Willis McGahee Reacts to Jon Vilma's Suspension

Broncos running back Willis McGahee described the year-long suspension for Vilma as "tough."

McGahee was teammates with Vilma at the University of Miami from 2000-2002 and the two remained friends.

"That's it. It's tough," McGahee said. "I mean, it's not me so I can't really say anything. I'm pretty sure he'll be all right. He'll appeal it I'm pretty sure."
Vilma issued a statement Wednesday afternoon that he would "fight this injustice," "defend my reputation" and "stand up for my team and my profession." Vilma typed the statement in all capital letters.

Denver-based agent Peter Schaeffer called the suspensions "broad and unreasonable."

"I think it's another example of commissioner's overbearing power in the league to suspend players for actions of coaches," Schaeffer said. "If they were any of my players we would fight this to the bitter end."

The suspended players have three days to appeal the punishment. New Orleans head coach Sean Payton appealed his one-year suspension but was denied by Goodell.

"The union has to stand up for these players to make sure the union is an integral part in this type of discipline," Schaeffer said. "It seems to me these players are being scapegoats for a much bigger systemic problem."


(denverpost.com)