Goodell suspended Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma for the entire 2012 season and teammate Will Smith for four games. Former Saints defensive end Anthony Hargrove, now with Green Bay, was suspended for eight games, while linebacker Scott Fujita, now with Cleveland, was docked three games.
Those players have appealed the suspensions. And the players' union later Monday said it will appeal Burbank's decision because it believes salary cap violations are involved in the payment.
Replacement refs?
With negotiations between the NFL and its officials broken down on a new collective bargain agreement, the league has begun the process of identifying replacements to work games this season.
The old six-year contract expired May 31 with the NFL Referees Association and attempts to reach a deal have failed so far. The latest mediation efforts took place Sunday in Washington, D.C., the NFL said in a release Monday.
Replacements could potentially come from non-BCS conferences, retired NCAA officials, and the Arena league, ESPN.com reported. BCS conferences are run by NFL officials and the NFL will look elsewhere for subs.
Jags' pick plea
Jacksonville Jaguars first-round draft pick entered a not guilty plea to a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence. Blackmon was allowed to remain free on $1,000 bond. Police arrested Blackmon during a traffic stop in Stillwater, Okla., early Sunday after a breath test.
Fries with that?
When Minnesota Vikings fullback Jerome Felton was arrested for drunken driving Saturday in Eden Prairie, Minn., he was in the drive-through lane at a McDonald's. Police performed field-sobriety tests. He refused to take a breath test.
Bucs sign Martin
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed first-round pick Doug Martin to a five-year contract. The Boise State running back was the 31st selection in the draft and is expected to share the workload as a rookie with third-year pro LeGarrette Blount.
