Jonathan Vilma may be in a little trouble as a result of the bounty "scandal" involving the New Orleans Saints. Former New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams allegedly implemented a pay-for-performance system that gave players incentives for big plays, including fumbles and interceptions, as well as injuries.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, by way of Rotoworld, Vilma allegedly put a bounty on Brett Favre's head ahead of the 2010 NFC Championship.
"In the week of the NFC Championship Game," Schefter said on NFL Live Friday, "Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma put $10,000 in cash on a table and said 'this goes to the guy that knocks out Brett Favre.'" Those weren't Vilma's exact words, but they were similar, according to Schefter, and he's sure to be atop the league's target list for impending discipline. It's worth nothing that Vilma is due $5.4 million in 2012 and has been discussed as a possible salary cap casualty. We wouldn't expect him back with the Saints.
Vilma could be facing a suspension or monetary fine if it's proved he offered a cash reward for knocking Favre out of the game. The NFL is moving swiftly following its investigation of the pay-for-performance allegations, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the league make an example of at least one player, if not the whole team and Williams.
Check out all the details of the investigation here. Visit SB Nation's Saints blog, Canal Street Chronicles.