Fujita Fires Back At Goodell, Calls Out His Hypocrisy

Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, formerly of the New Orleans Saints, fired back at NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell today, one day after Goodell sent him a letter explaining why he was suspended for his role (or lack thereof) in "bountygate." Fujita's response is fierce, smart, and all together awesome.

Fujita publicly released the following statement today:

"I'm pleased the Commissioner has finally acknowledged that I never participated in any so-called 'bounty' program, as I've said for the past 7 months. However, his condescending tone was neither accurate nor productive. Additionally, I am now purportedly being suspended for failing to confront my former defensive coordinator for his inappropriate use of language. This seems like an extremely desperate attempt to punish me. I also think it sets a bad precedent when players can be disciplined for not challenging the behavior of their superiors. This is an absolute abuse of the power that's been afforded to the Commissioner.

"For me, the issue of player health and safety is personal. For the league and the Commissioner, it's about perception and liability.

"The Commissioner says he is disappointed in me. The truth is, I'm disappointed in him. His positions on player health and safety since a 2009 congressional hearing on concussions have been inconsistent at best. He failed to acknowledge a link between concussions & post-career brain disease, pushed for an 18-game regular season, committed to a full season of Thursday night games, has continually challenged players' rights to file workers compensation claims for on-the-job injuries, and he employed incompetent replacement officials for the start of the 2012 season. His actions or lack thereof are by the league's own definition, 'conduct detrimental.'

"My track record on the issue of player health and safety speaks for itself. And clearly, as I just listed, the Commissioner's does too."