Written by Thomas Moore

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Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita fired back at NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday, a day after having suspension for his alleged role in the New Orleans Saints’ bounty program reduced to one game.

“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 seven months,” Fujita wrote in a statement. “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 and 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.”

Well, then.

Fujita, a member of the NFL Players Association executive committee, is still in the 72-window to decide if he wants to accept the one-game suspension or appeal the new ruling. After reading his statement, it seems pretty clear which option he will choose.