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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>
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			<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>
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			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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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>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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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>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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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>
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			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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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>
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			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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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>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>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>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<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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			<title>Saints To Open OTAs Without Coach Sean Payton, QB Drew  Brees</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190541</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 16:49:21 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Saints will kick off OTA practices on Tuesday. It's the first practice for the Saints without Sean Payton as the head coach during his year-long suspension. But the absence of Drew Brees from the OTA sessions will be the bigger storyline as there seems to be no end in sight for Brees' contract negotiations with the Saints.

Source: CBSSports (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/post/19112826)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Saints will kick off OTA practices on Tuesday. It's the first practice for the Saints without Sean Payton as the head coach during his year-long suspension. But the absence of Drew Brees from the OTA sessions will be the bigger storyline as there seems to be no end in sight for Brees' contract negotiations with the Saints.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/post/19112826" target="_blank">CBSSports</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Saints GM Mickey Loomis To Join New Orleans Hornets Front Office&#8206;]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190476</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 May 2012 20:09:04 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Mickey Loomis will be out of a job for the first half of the NFL season, but the Saints general manager may keep himself busy running the NBA's New Orleans Hornets. Saints owner Tom Benson, who is in the middle of acquiring the Hornets, is restructuring the top management positions in his empire and that is likely to lead to Loomis overseeing basketball operations for the Hornets, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Loomis has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2012 season for failing to disclose and shut down the team's so-called bounty program that was in operation from 2009-'11. Benson, 84, told the Times-Picayune he also plans to give Dennis Lauscha, Saints executive vice president and chief financial officer, similar powers with the Hornets, and elevate his granddaughter, Rita Benson LeBlanc to vice-chairwoman of the board. "We've got a good team going, we really do," said Benson.

Source: USA Today (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/05/suspended-saints-gm-take-oversee-nbas-hornets-too/1#.T7lOycXgSSk)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Mickey Loomis will be out of a job for the first half of the NFL season, but the Saints general manager may keep himself busy running the NBA's New Orleans Hornets. Saints owner Tom Benson, who is in the middle of acquiring the Hornets, is restructuring the top management positions in his empire and that is likely to lead to Loomis overseeing basketball operations for the Hornets, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Loomis has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2012 season for failing to disclose and shut down the team's so-called bounty program that was in operation from 2009-'11. Benson, 84, told the Times-Picayune he also plans to give Dennis Lauscha, Saints executive vice president and chief financial officer, similar powers with the Hornets, and elevate his granddaughter, Rita Benson LeBlanc to vice-chairwoman of the board. &quot;We've got a good team going, we really do,&quot; said Benson.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/05/suspended-saints-gm-take-oversee-nbas-hornets-too/1#.T7lOycXgSSk" target="_blank">USA Today</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[Saints QB Drew Brees Reportedly 'Extremely Frustrated' With Lack Of Contract Talks]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190222</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 01:04:21 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Saints quarterback Drew Brees expressed more public frustration on Wednesday night than he has throughout his contract standoff with the team this offseason. He told WWL radio that the "lack of communication" has been his biggest disappointment. "I would say more than anything, I guess, what's been a little frustrating on my end or disappointing is the lack of communication," said Brees, who remains unsigned but under the Saints' control because of the franchise tag. "There's always a back and forth when it comes to these negotiations. But I know we've reached out on quite a few occasions. And at times, I know I've been frustrated with the lack of response. ...I would just say there should be a sense of urgency and yet it seems like there's not." Based on information from league sources, it sounds like neither side has really reached out to narrow the gap in their contract demands for more than a month. Both sides have apparently been waiting for pressure to mount. And based on Brees' open frustration, that process has started.

