Anthony Hargrove Disses the NFL, Denies Role in Saints Bounty Scandal

Green Bay Packers defensive end Anthony Hargrove has publicly denied the accuracy of evidence that the NFL has brought forth concerning his role in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, according to Will Brinson of CBS Sports.

Brinson posted the text of a statement that Hargrove prepared. Hargrove claims that the NFL has deliberately twisted his testimony to support its allegations against the Saints players.

Hargrove writes, per Brinson’s post:

"

The truth is, this has been embarrassing to have all these lies about me echoing across America. Good Lord have my eyes been opened! Just ask yourself...if they will manufacture this piece of so-called evidence, what else will they do?

"

Hargrove played for the Saints in 2009 and 2010 before joining the Seattle Seahawks. The Packers signed him this offseason as a free agent. 

He drew an eight-game suspension for his involvement in the bounty scandal, as noted by ESPN.com.

Hargrove made headlines when he claimed in a sworn statement that he was told by Saints coaches to “play dumb” when discussing the bounty program with NFL investigators, according to ESPN.com.

This incident is not discussed in Hargrove’s statement, but he does address a video that the NFL is using as evidence against him.

The video allegedly records Hargrove saying, “Give me the money,” after a hard hit on then-Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre during a 2010 playoff game.

Hargrove writes in his statement, “Anyone who knows me well knows that it is not me. But the NFL does not know me well. They simply make assumptions. With...my...life." 

The defensive end shows genuine outrage in his statement and claims that a key part of the NFL’s evidence against him is false. If this is the case, the Bountygate investigation will only be further complicated.

Hargrove’s statement casts doubt on much of the league's case against the Saints players. While nothing is certain as of now, one thing is for sure: The scandal will continue to be a major storyline this NFL offseason.