2 Saints players and 2 former Saints players suspended by the NFL for Bountygate

Like the New Orleans’ coaching staff, the NFL came down hard on players they suspect were involved in the Bountygate allegations that rocked the organization this year.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced the suspensions of four players, two former Saints and two current Saints one of which being linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

• Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma was suspended the entire 2012 season.

• Defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, now with the Green Bay Packers, was suspended eight games.

• Defensive end Will Smith was suspended four games.

• Linebacker Scott Fujita, now with the Cleveland Browns, was suspended three games.

According to ESPN, all suspensions are without pay and subject to an appeal within three days. All players involved reportedly intend to appeal with a legal battle brewing between the NFL and NFLPA.

“After seeing the NFL’s decision letters, the NFLPA has still not received any detailed or specific evidence from the league of these specific players’ involvement in an alleged pay-to-injure program,” NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith said in a statement. “We have made it clear that punishment without evidence is not fair. We have spoken with our players and their representatives and we will vigorously protect and pursue all options on their behalf.”

“No bounty program can exist without active player participation,” Goodell’s statement said. “The evidence clearly showed that the players being held accountable today willingly and enthusiastically embraced the bounty program. Players put the vast majority of the money into this program and they share responsibility for playing by the rules and protecting each other within those rules.”