Source: The Times-Picayune (http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/05/post_215.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Saints quarterback Drew Brees expressed more public frustration on Wednesday night than he has throughout his contract standoff with the team this offseason. He told WWL radio that the &quot;lack of communication&quot; has been his biggest disappointment. &quot;I would say more than anything, I guess, what's been a little frustrating on my end or disappointing is the lack of communication,&quot; said Brees, who remains unsigned but under the Saints' control because of the franchise tag. &quot;There's always a back and forth when it comes to these negotiations. But I know we've reached out on quite a few occasions. And at times, I know I've been frustrated with the lack of response. ...I would just say there should be a sense of urgency and yet it seems like there's not.&quot; Based on information from league sources, it sounds like neither side has really reached out to narrow the gap in their contract demands for more than a month. Both sides have apparently been waiting for pressure to mount. And based on Brees' open frustration, that process has started.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/05/post_215.html" target="_blank">The Times-Picayune</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Saints Owner Tom Benson Confident Deal With QB Drew Brees Will Get Done</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190386</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 20:08:32 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Speaking with reporters at a team press conference, New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson responded to reports that quarterback Drew Brees was frustrated with the lack of contract talks. "Well, I talked to Drew Brees...it wasn't too long ago. He and I always have nice conversations, his agent and us and Mickey Loomis, primarily, are trying to work out the details," Benson said. "There's money involved, and two people  have some difference of opinion...but it's going to be worked out. I assure  you that Drew Brees will be playing here." General Manager Mickey Loomis went on to say the team and Brees will eventually settle on a deal, but that it may not be right away. "This is important, it's not just important to Drew, but it's important to our team," Loomis said. "The magnitude of this contract is going to impact our team for a long, long period of time, and so we've got to get it right.  Got to get it right. It's got to be right for Drew, but it's got to be right for our team as well.  And...We'll get there."

Source: Jay Vise, WWL.com (http://www.wwl.com/Benson---Loomis-respond-to-Brees-interview-on-WWL/13170362)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Speaking with reporters at a team press conference, New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson responded to reports that quarterback Drew Brees was frustrated with the lack of contract talks. &quot;Well, I talked to Drew Brees...it wasn't too long ago. He and I always have nice conversations, his agent and us and Mickey Loomis, primarily, are trying to work out the details,&quot; Benson said. &quot;There's money involved, and two people  have some difference of opinion...but it's going to be worked out. I assure  you that Drew Brees will be playing here.&quot; General Manager Mickey Loomis went on to say the team and Brees will eventually settle on a deal, but that it may not be right away. &quot;This is important, it's not just important to Drew, but it's important to our team,&quot; Loomis said. &quot;The magnitude of this contract is going to impact our team for a long, long period of time, and so we've got to get it right.  Got to get it right. It's got to be right for Drew, but it's got to be right for our team as well.  And...We'll get there.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.wwl.com/Benson---Loomis-respond-to-Brees-interview-on-WWL/13170362" target="_blank">Jay Vise, WWL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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			<title>Saints LB Jonathan Vilma Sues Roger Goodell For Defamation</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190295</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 19:34:58 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Suspended Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has filed a defamation lawsuit against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The lawsuit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in New Orleans claims Goodell has made false statements about Vilma while discussing the NFL's bounty investigation of the New Orleans Saints. Goodell has said Vilma was a leader of the team's bounty program that put up thousands of dollars for bounties on opposing team's star players. Goodell has also suspended Vilma for the entire season. Vilma and three other players who received shorter suspensions all have appealed their punishments, Vilma denies putting up money to knock any player out of a game.

Source: ESPN.com, Associated Press (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7942639/new-orleans-saints-jonathan-vilma-sues-commissioner-roger-goodell-defamation)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Suspended Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has filed a defamation lawsuit against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The lawsuit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in New Orleans claims Goodell has made false statements about Vilma while discussing the NFL's bounty investigation of the New Orleans Saints. Goodell has said Vilma was a leader of the team's bounty program that put up thousands of dollars for bounties on opposing team's star players. Goodell has also suspended Vilma for the entire season. Vilma and three other players who received shorter suspensions all have appealed their punishments, Vilma denies putting up money to knock any player out of a game.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7942639/new-orleans-saints-jonathan-vilma-sues-commissioner-roger-goodell-defamation" target="_blank">ESPN.com, Associated Press</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>Saintsfan1972</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Louisiana Legislature Asks NFL To Reconsider Saints 'Bounty' Penalties]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190068</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 13:54:53 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Louisiana Legislature is asking the NFL to reconsider the penalties imposed on the New Orleans Saints for their three-year participation in a "bounty" program, in which coaches rewarded players for knocking out opponents or forcing them to be carted off the field. The formal request received final legislative passage with a 28-1 Senate vote Monday. In the resolution, lawmakers say there is "widespread public opinion throughout the state of Louisiana and beyond that the penalties imposed upon the Saints are too harsh and should be reconsidered." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Saints coach Sean Payton for the 2012 season effective as of April 16. 

