2 victims, gunman killed in Oregon mall shooting

By Isolde Raftery, NBC News Updated at 8:41 p.m. ET: A shooting at a mall in Portland, Ore., on Tuesday afternoon left three people dead, including the gunman, and at least one other person injured, police said. Lt. James Rhodes of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office said the gunman shot two people to death and also died, but he did not say how the gunman died. Rhodes said another person was wounded and sent to a hospital. Rhodes said police do not believe there was a second shooter. The shooting during the busy holiday shopping season caused panic in the mall. A woman who answered the phone at Chipotle in the mall told NBC News that someone ran in and yelled, "It's a shooting, it's a shooting." She said employees shut the restaurant doors. She said the mall was crawling with police. Rhodes said some people had hidden in break rooms and bathrooms in the mall and that teams of police were working their way through the mall to bring them out. A spokeswoman at Legacy Emanuel Hospital, one of two level-one trauma centers in the Portland area, told NBC News that no patients had been admitted as of 5:15 p.m. local time (8:15 p.m. ET) but that the hospital had been alerted that one victim could arrive by Life Flight. The Oregonian newspaper said that one of its sports columnists was in the mall and reported that dozens of shots were fired in the food court near the Macy's at the Clackamas Town Center around 3:20 p.m. KGW.com reported that the shooter was wearing a hockey mask, but it did not cite a source for the information. Witness Amber Tate told KATU of Portland that she was standing in the parking lot when she spotted a gunman wearing a camouflage shirt and what looked like a bulletproof vest. Tate said he looked like a teenager. Pedro Garcia, 24, told the Oregonian that he was headed to Panera Bread Co. to buy sandwiches when he heard at least six shots. "I could smell the gunpowder," Garcia said. "That's what pretty much what made me run." More content from NBCNews.com: Amid protests, Michigan passes anti-union 'right to work' measures Gay student asks Justice Scalia to defend his 'bestiality' comments Marijuana sales? Lots of obstacles still to weed out in Washington, Colorado California exodus as thousands quit state for Texas, Ariz., elsewhere Banking giant HSBC to pay record $1.9 billion in money-laundering case Video: Massive gas line blaze caught on camera Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook

Obama says US recognizes Syrian opposition coalition

Bill Pugliano / Getty Images President Barack Obama said the U.S. has recognized the Syrian opposition coalition as representing the country's citizens in an interview with ABC News. By NBC News staff and wire services The United States now considers the Syrian opposition coalition to be the "legitimate representative" of the nation, President Barack Obama said Tuesday. "We've made a decision that the Syrian opposition coalition is now inclusive enough, is reflective and representative enough of the Syrian population that we consider them the legitimate representative of the Syrian people in opposition to the Assad regime," Obama said in an interview with ABC News. The move, which was widely expected, could give new international legitimacy to the rebels fighting to overthrow the regime of Bashir Assad but stops short of authorizing the U.S. to arm the opposition, something Obama has steadfastly refused to do. The decision came as U.S. officials attend the Friends of Syria meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, to discuss the 20-month-old crisis. Winter brings more troubles for displaced Syrians On Tuesday, the U.S. designated the radical Islamist Syrian rebel group Jabhat al-Nusra, an important element in the opposition struggle, as a foreign terrorist organization and said it was trying to hijack the rebellion on behalf of al-Qaida in Iraq. U.S. officials said the al-Nusra group had claimed responsibility for carrying out nearly 600 attacks in major cities that have killed numerous innocent Syrians. Al-Nusra, one of the most efficient fighting groups in Syria, is not part of a new, Islamist-dominated military command elected in Turkey over the weekend.  More world stories from NBC News: Analysis: Egypt is rapidly approaching its own 'cliff' Nelson Mandela suffers recurrence of lung infection Banking giant HSBC to pay record $1.9 billion in money-laundering case Suspect in US envoy's killing in Libya arrested in Egypt Parents: US Marine detained in Mexico for bringing shotgun across border Cuba's jailing of American contractor 'arbitrary,' UN panel concludes Nearly 900 left missing by Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines Video: Penguins in Tokyo take over as Santa's elves Follow World News from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook

