Fujita vows to prevail in Saints’ bounty scandal
Associated Press
BEREA
Forced to fight for his name in a “public trial” against the NFL, Browns linebacker Scott Fujita vowed he did not participate in the New Orleans Saints’ bounty program.
Fujita, suspended for three games by the league for allegedly contributing “a significant amount” of money to a pay-for-hits pool while he played for the Saints, maintained his innocence on Tuesday in his first public comments since the disturbing scandal broke.
“That is not true,” he said.
The 10-year veteran has appealed the penalty handed down by commissioner Roger Goodell. Fujita, however, said he’s more determined to clear his name and protect his image than making sure he’s in Cleveland’s starting lineup for the season opener on Sept. 9.
“Listen,” he said, his voice rising. “My reputation is a lot more valuable to me than three game checks [about $644,000]. My track record speaks for itself.”
Fujita was one of four players reprimanded by the league following its investigation into the Saints’ bounty program, which was run by former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams from 2009-11. New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma was suspended for the entire season, Green Bay defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove was suspended eight games and Saints defensive end Will Smith for four.
Fujita, who played in New Orleans from 2006-09, said the claims against him have hurt personally and that he’s now pitted in a battle of his word against the league’s.
“That’s the reality of the situation that we’re in, and unfortunately for a lot of us, we’re on public trial and that’s unfortunate,” said Fujita, who serves as an executive committee member for the NFL Players Association.
“But I’m just going to stick with my previous statements, and there will come a time when I’ll be ready to share everything, but now is not the time.”