Wednesday's Top News Stories: May 2, 2012

Four players suspended for role in bounty program

The NFL continued to lay down the hammer on the New Orleans Saints Wednesday with suspensions of four players involved in the bounty program, according to reports.

According to an ESPN report, defensive captain and linebacker Jonathan Vilma received the stiffest penalty in a season-long ban. Defensive end Jonathan Hargrove, now with the Green Bay Packers was suspended for eight games. Saints defensive end Will Smith was banned the first four games of the season; linebacker Scott Fujita, now with the Browns was suspended three games.

All four players plan to appeal suspensions and all suspensions are without pay.

The league said in a statement that the players were suspended due to "conduct detrimental to the NFL as a result of their leadership roles" with the bounties.

Earlier last month, Goodell upheld suspensions of Saints head coach Sean Payton, GM Mickey Loomis and assistant head coach Joe Vitt after their attempts of appeal.  Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams continues to be suspended indefinitely.

For the full story click here


Former NFL player Junior Seau dead at 43

Long-time San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau was found dead at his home on Wednesday, police said. He was 43.

Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy said that Seau's girlfriend found him unconscious with a gunshot wound to the chest. McCoy later said that a gun was found near Seau and the incident is being investigated as a suicide.

Seau's mother weeped uncontrollably as she appeared before reporters.

He was an outstanding linebacker at the University of Southern California before leading the Chargers to a Super Bowl run in 1994.

Seau is the eighth member of the Super Bowl XXIX team, who lost to the 49ers, to die under the age of 50.

For the full story, click here


13 charged in drum major death

Authorities in Florida have brought charges against 13 people involved in the alleged hazing death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion, a prosecutor announced Wednesday.

State Attorney Lawson Lamar said at an Orlando press conference that Champion "died as a result of being beaten." The attorney for the family were disappointed that more severe charges were not filed.

11 individuals face one count of third-degree felony hazing resulting in death, according to officials. Each one is also accused of two counts of misdemeanor hazing.

Two people face one count of first-degree hazing.

For the full story, click here

Gingrich bows out of GOP presidential race

Former Speaker of the House and GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich officially suspended his campaign for president Wednesday in Virginia.

Gingrich thanked his supporters, continued to fight for his policy ideas and expressed supporter of GOP front-runner Mitt Romney.

It began to go downhill for Gingrich last week with news of campaign debt, compounded by consecutive losses in state primaries and falling poll numbers.

For the full story, click here