NFL Reportedly Provided Evidence Supporting Roger Goodell in Jonathan Vilma Case

Things don't look good for Jonathan Vilma.

The 30-year-old linebacker, who has been suspended for the entire year due to his participation in the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal, is arguing that commissioner Roger Goodell decided on the suspension with bias in mind, but the NFL reportedly has bad news for Vilma (according to the AP, via ESPN):

"

The NFL on Thursday provided a federal judge with what it says is evidence commissioner Roger Goodell did not improperly pre-judge the four players suspended in the bounty investigation.

"

Among the evidence, according to the AP, "was a copy of a letter the NFL Players' Association sent the league on March 7 asking Goodell to delay punishment of players implicated in the bounty probe" and a "sworn declaration" by Goodell stating that he made a decision about the players' suspension at the same time he made a decision on the other ones. 

Let's take a closer look at this development.

What it Means

Essentially, Vilma and the rest of the suspended players are in trouble, as the new evidence is quite damning. 

Goodell wanted to hand down all the punishments at the same time, but it was the Players Association that apparently played a large part in delaying the decision. 

Since that particular delay was a large arguing point for Vilma and the other players' side, it seems likely that the suspensions will be held up. 

What Happens Next?

Things are still far from over. 

According to the AP, Vilma is still seeking a temporary restraining order that will allow him to return to the Saints, and the judge is still deciding if she has jurisdiction to grant that. 

Also, the Players Association is still arguing that Goodell didn't have the right to "serve as arbitrator on the bounty."

But while there are still plenty of details to be determined, this is yet another step to the suspensions being upheld. 

Follow @t_keen