New Orleans Saints
Jonathan Vilma - #51 - LB
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 1"/ 230 lbs. |
| Birthday | 04/16/1982 |
| Birthplace | Coral Gables, FL |
| College | Miami (FL) |
| Years played | 10 |
| Drafted | 2004, 1st round, 12th pick by Jets |
2012 STATS
| Tack | FF | Int |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | 0 | 1 |
Saints OT Brown still looking to prove himself
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Goodell files motion to dismiss defamation suit
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell filed a motion to dismiss Saints LB Jonathan Vilma’s defamation claims.
NFLPA files suit on behalf of Smith, Hargrove, Fujita
The NFLPA filed a lawsuit against the NFL on behalf of Will Smith, Anthony Hargrove and Scott Fujita.
Saints agree to terms with sixth-round pick Tiller
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Report: Arbitrator rules in favor of Brees
Arbitrator Stephen Burbank has ruled in favor of Saints QB Drew Brees in his franchise-tag grievance, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Tuesday.
Saints' Payton files for divorce
Saints head coach Sean Payton filed for divorce from his wife Beth, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Saints sign two more draft picks
The Saints announced Monday that they have signed two more draft picks, leaving them with two more rookies to sign before training camp.
Vilma files another lawsuit
Jonathan Vilma filed a lawsuit against the NFL, claiming, among other things, that commissioner Roger Goodell has failed to rule on Vilma's appeal in a timely manner.
Brees, Saints awaiting grievance ruling
The window of time for the Saints and Drew Brees to finalize a contract could soon be closed.
Saints sign third-rounder Hicks
The Saints signed the first member of their draft class on Thursday, announcing a deal had been reached with third-round DL Akiem Hicks.
Reports: Decision on Brees' tag likely in a week
An arbitrator will rule on Saints QB Drew Brees' franchise-tag grievance in a week, multiple media outlets reported Wednesday.
Bounty 'evidence' doesn't help NFL's case
Ron Borges argues that evidence the NFL is claiming to have in its "Bountygate" investigation appears to be lacking.
Brees still hopeful of long-term deal with Saints
QB Drew Brees remains confident that he and the Saints will agree on a long-term contract before the July 16 deadline.
Appeal to reason: Goodell, Smith both fail system
Hub Arkush writes that Roger Goodell and De Smith are both to blame for the messy Bountygate investigation and appeals process.
These rookies could surprise in 2012
This year's crop of rookies has a lot to live up to after 2011's class, but we look at the third-rounders and below who could surprise in Year One.
PLAYER NEWS
People familiar with the situation say defensive end Will Smith and Vilma has agreed to restructure his contract in order to remain with the New Orleans Saints.|||||||
The 31-year-old Smith and 30-year-old Vilma, both veteran defensive captains who were implicated in the NFL's bounty probe, would have consumed about $23 million combined in salary cap space had they not agreed to new deals before the new league year - and free agency - began Tuesday afternoon.
Vilma has asked a federal judge to allow him to move forward with his defamation case against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.|||||||
In a motion filed Wednesday, Vilma drops his case against the NFL's disciplinary process, now that his suspension has been lifted. However, he continues to pursue damages from Goodell for harm he alleges was done to his reputation by the NFL's bounty probe of the New Orleans Saints. In an NFL appeal ruling Tuesday, former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue threw out suspensions for Vilma and three other current and former Saints in connection with the bounty investigation.
Saints defensive end Will Smith says he and linebacker Jonathan Vilma will be present Friday when their lawyers cross examine former New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in Washington, D.C. Williams appears at a bounty hearing on Friday morning, according to a schedule set by Paul Tagliabue. The former NFL commissioner has been appointed to oversee the latest round of player appeals in the matter.|||||||
Smith and Vilma will leave Atlanta after Thursday night's game against the Falcons. They are among four players issued suspensions of various lengths in the league's probe of the Saints' cash-for-hits program. Smith and Vilma are playing while their appeals are pending. Williams and former Saints assistant Mike Cerullo were two of the NFL's central witnesses in the probe. Cerullo's appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
Vilma hopes to play a bigger role on the Saints' defense in his second game of the season Sunday against Denver. He said his knee, and his entire body, held up very well after the Tampa Bay game. He did not make a tackle but had one deflection and forced a near interception.|||||||
Playing for the first time while appealing his season-long suspension for his role in the New Orleans' bounty program, Vilma played 18 snaps last Sunday against Tampa Bay. Vilma declined Friday to talk about any bounty-related topics leading into his appeals hearing Tuesday with former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who will decide whether to uphold Roger Goodell's ruling.
Vilma played for the first time on Sunday while appealing a season-long suspension due to his role in the Saints' bounty program, recording one quarterback hit and breaking up one pass.|||||||
New Orleans still gave up a season-high 513 yards, but players said Vilma's return provided an emotional lift.
