![N.O. Saints Linebacker Jonathan Vilma Files Defamation Suit Against NFL Commish Roger Goodell](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2012/05/Jonathan-Vilma.jpg?w=980&q=75)
N.O. Saints Linebacker Jonathan Vilma Files Defamation Suit Against NFL Commish Roger Goodell
New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has filed a defamation lawsuit against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, for his year-long suspension for bounty gate. New Orleans attorney Loretta Mince says Vilma's lawyers will have to prove there was a publication of information about Vilma that was unflattering and untrue.
Goodell suspended Vilma for the entire 2012 season for his role in a "pay-for-pain" program on the Saints defense. Mince says the burden will be on Vilma to prove that Goodell acted with actual malice, when he made public statements about Vilma's suspension.
Vilma has vehemently denied any part in bounty gate, and is suing Goodell for unfairly depicting him as a villain. Mince says Vilma's lawyers will likely subpoena NFL press releases, memos and missives concerning the suspensions. Mince says defamation suits are rarely won by the plaintiffs.
More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL
![D.C. Attorney General Files a Lawsuit Against the Commanders, Dan Snyder, and Roger Goodell](http://townsquare.media/site/37/files/2022/11/attachment-GettyImages-1368205177.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![NFL’s Statement About Alleged Autograph Seeking Official Leaves Fans Skeptical](http://townsquare.media/site/37/files/2022/10/attachment-GettyImages-1203629384.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Browns QB Deshaun Watson Suspended For Six Games, Will NFL Appeal to Extend it?](http://townsquare.media/site/37/files/2022/08/attachment-GettyImages-1411284529.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Adam Sandler’s Company Filming Sean Payton Movie](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2021/07/attachment-GettyImages-1275519077.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![NFL Rules Saints Do Not Have to Forfeit 2021 Draft Pick, But There’s a Catch](http://townsquare.media/site/37/files/2021/02/GettyImages-1197687940.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Report: NFL Claims More Covid-19 Protocol Violations by Saints, Punishment Expected](http://townsquare.media/site/37/files/2021/02/GettyImages-1293091736.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Even Roger Goodell Wants Saints Fans Back in the Dome](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2020/10/GettyImages-1097081596.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Top 7 New Orleans Saints Inside Linebackers of All-Time](http://townsquare.media/site/37/files/2018/10/GettyImages-1043863738.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Saints Coach Sean Payton Critical of NFL For Failed PI Replay Rule & Bountygate](http://townsquare.media/site/37/files/2019/06/GettyImages-876375198.jpg?w=980&q=75)