FILE - This June 18, 2012 file photo shows New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma arriving at the National Football League's headquarters in New York. The NFL calls a report it has offered a settlement and reduced suspension to Vilma "completely inaccurate." Vilma has been suspended for the 2012 season for his role in the Saints bounty program, which he adamantly has claimed did not exist. Citing anonymous sources, ESPN.com reported the league offered Vilma an eight-game suspension if he would drop his defamation lawsuit against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
August 06, 2012 - 2:18 PM
NEW YORK, N.Y. - The NFL calls a report it has offered a settlement and reduced suspension to Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma "completely inaccurate."
Vilma has been suspended for the 2012 season for his role in the Saints bounty program, which he adamantly has claimed did not exist. Citing anonymous sources, ESPN.com reported the league offered Vilma an eight-game suspension if he would drop his defamation lawsuit against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says Monday, "No such settlement offer has been made." He adds that the league "will continue to respect the court proceedings on this matter and have no further comment at this time."
Peter Ginsberg, Vilma's attorney, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Vilma is one of four players suspended in the bounty scandal.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012