Goodell recuses himself from bounty appeals
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has recused himself from the bounty appeals process of four New Orleans Saints players involved in the scandal, the league announced.
Paul Tagliabue, the NFL's commissioner from 1989-2006, will conduct the hearings for Scott Fujita, Anthony Hargrove, Will Smith, and Jonathan Vilma Oct. 30, and make a ruling.
DeMaurice Smith, the executive Director of the NFL Players Association, originally broke the news via twitter.
Under the collective bargaining agreement, Goodell has the authority to hear appeals regarding conduct or appoint a designee. Goodell had several conversations with Smith before opting to step aside.
"Paul Tagliabue is a genuine football authority whose tenure as commissioner was marked by his thorough and judicious approach to all matters," Goodell said in a statement. "He has many years of experience in NFL collective bargaining matters and an impeccable reputation for integrity.
"To be clear, I have not consulted with Paul Tagliabue at any point about the Saints matter nor has he been any part of the process. Furthermore, under our process the hearing officer has full authority and complete independence to decide the appeal and determine any procedural issues regarding the hearings. I will have no role in the upcoming hearings or in Mr. Tagliabue's decisions."
