the coach &quot;would help me out with a trade.&quot; Winslow has been one of Tampa Bay's best offensive players since being acquired from Cleveland in a trade three years ago. He had 77 receptions for 884 yards and five touchdowns in 2009, 66 catches for 730 yards and five TDs in 2010 and 75 receptions for 763 yards and two TDs in 2011. Tampa Bay received a conditional 2013 draft pick in the deal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b><a href="http://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/Bucs-TE-Winslow-says-he-s-not-in-team-s-plans-3574786.php" target="_blank"> Seattle Post-Intelligencer</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Saints Players Feel NFL Is Treating Them Unfairly</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190606</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 00:34:12 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Over the last few weeks, several players on the New Orleans Saints have reached out to CBSSports.com columnist Mike Freeman to express their doubts and frustrations with the NFL's investigation into an illegal bounty program and the resulting suspensions handed down to current and former players, coaches and front office staff. Common themes in the players' comments are doubts that the league actually has proof of a bounty system, and a sense that the players and coaches are being railroaded by the NFL. The players also contend that the letters sent to head coach Sean Payton, former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, linebackers coach Joe Vitt and general manager Mickey Loomis informing them of their discipline imply reductions in their suspensions so long as they kept quiet about the issue. Another assertion is that Williams' reputation for administering bounty programs in previous NFL coaching stops prompted the league to make an example of the Saints. "It's been well-documented that (Williams) had a similar pay-for-performance system at other places he's coached," a player close to the investigation told Freeman, "so now players are being punished for just the dumb luck of being in New Orleans at a time when such a culture was present, and also at a time when the league needs to take a hard stance on such behavior for perception and liability reasons. There might be anecdotal evidence of a few players saying some over-the-top (expletive) to mirror their coach. I’ve heard players threaten rape and sodomy in pregame speeches. Immature? Yes. But actually paying and accepting money to injure? Nope."

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8293f08a/article/report-saints-players-feel-nfl-treated-them-unfairly)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Over the last few weeks, several players on the New Orleans Saints have reached out to CBSSports.com columnist Mike Freeman to express their doubts and frustrations with the NFL's investigation into an illegal bounty program and the resulting suspensions handed down to current and former players, coaches and front office staff. Common themes in the players' comments are doubts that the league actually has proof of a bounty system, and a sense that the players and coaches are being railroaded by the NFL. The players also contend that the letters sent to head coach Sean Payton, former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, linebackers coach Joe Vitt and general manager Mickey Loomis informing them of their discipline imply reductions in their suspensions so long as they kept quiet about the issue. Another assertion is that Williams' reputation for administering bounty programs in previous NFL coaching stops prompted the league to make an example of the Saints. &quot;It's been well-documented that (Williams) had a similar pay-for-performance system at other places he's coached,&quot; a player close to the investigation told Freeman, &quot;so now players are being punished for just the dumb luck of being in New Orleans at a time when such a culture was present, and also at a time when the league needs to take a hard stance on such behavior for perception and liability reasons. There might be anecdotal evidence of a few players saying some over-the-top (expletive) to mirror their coach. I’ve heard players threaten rape and sodomy in pregame speeches. Immature? Yes. But actually paying and accepting money to injure? Nope.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8293f08a/article/report-saints-players-feel-nfl-treated-them-unfairly" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Texans Coach Wade Phillips Says Gregg Williams Audio Made Him Sick</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190670</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 19:55:32 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Wade Phillips began coaching in the NFL as an assistant with the Houston Oilers in 1976. He has heard — and given — his share of locker room speeches. Still, Phillips said he was stunned by the audio tape from last season's playoffs in which former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams gave graphic instructions to injure opponents. “It made me sick. I just don’t believe in that," Phillips said recently in an interview with Houston Sports Radio 610. "It’s something completely against what I believe in. I knew it wasn’t right certainly and I think that’s where you go. I’ve been around the NFL for 36 years. We’ve never talked about that and hurting another player.” Asked if he thought Williams' bounty program is common in the NFL, Phillips said, "No. That’s what I’m saying. I’ve never done it, and I’ve never been around a team that did it.”

