NFL requests stay in discovery phase of Vilma's defamtion suit
The NFL filed a motion in U.S. District Court in New Orleans on Monday to try to enforce a stay on the discovery phase in Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against commissioner Roger Goodell, the New Orelans Times-Picayune reported.
In essence, the league wants the court to prevent Vilma's legal counsel from requesting evidence related to the NFL's investigation in the Saints' alleged bounty program.
The league is claiming that because a motion to dismiss the defamation suit has been filed, it's premature for Vilma's legal counsel to issue subpoenas to potential witnesses, request documents and depose Goodell before a judge has said the case will proceed.
According to the NFL's motion, Vilma's legal counsel has subpoenaed former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, former defensive assistant Mike Cerullo and Joe Hummel, the league's former lead investigator on the alleged bounty scandal.
The NFL is requesting that a decision be made by Oct. 10 on its motion for a stay.
