AP source says players want commissioner to remove himself as arbitrator because they don't believe he can be impartial
All four players punished in the NFL's bounty investigation have filed appeals with the league.
People familiar with the situation say the players have asked Commissioner Roger Goodell to remove himself as arbitrator because they do not believe he can be impartial.
One of the people also says New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma expects to play at Tampa Bay on Oct. 21 while his appeal is pending. The people spoke to The Associated Press Friday on condition of anonymity because the appeals were filed as private documents with the league.
Vilma is suspended for the season, while Saints defensive end Will Smith is suspended four games, free agent defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove seven games and Cleveland linebacker Scott Fujita one game.
(Copyright 2012 by the Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