Source: Sporting News (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-05-22/wade-phillips-gregg-williams-saints-bounty-scandal)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Wade Phillips began coaching in the NFL as an assistant with the Houston Oilers in 1976. He has heard — and given — his share of locker room speeches. Still, Phillips said he was stunned by the audio tape from last season's playoffs in which former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams gave graphic instructions to injure opponents. “It made me sick. I just don’t believe in that,&quot; Phillips said recently in an interview with Houston Sports Radio 610. &quot;It’s something completely against what I believe in. I knew it wasn’t right certainly and I think that’s where you go. I’ve been around the NFL for 36 years. We’ve never talked about that and hurting another player.” Asked if he thought Williams' bounty program is common in the NFL, Phillips said, &quot;No. That’s what I’m saying. I’ve never done it, and I’ve never been around a team that did it.”<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-05-22/wade-phillips-gregg-williams-saints-bounty-scandal" target="_blank">Sporting News</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
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			<title>San Diego Chargers WR Robert Meachem Participating Fully In OTAs</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190665</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 19:03:14 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said that wide receiver Robert Meachem, who had his right knee scope earlier in the offseason, is participating fully in the team’s offseason workouts. “Oh yeah, he looks real good,” Rivers said. “He’s running around and picking up the offense super fast.” Rivers added, “Meachem is learning new stuff, but now we are getting to where we call plays and breaking the huddle and going and going and going. This looks like we have been together for awhile and that’s what you want and certainly we are not there yet. It has been great, but these guys are different from what we have had. … it’s been fun to throw to them.” The Chargers acquired Meachem in free agency after spending five seasons with the New Orleans Saints, who took him with the twenty-seventh overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.


Source: Steven Cuce , Sports Radio Interviews (http://sportsradiointerviews.com/2012/05/22/philip-rivers-ladainian-tomlinson-san-diego-chargers/)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said that wide receiver Robert Meachem, who had his right knee scope earlier in the offseason, is participating fully in the team’s offseason workouts. “Oh yeah, he looks real good,” Rivers said. “He’s running around and picking up the offense super fast.” Rivers added, “Meachem is learning new stuff, but now we are getting to where we call plays and breaking the huddle and going and going and going. This looks like we have been together for awhile and that’s what you want and certainly we are not there yet. It has been great, but these guys are different from what we have had. … it’s been fun to throw to them.” The Chargers acquired Meachem in free agency after spending five seasons with the New Orleans Saints, who took him with the twenty-seventh overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://sportsradiointerviews.com/2012/05/22/philip-rivers-ladainian-tomlinson-san-diego-chargers/" target="_blank">Steven Cuce , Sports Radio Interviews</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Ron Rivera Doesn't Think Panthers QB Cam Newton Will Have A Sophomore Slump]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190491</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 May 2012 21:12:24 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Cam Newton surprised everyone with his phenomenal rookie season.  The "sophomore slump" question came up in an interview Panthers coach Ron Rivera did with Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. "I will say this about a sophomore slump – if there’s anybody that’s going work through it, he’s going to work through it," Rivera said. "When the season was over, one of the things he said was he wanted to find a way to make sure he didn’t have one. I think the less we talk about it, the less we get caught up in it, the better. It’s like the Madden curse, he really wanted to be the cover. I think that’s the thing. Instead of running from it, saying, oh, I hope it doesn’t happen – it’s not going to happen. I’m not going to let it happen. I think that’s his approach to the sophomore slump."

Source: Charlotte Observer (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/19/3252871/qa-ron-rivera-feels-good-about.html#storylink=rss)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Cam Newton surprised everyone with his phenomenal rookie season.  The &quot;sophomore slump&quot; question came up in an interview Panthers coach Ron Rivera did with Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. &quot;I will say this about a sophomore slump – if there’s anybody that’s going work through it, he’s going to work through it,&quot; Rivera said. &quot;When the season was over, one of the things he said was he wanted to find a way to make sure he didn’t have one. I think the less we talk about it, the less we get caught up in it, the better. It’s like the Madden curse, he really wanted to be the cover. I think that’s the thing. Instead of running from it, saying, oh, I hope it doesn’t happen – it’s not going to happen. I’m not going to let it happen. I think that’s his approach to the sophomore slump.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/19/3252871/qa-ron-rivera-feels-good-about.html#storylink=rss" target="_blank">Charlotte Observer</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>WR Preston Parker Signs One-Year Extension With Buccaneers</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190629</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 15:04:13 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed wide receiver Preston Parker to a one-year contract extension earlier this month, according to Brian McIntyre of NFL.com who cites a source with knowledge of the situation. Parker was due to earn $540,000 in non-guaranteed base salary as an exclusive rights free agent this season. As part of the extension, Parker received a $50,000 signing bonus (the only portion of the contract that is guaranteed) and is scheduled to earn $1 million in base salary in 2013. Signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of North Alabama in 2010, the 5-foot-11, 195-pound Parker had four catches for 42 yards in nine games as a rookie. In 16 games last season, Parker came off the bench to catch 40 passes for 554 yards and three touchdowns while playing in over 45 percent of the Buccaneers' offensive snaps. Parker has averaged 20.6 yards on 30 kick returns the last two seasons, averaged 9.1 yards per punt return in 2011 and has made seven tackles on special teams during his career.

