Jonathan Vilma's Lawsuit Ensures Super Bowl XLVII Will Be Black Eye

Super Bowl XLVII will be held in New Orleans, a place filled with passionate football fans who probably won't be too happy with the league come February 2013. 

Their hometown Saints were caught and promptly punished for their despicable bounty program. 

Their head coach is gone for a year, as is their middle linebacker.

What's more, the chance to play in the Super Bowl in their home city might be lost as well. 

Jonathan Vilma is suing the commissioner for defamation and is asking the league to bring forth evidence that specifically and unequivocally pegs the Saints linebacker as the "ring leader" of the bounty program, which would make a year-long suspension justifiable.

I'd be shocked if the NFL actually turns over their tangible evidence, which would further infuriate Saints fans and potentially other fans across the league.

If Roger Goodell doesn't provide or even have any proof, it will look like the league was simply using New Orleans as the whipping boy to stamp out this type of system that—according to some—goes on in many NFL locker rooms.

Fans won't be happy with what could be a seemingly baseless charge. 

What better place for Saints fans to express their discontent with the commissioner and the NFL than the Super Bowl—football's grandest stage?

Chances are, Saints fans will get attention from the media that week, regardless of the Saints' 2012 record. It could become a major distraction during the NFL's biggest week, which generates much publicity and revenue for the league. 

The NFL must come out of Vilma's lawsuit appearing justified to their fans, or the 2013 Super Bowl might not have its typical luster. 

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