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82919c8e/article/la-legislature-asks-nfl-to-reconsider-saints-bounty-penalties)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Louisiana Legislature is asking the NFL to reconsider the penalties imposed on the New Orleans Saints for their three-year participation in a &quot;bounty&quot; program, in which coaches rewarded players for knocking out opponents or forcing them to be carted off the field. The formal request received final legislative passage with a 28-1 Senate vote Monday. In the resolution, lawmakers say there is &quot;widespread public opinion throughout the state of Louisiana and beyond that the penalties imposed upon the Saints are too harsh and should be reconsidered.&quot; NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Saints coach Sean Payton for the 2012 season effective as of April 16. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82919c8e/article/la-legislature-asks-nfl-to-reconsider-saints-bounty-penalties" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>Sweets</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Saints Unmoved By QB Drew Brees' Frustration With Contract Talks]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190332</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 00:15:36 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Saints quarterback Drew Brees' remarks to WWL-AM radio Wednesday, in which he said he is frustrated with the process in getting signed to a long-term contract, have not spurred any movement in locking up the franchise quarterback. There has been no progress -- as has been the case for months -- regarding contract talks between Brees and the Saints, a source with knowledge of the situation said Thursday. The team has tendered Brees with a franchise tag, which gives the team exclusive negotiating rights. However, Brees said he will not play under the one-year, franchise tender. On Wednesday, Brees said the negotiation process has been "extremely frustrating," adding that he's "committed to getting a long-term deal."

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82929823/article/saints-unmoved-by-drew-brees-frustration-with-contract-talks?module=HP11_headline_stack)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Saints quarterback Drew Brees' remarks to WWL-AM radio Wednesday, in which he said he is frustrated with the process in getting signed to a long-term contract, have not spurred any movement in locking up the franchise quarterback. There has been no progress -- as has been the case for months -- regarding contract talks between Brees and the Saints, a source with knowledge of the situation said Thursday. The team has tendered Brees with a franchise tag, which gives the team exclusive negotiating rights. However, Brees said he will not play under the one-year, franchise tender. On Wednesday, Brees said the negotiation process has been &quot;extremely frustrating,&quot; adding that he's &quot;committed to getting a long-term deal.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82929823/article/saints-unmoved-by-drew-brees-frustration-with-contract-talks?module=HP11_headline_stack" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Suspended Saints Players' Grievance Hearing Ends Without Ruling]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190227</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 01:11:40 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The grievance brought by the NFL Players Association against the NFL in the New Orleans Saints "bounty" scandal was argued Wednesday for two-and-a-half hours before arbitrator Shyam Das at NFL headquarters in New York, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. There was no ruling and there are no further hearings scheduled for this particular grievance, which centers on whether Commissioner Roger Goodell has the power to punish players for the so-called bounty program since it occured prior to the current labor agreement signed last August. Ex-Saints linebacker Scott Fujita and ex-Saints defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, were present for the hearing, according to knowledgeable sources.

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8292258b/article/suspended-saints-players-grievance-hearing-ends-without-ruling)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The grievance brought by the NFL Players Association against the NFL in the New Orleans Saints &quot;bounty&quot; scandal was argued Wednesday for two-and-a-half hours before arbitrator Shyam Das at NFL headquarters in New York, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. There was no ruling and there are no further hearings scheduled for this particular grievance, which centers on whether Commissioner Roger Goodell has the power to punish players for the so-called bounty program since it occured prior to the current labor agreement signed last August. Ex-Saints linebacker Scott Fujita and ex-Saints defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, were present for the hearing, according to knowledgeable sources.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8292258b/article/suspended-saints-players-grievance-hearing-ends-without-ruling" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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