Military cracks down on alcohol abuse amid age-old binging habit

By Bill Briggs, NBC News contributor Officials within the U.S. military are actively targeting over-boozing troops at home and abroad, but addiction specialists and service members say binge drinking remains as rampant as ever inside the armed services. Among the new initiatives to stem the problem: The Marines, starting next year, will give random breathalyzer tests to Corps members; the Air Force and Army curbed some overnight liquor sales for U.S. military personnel in Germany; and American service members in Japan were barred from leaving their residences after consuming more than one adult beverage. The restrictions seem to have been independently created by brass within each branch — for example, the new rules for service members in Japan follow the October sexual assault of an Okinawa woman allegedly carried out by two U.S. sailors. Still, the fresh regulations arise three months after a study commissioned by the Department of Defense found that binge drinking by active-duty troops now constitutes "a public health crisis," noting as well that drunken soldiers were cited as a problem as far back as the Revolutionary War. "But we can do better," said Dr. Charles P. O'Brien, chairman of the panel that authored the report and director of the Center for Studies of Addiction at the University of Pennsylvania. "We have a lot of research, a lot of medication, and a lot of techniques that have been developed over the years. We don't have to be stuck in the old ways of handling things. "We found, though, that in the whole Army, there's only one doctor who's trained in addiction medicine. This is a specialty where we need more people and they're not there. So, most people are not getting treated with evidence-based medicine," O'Brien told NBC News. The study was issued by the Washington, D.C.-based Institute for Medicine. Worse, O'Brien said he has learned — from emails he received in recent days from active-duty personnel — that one of the study's most simple suggestions has not been implemented: that the military's health system, TRICARE, alter its rules and allow substance-abusing service members to be treated with anti-addiction medications like Suboxone.   "We met a general who is on Suboxone but they (military doctors) are not letting other people have it," O'Brien said. "It's ridiculous ... When we briefed (military leaders in September), they expressed interest in following our recommendations. But, so far, I don't have any concrete evidence that anything has happened."  NBC News asked the Department of Defense to list which, if any, of the panel's recommendations have been installed to date.  "The Department of Defense appreciates the hard work of the Institute of Medicine in assessing substance abuse programs and policies in the Military Health System," Cynthia O. Smith, a DoD spokeswoman, responded in an email. "We are in the process of analyzing their findings and recommendations, but most importantly, we want to do the right thing for the Service member. If there are areas in need of improvement, then we will work to improve those areas. The health and well-being of our Service members is paramount." Click here for more military-related coverage from NBC News. The agency has a stated policy to "prevent and eliminate drug and alcohol abuse and dependence from the Department of Defense." The U.S. military, therefore, screens for problem drinking, provides treatment for those identified with alcohol or drug problems, and is working to "change attitudes toward binge drinking," Smith said, adding that "such abuse and dependence are incompatible with readiness, the maintenance of high standards of performance, and military discipline." Indeed, in its analysis of boozing on military bases, the Institute of Medicine found that 47 percent of active-duty personnel engaged in binge drinking during 2008 (the most recent year for which data was available), and the authors concluded the use of alcohol and other drugs are "currently at unacceptably high levels," making it "detrimental to readiness and total force fitness."  Military members like Marine Sgt. Thomas Brennan, who joined in 2004 and who later served in Iraq and Afghanistan, describe drinking as a staple of life in uniform. He knows of several recent drunken-driving arrests involving his Marine buddies or his former unit members, he said.   "With the amount of recreational drinking that goes on, it's like peer pressure times 10," said Brennan, 27. "Everybody's drinking. The Marine Corps is a brotherhood. You want to be part of that brotherhood, and your brothers are doing it. Nobody forces you to do it but the inclination to do it is pretty strong." In a New York Times blog published in October, Brennan wrote that the "golden rule" among Marine officers and non-commissioned officers seems to be: "If you're going to partake, do so behind closed doors and keep your mouth shut about it. I have heard many leaders tell under-age Marines that if they were going to drink that they should keep their doors locked and be smart about it. Only when they were caught were they told not to do it." "I couldn't tell you how many times I've heard that over the years," Brennan told NBC News on Monday. "I wasn't perfect either. I let it go on." The September study on alcohol abuse within the military also chastised the armed services for allowing "ready access to relatively inexpensive alcohol on military bases."  At Camp Lejeune, where Brennan was stationed, convenience stores contain large refrigerators stocked with domestic and imported beers, sold tax free. A six-pack of Stroh's, for example, costs about $4, he said. On base, Marines also can purchase "Military Special" liquors, a cut-rate brand of liquor, including vodka and whiskey, that goes for about $6.50 per liter. At AR15.com, a firearms website popular with military members, one commenter described Military Special booze as: "No good for sipping, but for shots it works;" another said: "I am not sure I would clean battery terminals with that crap."  One combat-related factor exacerbating the overindulgence of alcohol is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In September, the Institute of Medicine reported that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans diagnosed with PTSD have alcohol-abuse rates that are twice as high as those found among civilian young adult males. Brennan was diagnosed with PTSD and said that self-medicating with alcohol caused him to suffer a "short-lived drinking problem" after he returned from Iraq.   "You're already depressed because of the PTSD. Alcohol's a depressant. A lot of guys with PTSD just got angry (when they drank) and did dumb stuff, like fighting," Brennan said in a phone interview. "We had one guy throw his refrigerator off the third deck one night when he was drinking. But I don't know if that was PTSD, or just him being a crazy drunk." More content from NBCNews.com: Fewer homeless vets this year, but advocacy group sees 'alarming' trend Disability-compensation claims for veterans lag as 'VA backlog' worsens Florida guide uses hunting as rustic therapy for combat veterans Google launches new website to guide veterans into civilian work force PTSD may be overdiagnosed, but deniers 'wrong,' psychiatrist says Double amputee to potential congressional foes: 'Bring it' Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook

