Patriots' DVD saved DT Wilfork from suspension by NFL

Nov/02/08 07:32 PM Filed in: Vince Wilfork
VinceWilfork
Commissioner Roger Goodell was poised to suspend New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork due to his previous illegal hits over the past two seasons, but a DVD from the Patriots' video department saved him from at least a forced week off this season, league sources told ESPN.

Wilfork's wife Bianca, who joined Wilfork for the meeting, handed Goodell the DVD with a different camera angle that showed Wilfork may not have hit Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler in the head on a play in the Oct. 20 meeting between the Broncos and Patriots.

On the alternate DVD, Cutler could be seen picking himself up and patting Wilfork on the helmet after the play.

Wilfork started his meeting with Goodell admitting a hit to Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman last season was a cheap shot, but when the commissioner started to to review the alleged late hit on Cutler, Wilfork's wife handed the commissioner the new DVD.

Wilfork was fined $35,000 but not suspended. Vince and Bianca Wilfork wrote a thank you letter to Goodell at the end of the week.

A league official maintains there was no clarity on either tape as to whether Wilfork hit Cutler in the head.

(espn.com)