Vilma has been suspended for the entire 2012 season. (US Presswire)

Soon after the NFL announced that Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma would be suspended for all of 2012 while Anthony Hargrove would get eight games, Will Smith four and Scott Fujita three, NFL players and the union reaction gave their reaction.

Some expressed outrage at Roger Goodell’s “dictatorial” control over the league and some couldn’t believe he’s the so-called judge and jury of this matter -- as he is with many of the league’s disciplinary decisions. And if you asked Dolphins running back Reggie Bush, he would have said this, “I bet you won't find one NFL player who agrees with these suspensions.”

Well, he didn’t say it; he tweeted it. But you get my point.

First off, he’s wrong, because Vikings outspoken punter Chris Kluwe already has said he agrees with the decision, tweeting, “I think the discipline handed down by the commissioner is just. The message Vilma and company sent is not one I want my children learning.”

Bush’s overall sentiment is (probably) mostly accurate. But here’s the thing: when players complain about Goodell handling the discipline and the appeal, don’t they remember last year’s labor negotiations? Don’t they remember that the NFLPA agreed to that issue when the CBA was negotiated? If not, here’s a reminder. The players said yes to the system where Goodell has broad power over disciplinary measures, and if the players hate that decision now, that’s too bad because they’re stuck with it for the next nine years.

As for the NFLPA? Here was its statement after the NFL announced the news.

"After seeing the NFL's decision letters, the NFLPA has still not received any detailed or specific evidence from the league of these specific players' involvement in an alleged pay-to-injure program. We have made it clear that punishment without evidence is not fair. We have spoken with our players and their representatives and we will vigorously protect and pursue all options on their behalf."

That’s all well and good, but as many have written today on Twitter: shouldn’t the NFLPA also be protecting those who might have been targeted by these bounties? Besides, the NFL said Hargrove declared in a written statement that the bounty program existed and that he participated in it.

Look, I understand that the players are upset about the suspensions, and I understand why most would disagree with Goodell’s move. But if they’re surprised, perhaps they didn’t actually read the CBA before agreeing to it.

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