Why America's unions are losing power

Support for labor unions has steadily declined in the United States since the early 20th century. Michigan is the latest 'Rust Belt' state to approve a right-to-work law It's the latest sign that organized labor's influence is waning in the U.S. Some analysts blame heavy tactics by big business; others say it's just politics (CNN) -- Michigan has dealt a tremendous blow to unions, approving a right-to-work measure in the heart of organized labor's industrial stronghold. The new law -- passed by legislators and signed hours later on Tuesday -- not only signals a change in America's so-called Rust Belt, but is also the latest sign that the power of organized labor is shrinking in the United States. American unions already have a fraction of the influence they did a few decades ago. Only about 12% of workers are union members, down from 20% in 1983, according to federal data. In the private sector, the plunge has been even steeper: union membership has dropped from 17% in 1983 to 7% today. That's partly because certain unionized industries have become a smaller part of the overall work force, particularly in manufacturing. It's also a result of government action. Michigan has become the 24th state to adopt a right-to-work law, which removes the requirement for people to pay unions to work at unionized agencies, effectively decreasing union funding and making it less likely that workers choose to organize. Michigan set to pass right-to-work law Obama: Unions built a stronger America Michigan's fight over 'right-to-work' Michigan law revs up union opposition America's up and down relationship with unions Union supporters in Michigan didn't go down without a fight. They staged a rally outside the state capitol in Lansing as lawmakers voted. "People need to wake up and fight," teacher Sarah Zigler said at Tuesday's rally. "People need to realize what unions have done for them. Who gave people the 40-hour work week? Who fought for workplace safety? Who brought you the weekend? Who brought you workers comp? Who gave people overtime pay?" "Unions!" protesters shouted after each of her questions. For much of American history, unions have been credited with helping millions achieve the American dream and criticized for (They were also reviled for corruption in the days of Jimmy Hoffa.). But unions have long remained a force to be reckoned with. Today, Michigan becomes the latest state in the Rust Belt, the heart of America's manufacturing industry, to chip away at their power. Earlier this year, Wisconsin had its own showdown over the power of unions when Gov. Scott Walker -- who opposes unions -- overcame an attempt to recall him from office. The failed recall vote was fueled by anger over laws he pushed that stripped collective bargaining rights from most public unions. Indiana also passed a right-to-work law this year. While there have been moments of good news for organized labor, including pay bumps for GM autoworkers, industry analysts agree that organized labor no longer holds the sway it once did among America's workers. So why the downfall of American unions? That depends on who you ask. Blaming big business Big businesses are behind campaigns to squelch organized labor, and they are seeing some success, according to Gordon Lafer, a political science professor and opponent of right-to-work laws. What right to work really means "The anti-union campaigns of the last three years, starting with Wisconsin, have really been driven ... by big national organizations and money," said Lafer, a union member and who teaches labor studies at the University of Oregon. "I think an important question to think about is: Why are big private companies spending a lot of money and energy fighting public sector unions? "They want more free trade, lower minimum wage, the right not to pay sick leave, and all those things which are not per se about union contracts. But the biggest single opponent they have is the labor movement, even in its shrunken and weaker state." Lafer blames businesses and key business figures for lobbying to push such laws "not because of what unions are doing now for their own members but to get them out of the way on issues that will affect everybody else." These campaigns stigmatize unions and encourage people who are unemployed to resent unions rather than big business leaders, he argued. "Their fear is populism," he said, referring to those who are "at the top of the economy, during downward mobility." "They want the discontent to not be aimed at people running the economy." There's also an element of fear among those who have jobs, he said. In this time of economic uncertainty, workers are afraid to organize because they don't want to upset their employers and lose their jobs. It's the economy For businesses to recover from the recession and build jobs in America, they need to get out from under organized labor, according to some analysts. And that has led to the decline of union power -- which is good news, they say. "Unions have lost power in the private sector over time because of competition, globalization, and the fact that they don't add any value to worker productivity," said Chris Edwards, an economist with the Cato Institute and a fan of right-to-work laws. Businesses are responding to today's realities and "can't pay above-market wages forever," he said. "So either they will move work abroad or they will automate to try to get rid of as many workers as they can." Union membership by state To build jobs in America, Edwards said businesses can't be beholden to mandatory collective bargaining, which can increase wages and expenses without increasing profits. In recent years, the retirement of baby boomers has fueled anti-union sentiment as some companies struggle to pay pensions as well as health care for the aging population -- benefits that were negotiated through collective bargaining. And, Edwards notes, that pressure comes on top of the economic downturn. "Unions are going the way of the dinosaur in the U.S. private sector, which is a good thing for workers and businesses because it will make America more competitive," he said. "If right-to-work laws extend to the 50 states, then private sector unions will be dead in America." How does Edwards feel about the death of all private sector unions? "Good riddance," he said. Is it all about red vs. blue? The decline in union strength is also tied to the political battle between Democrats and Republicans. "There has been a recognition by both the unions and people who are not happy with unions in the last 12 years or so that unions have been fundamentally the powerhouse between the Democratic party and their electoral math," said Linda Kaboolian, lecturer on public policy with Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. Unions provide money and put "boots on the ground" to get Democratic candidates elected. If they shrink, so will the money and power of that central blue voting bloc, Kaboolian said, adding that "it's a perfectly rational point of view" for right-wing organizations to take. Union organizers did a great deal to push for President Barack Obama's re-election in key states, including Michigan. The president himself paid a visit to the state this week, voicing his opposition to the state's right-to-work measure. "What we shouldn't do is take away your rights to bargain for better wages," Obama told workers. "These so called right to work laws don't have to do with economics, they have to do with politics." Kaboolian insisted that economic arguments for slicing union strength don't add up. Even if unionized workers cost more, they can often prove to be a higher-quality work force that will last, grow and learn new skills, she says. Kaboolian speaks of her own experience, having served as a union officer at the University of Michigan. She was also a manager and a worker in both unionized and non-unionized agencies. She said she does not advocate for or against right-to-work laws. James Sherk of the conservative Heritage Foundation rejected the idea that unions' decline are tied to American politics. He said the changes are being driven "by efforts to attract business," not an underhanded political effort, he says. "We're coming out of a pretty nasty recession ... Businesses understandably don't want to be unionized."

