ekansekans's blog: "df"

The players union and the four players suspended in the Saints bounties case filed motions Wednesday to have former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue removed from hearing their appeals. They asked in U.S. District Court in New Orleans that Tagliabue recuse himself because of a conflict of interest, and also asked for a neutral arbitrator to be appointed by the court. The NFL said it would oppose Tagliabue stepping aside. Commissioner Roger Goodell removed himself from hearing this set of appeals and appointed his predecessor last week. But the players and their union contend Tagliabue should be disqualified because of his employment by a law firm that has handled bounty-related matters for the league and represented Goodell in Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilmas defamation lawsuit against him. The hearings are scheduled for next Tuesday, subject to any court rulings. The players association has concerns about "ethical and legal" issues involving Tagliabue hearing appeals by Vilma and defensive end Will Smith, Browns linebacker Scott Fujita and free- agent defensive end Anthony Hargrove. Fujita, meanwhile, will be placed on injured reserve later this week by Cleveland and will miss the rest of the season. His suspension originally was three games, then was reduced to one by Goodell after a first set of player appeals. Vilma was suspended for the entire season, but played last Sunday while the appeals process is in motion. Smith has a four-game suspension and Hargrove got eight games, subsequently reduced to seven. But he was cut in preseason by Green Bay and does not have a team. The union also contends that such "pay-for programs" existed when Tagliabue was commissioner, with his knowledge. "We have advised the union that we believe there is no basis on which former Commissioner Tagliabue should recuse himself and we will oppose any request that he do so," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an email. "The appointment is consistent with the CBA and past practice, and there is no question that Commissioner Tagliabue is fully qualified to hear these appeals." Last week, the NFL and the union discussed the possibility that Tagliabue would step in if Goodell recused himself from hearing the appeals, and the union also suggested "several outsiders" who could be used in place of Goodell. After Tagliabue was chosen by Goodell, Vilma said: "I think its a good first step for Paul to be the neutral arbitrator. We expect that he is going to do things in a neutral capacity, which would be to allow us to cross-examine some of the witnesses, allow us to see more of the evidence -- if there is more evidence -- and be able to have a fair hearing." Tagliabue was NFL commissioner from 1989-2006. For part of that time, Goodell was the leagues general counsel. The collective bargaining agreement with the union that was reached to end the lockout in August 2011 gave Goodell exclusive authority to hear appeals of discipline for conduct detrimental to the league or to appoint someone to hear and decide an appeal. Goodell periodically has appointed others to hear appeals for club fines, personal conduct suspensions and for matters concerning drug and steroid policy. Goodell handed down the suspensions in May and they took effect in July after initial appeals were rejected by Goodell. Those suspensions lasted through training camp before being vacated by a three-member appeals panel that instructed Goodell to start the disciplinary process again and clarify his reasons for suspending the players. The suspensions were reissued by the NFL two weeks ago and promptly appealed by all four players. Wholesale Jerseys Supply . -- Ty Rattie made a splash in his return from injury Sunday night. Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap . Off-Season Game Plan looks at Stars roster and what moves could help them bid for a playoff spot next season. While the Stars missed the postseason, their minus-11 goal differential was the best among non-playoff clubs last season, so they arent necessarily that far away. http://www.wholesalechinajerseysmall.com/ . This week, they discuss Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz, a tribute to the late Emanuel Steward, the New York Islanders decision to move to Brooklyn and the lack of effort by the B.GNIEWINO, Poland -- For Chelsea, Juan Mata was a central figure in the teams victories in the Champions League and FA Cup this season. For Spain, his main role appears to be firing up Fernando Torres. Mata may be one of Europes most creative talents but the 24-year-old playmaker finds himself in the thick of footballs most star-studded midfield, competing with Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and David Silva for a place in Spains European Championship lineup. Torres, however, could start up front in Sundays Group C opener against Italy after turning a terrible run of form around with a late-season surge. Mata, who was enjoying a career year, also worked as a cheerleader to Torres by offering words of encouragement during what was likely the Spain strikers most difficult season. "Fernando had a very difficult season but the team had a fantastic close to the season and he deserves to be here. I have no doubt that at the European Championship Fernando will be one of the most important pieces for our team and will certainly score important goals," Mata said Thursday. "If he recovered his level its down to the confidence he has in himself. I was there during those moments when it wasnt going well and I always tried to tell him that he was a very important player to Chelsea and the national team." Torres seems replete with confidence after making coach Vicente del Bosques squad following a late season surge. Although he didnt start in the Champions League final, Torres scored the semifinal goal against Barcelona that secured its passage to Munich. With David Villa -- Spains all-time leading scorer -- out, Torres has the opportunity to re-establish himself in Spains attack after a poor World Cup. Two years eearlier in the Euro 2008 final, Torres scored the winning goal against Germany.dddddddddddd "I learned a lot from him this season, not just at a football level but also on a personal one, with how he believes in himself," said Mata, who has to deal with his own hurdles every time he links up with the national team. Not only do Xavi, Iniesta and Silva populate Spains midfield, but there are also the likes of Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets and Santi Cazorla to contend with. Mata adopted a defensive mindset to help Chelsea win its first European Cup while helping it to a fifth domestic cup in just his first season with the Blues. Hes ready to adapt his game to suit Spain, too. "With Chelsea Ive played a lot, Ive been an important piece, and here I just have to keep working to make it into the starting 11," Mata said. "Its normal that those spots are already taken since there are players who have been here longer, who have won that status. I just try to train well and to be at my best for whenever Del Bosque figures its my moment to play." Mata could also be called upon late in games when Spain is looking for a late goal. "Something this team has is a second line capable of scoring," the World Cup winner said. "The players in midfield have scored a lot of goals already and can do so again." Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez could also help in the scoring department, as he offers extra pace on the flanks alongside Jesus Navas when Spain surely needing to break down stubborn defences that have adapted to the teams possession game. "Ill do whatever the coach asks me to," Pedro said. Spain will also play Ireland and Croatia at Euro 2012. ' ' '