Report: Players in Saints Bounty Case Win Appeal, Suspensions Voided

Roger Goodell is used to getting his way when it comes to discipline. The tables were turned on the NFL commissioner on Friday.

SI.com reports that a three-member appeals panel overturned the suspensions handed out to players in the New Orleans Saints bounty case.

There's still a chance that suspensions could be upheld, but as Trotter points out, it won't be easy. 

For the Saints, this means that Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith will be activated. Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove were also handed down suspensions for their alleged roles in the bounty saga. They could play as early as this weekend when the NFL season begins.

Vilma was understandably happy once the decision came down. So happy, in fact, that he quoted Stewie Griffin from Family Guy in a fit of exultation.

This appeal only includes players, though. Suspensions for Saints head coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis remain.