Saints Bounty Punishment: Player Suspensions Released by NFL

The New Orleans Saints' coaching staff and upper management have already been handed their punishments by the NFL, and now some of the players involved in the bounty scandal know their fate as well. 

According to the NFL, four prominent players received harsh penalties for their actions, with some much worse than others.

Jonathan Vilma is suspended for the entire 2012 season, Anthony Hargrove must sit out eight games, Will Smith gets a four game ban and Scott Fujita is suspended for three games. 

This a crushing blow to the Saints. There's no question that New Orleans will have a stacked offense this coming season, but losing big contributors on defense for multiple games is devastating. 

The Saints aren't the only teams suffering. Scott Fujita now plays for the Cleveland Browns and Anthony Hargrove is with the Green Bay Packers. 

Mike Freeman of CBSsport.com tweeted that the players will appeal.

"

I'm told by union player source all players will appeal. No shock there.

— mike freeman (@realfreemancbs) May 2, 2012"

Stay tuned with Bleacher Report as more information comes in regarding the Saints' bounty scandal.