Jonathan Vilma Sues the Commish

Former Miami Hurricane, and current New Orleans Saint linebacker, Jonathan Vilma, has filed a defamation lawsuit against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

The lawsuit claims that Goodell had made false statements against Vilma when discussing the Saints bounty program.

"Commissioner Goodell opted to make very public and unfortunately erroneous allegations against Jonathan," said Vilma's attorney, Peter Ginsberg. "By making these false and public statements, he has significantly harmed Jonathan's reputation and ability to make a living."

"By suing Commissioner Goodell in court, Jonathan opted to use a fair playing field where he has procedural rights and protections to remedy the harm Commissioner Goodell has done to him," Ginsberg added.

According to Vilma via twitter, he claims "As I've said before..I NEVER PAID , NOR INTENDED TO PAY ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY, TO ANY PLAYER FOR INTENTIONALLY HURTING AN OPPONENT."

Vilma has been suspended for the entire 2012-13 season.  He has appealed his suspension.