To no one's surprise, the four current or former New Orleans Saints players suspended by the NFL for their role in the bounty scandal have appealed.
Pro Football Talk first reported that Jonathan Vilma had appealed his suspension. ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed the appeals of the other three players — Anthony Hargrove, Will Smith and Scott Fujita.
Appeals for the other three suspended players -- Will Smith, Scott Fujita, Anthony Hargrove -- are officially filed to Roger Goodell.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 7, 2012
Vilma was handed the toughest penalty, bring suspended for one year. Hargrove was suspended for eight games, Smith for four games and Fujita for three games. The players are arguing that commissioner Roger Goodell does not have the authority alone to suspended them. The players union will argue their case.
For more on the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, check out SB Nation's NFL page, The Falcoholic and Canal Street Chronicles.