Former New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Fujita, who now plays for the Cleveland Browns, has consistently rebutted allegations that he participated in a pay-for-injury program in the scandal known as Bountygate. Although Fujita has admitted to giving money to a pool, he insists it was only for ‘big plays.’ ”My reputation is a lot more important to me than three game checks. My track record speaks for itself,” he told reporters Tuesday. Fujita has signaled he will appeal the league’s punishment.
Fujita’s teammate, special teams ace Josh Cribbs tweeted on Tuesday, ”Hey @nfl, I wouldn’t force @scottfujita99 to take the gloves off if I were you…’Sources’ tell me he knows a little too much!!!” What that statement implies isn’t exactly clear, but one thing is for sure – both Fujita and his former teammate Jonathan Vilma seem ready to defend themselves vigorously from the league’s punishments. ”There will come a time when I’ll be willing to share everything,” Fujita told the Associated Press.
One logical question is why not share everything now? What does Fujita stand to gain by withholding information that could prove his innocence? Perhaps he’s waiting to see how the appeal process goes both for himself and for his former teammates. Perhaps he’s still gathering information or weighing his options with his attorney. In any case, it seems eventually we will all be made aware of what evidence the league has against Fujita, Vilma and others since Roger Goodell himself has indicated that he will be willing to share the evidence with the public at the appropriate time.
