Jon Vilma could play if bounty scandal suspension temporarily lifted

METAIRIE — On Wednesday, interim coach Aaron Kromer left open the possibility of immediately utilizing defensive end Will Smith and linebacker Jonathan Vilma if they are successful in gaining a temporary restraining order for their alleged role in the Saints bounty scandal.

Kromer's announcement came one day after the NFL Players Association filed a motion in U.S. District Court in New Orleans.

Asked about their ability to play if the suspension was lifted, Kromer said, "I think those are two individual situations. Will Smith has been practicing all along until this week. I am sure he would be ready. Vilma, we’d just have to judge what kind of shape and what kind of knowledge he has of what’s going on."

Smith started his four-game suspension this week. Vilma, suspended for the entire 2012 season, has missed all of training camp and unlike Smith, who participated in training camp and played during the preseason, is likely not in game shape.


(sunherald.com)