Roger Goodell is used to getting his way when it comes to discipline. The tables were turned on the NFL commissioner on Friday.
SI.com reports that a three-member appeals panel overturned the suspensions handed out to players in the New Orleans Saints bounty case.
There's still a chance that suspensions could be upheld, but as Trotter points out, it won't be easy.
Decision says Goodell can reconsider discipline only if there is evidence of intent to injure beyond just a performance pool, per source.
— Jim Trotter (@SI_JimTrotter) September 7, 2012
For the Saints, this means that Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith will be activated. Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove were also handed down suspensions for their alleged roles in the bounty saga. They could play as early as this weekend when the NFL season begins.
Vilma was understandably happy once the decision came down. So happy, in fact, that he quoted Stewie Griffin from Family Guy in a fit of exultation.
Victory is mine!!!! -stewie griffin
— Jonathan Vilma (@JonVilma51) September 7, 2012
This appeal only includes players, though. Suspensions for Saints head coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis remain.