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Saints quarterback Drew Brees wrote on his Twitter account, "Congratulations to our players for having the suspensions vacated. Unfortunately, there are some things that can never be taken back."
Who Dats posted their comments on WWL Radio's Facebook page, echoing the sentiment of Brees:
"Of course he is right! Can't redo the whole season now can we!?"
"Absolutely..you can not un-ring a bell!!"
"Unfortunately, it's too little too late. Taglibue should also "vacate" the suspension of our head coach and give us back our draft picks"
In a statement released on Twitter, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reacted to the ruling:
"We respect Mr. Tagliabue's decision, which underscores the due process afforded players in NFL disciplinary matters. This matter has now been reviewed by Commissioner Goodell, two CBA grievance arbitrators, the CBA Appeals Panel, and Mr. (Tagliabue) as Commissioner Goodell's designated appeals officer. ... The decisions have made clear that the Saints operated a bounty program in violation of league rules for three years, that the program endangered player safety, and that the commissioner has the authority under the CBA to impose discipline for those actions as conduct detrimental to the league. Strong action was taken in this matter to protect player safety and ensure that bounties would be eliminated from football."
The NFL Player's Association issued the following statement:
We believe that when a fair due process takes place, a fair outcome is the result.
We are pleased that Paul Tagliabue, as the appointed hearings officer, agreed with the NFL Players Association that previously issued discipline was inappropriate in the matter of the alleged New Orleans Saints bounty program.
Vacating all discipline affirms the players’ unwavering position that all allegations the League made about their alleged “intent-to-injure” were utterly and completely false.
We are happy for our members.
