Saints Players Avoid Suspension

Roger Goodell has done the smart thing and postponed the suspensions of Saints players Charles Grant and Will Smith. After the Minnesota court ruling that effectively barred him from suspending the Vikings Pat and Kevin Williams for the same violation, Goodell was left with the issue of what to do with the Saints who did not have an opportunity for a court ruling in Louisiana courts. Goodell’s statement showed that he understood the issue and chose common sense over brute-force enforcement of

policies.“This situation presents several unique and narrow aspects that I believe call for us to put the good of the game ahead of questions of discipline,” Commissioner Goodell said. “Considerations of fairness, uniform application of our policies, and competitive integrity all support deferring the suspensions at this time. I am not prepared to treat players differently when the same conduct is involved.”