Former Saints defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove says NFL 'got their evidence all wrong'

A day after the NFL pushed out mounds of evidence the league contends proves the New Orleans Saints ran a bounty system for three years, including a video presentation purportedly of former Saints defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove imploring a teammate to settle up on a bounty payment, Hargrove decided to shove back.

At a press conference outside of the NFL's New York headquarters on Tuesday afternoon, Hargrove denied involvement in a bounty program, even adding that the voice on the audiotape from the 2009 NFC championship game heard saying, "Bobby, give me the money!" was not his.

"Here's the problem with that," Hargrove said according to a transcript of his statement obtained by CBS Sports. "It wasn't me. That's right. The NFL got their evidence all wrong. In their rush to convict me, they made a very serious error. Is it intentional? I don't know. But one thing I do know with absolute certainty ...it...was...not...me!

"Like I said, lean in closer, look closer, listen closer. It is not my voice. Anyone who knows me well knows that it is not me. But the NFL does not know me well. They simply make assumptions. With ... my ... life."

Hargrove's repeated denials and strong language did little to change the thinking of NFL brass, however.

"We stand by the findings of our investigation," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Tuesday.

In the video of the sideline huddle, which has been widely reported to have occurred in the third quarter of the NFC title game, it is difficult to discern if the voice is that of Hargrove because the head of defensive lineman Remi Ayodele obstructs the view of the camera.

Also the timing of the purported plea for Hargrove to be paid following the third quarter injury of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre is a little odd, as Hargrove's big hit that shook Favre up and left the Saints penalized 15 yards and Hargrove fined $5,000 occurred in the second quarter.

The injury that assistant coach Joe Vitt is believed to be talking about with defenders happened when defensive end Bobby McCray and Ayodele sent Favre sprawling with a high-low blow in the third quarter.

"I have seen the NFL Network broadcast that it was me as if it were fact," Hargrove said. "But again, it is absolutely not. It will be easily provable. In fact, there is no way they can prove that it is me. I stake my life on the fact that it is not me. I wonder if Roger Goodell is willing to stake his job on this piece of evidence? Or Jeff Pash? Or Adolpho Birch? Or Mary Jo White? Or anyone else associated with this mockery."

Hargrove also accused the NFL of twisting his words from a declaration he signed as part of the investigation.

"I watched in shock as they took my declaration a couple of months ago and made it into something it was not," Hargrove said. "It left from me as a private explanation of certain specific events and, voila, came out as a confession of crimes. Even I had to blink my eyes real hard to see how they did that one. Do you know they never even asked me what I meant? Just assumed I wanted to confess, I guess."

Hargrove's statement was just the latest development in the players and their union's attack of the NFL and its handling of the bounty investigation.

Hargrove was one of four current and former Saints player suspended for their roles in the scandal. Hargrove, who now plays for the Green Bay Packers, was suspended eight games, while former Saints linebacker Scott Fujita was suspended for three games. Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has been banished for the entire 2012 season, while defensive end Will Smith has been suspended for four games.

All have denied taken part in any kind of pay-to-injure program, and they met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday as part of their appeals hearing.

Meanwhile, the NFLPA has gone full throttle in attacking the NFL's evidence, some of which was laid out for reporters Monday, purportedly showing where the Saints had as much as $35,000 in a pool for their 2009 playoff game against the Vikings.

But the NFLPA's outside counsel wasn't too impressed.

In a statement released Monday, Richard Smith said the NFL ran a sloppy investigation and punished players before they had the ability to confront, challenge or explain a single piece of evidence used against them.

Smith also accused the NFL of withholding evidence from the players for nearly four months despite repeated requests for full information and full transparency and of falsely characterized witness interviews.

"The conduct of the Commissioner and his representatives has undermined the fundamental process contemplated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement," Smith said in a statement. "Through this abuse, these players have been denied any semblance of due process and fairness.

"At a time when some question the safety and integrity of the game, the failure by those charged to act responsibly and fairly have challenged our collective faith and confidence in the league."

GOODELL TO MEET SENATOR: Goodell will meet with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin today in Washington to discuss the NFL's bounty investigation into the Saints, Aiello confirmed.

Goodell and Durbin are expected to hold a press following their meeting.

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Nakia Hogan can be reached at nhogan@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3405.

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