Jonathan Vilma Reportedly Expects Multi-Game Suspension for Saints Bounty

New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma is expecting a multi-game suspension for his alleged role in the team's bounty scandal, according to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network:

"

Jonathan Vilma is bracing for a suspension between two to eight games, according to sources who have been in contact with the New Orleans Saints linebacker.

Vilma, his representatives and the NFL Players Association are unsure of exactly what discipline will be handed down at this point, but with Vilma the only player named in information released to the public, the player expects the discipline to be at least a few games, sources said.

"

Head coach Sean Payton has already had his suspension of one season upheld by commissioner Roger Goodell, and former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was suspended indefinitely for the central role he played in the bounty program.

Players have escaped punishment to this point, but it appears that won't be lasting much longer. Vilma has been a key member of New Orleans defense over the past four seasons, racking up more than 100 tackles in three of those years.

Vilma became a marquee figure in the bounty scandal when it was reported he offered $10,000 to any player who knocked out Brett Favre from a 2009 playoff game. The Saints proceeded to lay several dangerous hits on the Minnesota Vikings quarterback.

It's unclear if Vilma will attempt to fight any punishment he receives from the league, but the Players Association plans on using the recently released tapes of Gregg Williams calling for hits on San Francisco 49ers as proof the players didn't follow the coach's orders.

The report states discipline could happen this week and will certainly be handed down before the draft in a couple weeks.