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Vilma asks judge to vacate NFL suspension

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FILE - New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma arrives at the National Football League's headquarters, in this June 18, 2012 file photo taken in New York. Vilma is suing the NFL in federal court, claiming Commissioner Roger Goodell failed to make a timely appeal ruling regarding Vilma's season-long suspension in connection with the league's bounty investigation. The lawsuit filed Saturday night June 30, 2012 in U.S. District Court in New Orleans also asks for a temporary restraining order to allow Vilma to continue working if Goodell upholds the suspension. It is the second lawsuit Vilma has filed in the matter. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

By BRETT MARTEL

AP Sports Writer

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Suspended Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has amended his lawsuit against NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league, asking a federal judge in New Orleans to overturn his suspension and issue a preliminary injunction that would allow Vilma to work while the case is pending.

Vilma's latest legal maneuver Thursday came shortly after Goodell filed a motion to dismiss Vilma's defamation claims in connection with the league's bounty investigation.

Vilma has said his suspension is without merit and Goodell has made false public comments that have damaged Vilma's reputation and hurt his ability to make a living.

Goodell's motion says Vilma's claims are barred by dispute resolution procedures outlined by the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. Vilma wants an immediate injunction so he can continue rehabilitating a knee injury at Saints headquarters.

Updated July 5, 2012

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