POSTED: Monday, June 4, 2012 - 4:30pm
UPDATED: Monday, June 4, 2012 - 4:34pm
NBC NATIONAL NEWS — An arbitrator ruled that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell does have the authority to discipline Saints players for their role in the bounty program.
The NFL Players Association challenged Goodell's power under the new collective bargaining agreement.
A law professor determined that under the new collective bargaining agreement, Goodell's ruling is legitimate.
New Orleans Saints players Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith were suspended in connection to the bounty program. Both players are currently appealing the Commissioner’s decision.