When the Watergate scandal broke, one of the results of the fallout was the tarnished reputation of the office of the Presidency. When the steroids scandal from Major League baseball broke into the headlines, records such as the single season homerun record lost all of its importance. Now the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal appears to be doing the same to the NFL. But one player is fighting for his reputation. As former captain of the Saints, Scott Fujita plans on appealing his three game suspension for his part in Bounty Gate.

Scott Fujita has repeatedly said that he did contribute money to big plays, but NEVER a cent to Greg Williams’ “bounties” program. He has been up front and cooperated fully with the NFLPA and the league itself. Fujita has been adamant about his position and is “willing to share everything” he knows. And if you look at the facts, Fujita may have reason to appeal his punishment.

First of all, Fujita is in a unique position. Not only does he have firsthand knowledge of the Saints “bounty” program. He also serves on the NFLPA Health and Safety council, as well as the NFLPA Executive committee which has been a major force in the changes to the game in regards to player safety.

In addition, if you examine all of the punishments handed down by Commissioner Roger Goodell, Fujita’s is the lightest punishment handed out with only a three game suspension. Why would Fujita continue to push the issue with such a light punishment? According to Fujita, it’s about his reputation as a player, and competitor as he spoke with the AP on Tuesday.

“My reputation is a lot more important to me then three game checks. My track record speaks for itself.”

Given the nature of Fujita’s roles both on the Saints and the NFLPA, there is reason to believe what he has been saying. Perhaps the rabbit-hole goes deeper than just the bounty program. Perhaps Josh Cribbs was right when he tweeted to the NFL. 

”Hey @nfl, I wouldn’t force @scottfujita99 to take the gloves off if I were you…”Sources” tell me he knows a little too much!!!”

At any rate if the NFL and the Commissioner do not reconsider Fujita’s three game suspension, we may just find out more than we want to about our favorite players and the game itself.