Fujita said in the statement that he is pleased that Goodell acknowledged he never participated in the Saints' pay-for-hits program. However, Fujita did not like the content or the tone of the letter in which the commissioner chastised him for not stepping in and stopping the program.
On Tuesday, Goodell upheld the suspensions of Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith and reduced penalties for Fujita and Anthony Hargrove.
Another blow for Pack
Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson was placed on injured reserve, but designated to return. His loss is another blow to Green Bay's struggling offense.
Benson sprained his left foot in Sunday's 30-27 loss at Indianapolis. He must sit out eight games before he can return, though he's eligible to practice after six weeks.
Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said a foot sprain is a tough injury to recover from, but the Packers (2-3) are "optimistic" Benson will be able to return for the last four weeks of the season.
Benson has been the workhorse of Green Bay's running game, getting 71 of the team's 111 carries and rushing for 248 yards.
K.C. coach lauds fans
Coach Romeo Crennel said that he shares the frustration of fans in Kansas City over the Chiefs' 1-4 start while calling them "some of the best fans in the NFL."
Chiefs fans have been the subject of national scrutiny this week. On Sunday, offensive lineman Eric Winston laid into fans he believes were cheering after quarterback Matt Cassel was injured in a 9-6 loss to Baltimore.
"I think the majority of the Chiefs fans are not going to cheer a player getting hurt. I think the majority of Chiefs fans support the Chiefs. They want the Chiefs to win," Crennel said. "Are they frustrated? Yes, they're frustrated, just like we're frustrated."
Cassel suffered a concussion on the play. While a small percentage of fans cheered, it was unclear what they were applauding: the injury itself, the play that resulted in a first down, the moment that Cassel finally got to his feet, or when Brady Quinn took over as quarterback.
This article contains information from Inquirer wire services.