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26438)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed wide receiver Preston Parker to a one-year contract extension earlier this month, according to Brian McIntyre of NFL.com who cites a source with knowledge of the situation. Parker was due to earn $540,000 in non-guaranteed base salary as an exclusive rights free agent this season. As part of the extension, Parker received a $50,000 signing bonus (the only portion of the contract that is guaranteed) and is scheduled to earn $1 million in base salary in 2013. Signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of North Alabama in 2010, the 5-foot-11, 195-pound Parker had four catches for 42 yards in nine games as a rookie. In 16 games last season, Parker came off the bench to catch 40 passes for 554 yards and three touchdowns while playing in over 45 percent of the Buccaneers' offensive snaps. Parker has averaged 20.6 yards on 30 kick returns the last two seasons, averaged 9.1 yards per punt return in 2011 and has made seven tackles on special teams during his career.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26438" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
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			<title>Buccaneers Sign TE Dallas Clark</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190591</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 23:35:26 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Aaron Wilson of Profootball.scout.com reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark, according to a league source. Clark, 32, has caught 427 career passes for 4,887 yards and 46 touchdowns. Clark also worked out for the New England Patriots, but ultimately opted to join the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers are attempting to trade tight end Kellen Winslow, but have yet to do so. The 6-foot-3, 252-pound Clark was limited to 10 games last season due to injury and caught 34 passes for 352 yards and two touchdowns.

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26427)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Aaron Wilson of Profootball.scout.com reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark, according to a league source. Clark, 32, has caught 427 career passes for 4,887 yards and 46 touchdowns. Clark also worked out for the New England Patriots, but ultimately opted to join the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers are attempting to trade tight end Kellen Winslow, but have yet to do so. The 6-foot-3, 252-pound Clark was limited to 10 games last season due to injury and caught 34 passes for 352 yards and two touchdowns.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=26427" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
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			<title>Lawyer Has To Prove Roger Goodell Lied About Saints LB Jonathan Vilma</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190525</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 14:53:39 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Gabe Feldman, director of the Tulane sports law program, on LB Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against Roger Goodell: “When you're a public figure, you have to prove the statements made against you not only were false, but they were made with actual malice. They were made with the intent to hurt you with reckless disregard to the truth. So you're making a claim that Roger Goodell made a determination that Jonathan Vilma was engaged in this bounty scheme without any evidence, at all, and they Roger Goodell knew he had no evidence and that he's lying about this and he knew he was lying about this.” 

Source: CBSSports (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/post/19112301)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Gabe Feldman, director of the Tulane sports law program, on LB Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against Roger Goodell: “When you're a public figure, you have to prove the statements made against you not only were false, but they were made with actual malice. They were made with the intent to hurt you with reckless disregard to the truth. So you're making a claim that Roger Goodell made a determination that Jonathan Vilma was engaged in this bounty scheme without any evidence, at all, and they Roger Goodell knew he had no evidence and that he's lying about this and he knew he was lying about this.” <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/post/19112301" target="_blank">CBSSports</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Saints LB Jonathan Vilma's Suit Gets Respect From Players]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190367</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 16:03:04 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's decision to sue NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for defamation was an unprecedented and unexpected step in the aftermath following the Saints' "bounty" scandal. It feels like a legal Hail Mary. Vilma will have a difficult time proving Goodell lied or demonstrated "actual malice" in regards to Vilma, which is the legal standard for proving defamation, if nothing else, Vilma's bold move won some respect from his fellow players. "What a badass," one NFC player said. "He's the man. I think it's nuts, but I love it. He's going after Goodell. He should, too." "It's aggressive, and I love it. I'm excited to see what happens. I love the sound of 'Vilma v. Goodell.' This is gonna cement Vilma's name forever," another player remarked. "If Vilma wins? Oh, then he's God. They should just put him as commissioner if that happens." This lawsuit seems more about making a statement and a potentially expensive one. Vilma feels wronged and he's not going to take his suspension lying down, he's taking his aggressive attitude on the field to his fight with the NFL.

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8292f23b/article/jonathan-vilmas-suit-gets-respect-from-players)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's decision to sue NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for defamation was an unprecedented and unexpected step in the aftermath following the Saints' &quot;bounty&quot; scandal. It feels like a legal Hail Mary. Vilma will have a difficult time proving Goodell lied or demonstrated &quot;actual malice&quot; in regards to Vilma, which is the legal standard for proving defamation, if nothing else, Vilma's bold move won some respect from his fellow players. &quot;What a badass,&quot; one NFC player said. &quot;He's the man. I think it's nuts, but I love it. He's going after Goodell. He should, too.&quot; &quot;It's aggressive, and I love it. I'm excited to see what happens. I love the sound of 'Vilma v. Goodell.' This is gonna cement Vilma's name forever,&quot; another player remarked. &quot;If Vilma wins? Oh, then he's God. They should just put him as commissioner if that happens.&quot; This lawsuit seems more about making a statement and a potentially expensive one. Vilma feels wronged and he's not going to take his suspension lying down, he's taking his aggressive attitude on the field to his fight with the NFL.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8292f23b/article/jonathan-vilmas-suit-gets-respect-from-players" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
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