Former Saints Player Steve Gleason Says Filmmaker Was Not Authorized to Release Gregg Williams Audio

Former Saints safety Steve Gleason issued a statement saying that, despite a prior agreement, filmmaker Sean Pamphilon released the audio of Greg Williams' pregame speech against the 49ers without his permission.

"Sean Pamphilon and I have an agreement that all recordings ultimately belong to me and my family," Gleason wrote on his website. "Nothing can be released without my explicit approval. I did not authorize the public release of any recordings."

"I feel deflated and disappointed," he added. "I feel frustrated and distracted. Nevertheless, these feelings will pass, and I will continue steadfast in my mission."

Gleason played defensive back for the Saints from 2000 to 2006, but had to retire at the age of 29 after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Gleason has been working on a documentary with Pamphilon since the spring of 2011, which intends to serve as a video journal throughout his battle with ALS. He said he was given some access to the Saints' locker room during the filming.

Williams, who has been indefinitely suspended from the NFL, came under even more fire on Thursday, after Pamphilon released an audio recording of his speech before the New Orleans-San Francisco playoff game. On the tape, the former defensive coordinator can be heard instructing his players to injure quarterback Alex Smith and receivers Michael Crabtree and Kyle Williams.

"Since my retirement, and specifically this year, the Saints have opened their doors and included me in countless team functions," Gleason said in the statement. "I included Sean Pamphilon in some of these activities, because I felt my relationship with the Saints was an integral part of my overall journey. The Saints trusted me and gave us unlimited access in filming, and I, in turn, trusted Sean Pamphilon."