MLK Memorial inscription to be nixed

Critics were unhappy with 'drum major' quote abbreviation, saying it made King sound arrogant Plans originally called for King line to be corrected, but artist said removal was best Removal will begin in February or March, after the King birthday celebrations Washington (CNN) -- The controversial "drum major" inscription on the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in Washington will be removed rather than replaced under a plan announced Tuesday by federal officials. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said in a news release that the move followed consultation with a "range of stakeholders" who concurred with the decision. Initially, plans called for the quote to be corrected. But the original sculptor, Lei Yixin, said removal was the best way to ensure the structural integrity of the memorial, the National Park Service said. The site features a commanding 30-foot statue of King, arms folded across his chest, emerging from a "Stone of Hope." The quote in question -- one of more than a dozen on the site -- is inscribed on one side of the stone. The abbreviated and paraphrased version of the line sparked controversy in 2011 when acclaimed poet and author Maya Angelou said it made the civil rights leader appear to be arrogant. The line reads: "I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness." In fact, King's original words, from a 1968 sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, were: "If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter." Angelou said that leaving out the "if" changes the meaning. The plan announced Tuesday will be submitted to the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission in January for their review, according to the Interior Department. The news release included a comment from Bernice A. King, King's youngest daughter and CEO of the King Center in Atlanta. "We are grateful that Secretary Salazar's office and the National Park Service has taken such care to maintain the spirit and appearance of such an important monument to our country's history and my father's memory," she said. The memorial will remain open to visitors during the work, but some of the statue will be covered at certain times. The project will begin in February or March, after the annual King birthday observance.

Michigan passes anti-union measures amid protests

NBC's Ron Mott reports on the latest from the labor protests in Lansing, Mich., and then, Msnbc's Tamron Hall talks with Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich. By M. Alex Johnson, NBC News Updated at 6:24 p.m. ET: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law two bills Tuesday sharply limiting labor rights, which the House passed over the objections of thousands of people packing the Capitol in protest, some of whom chanted "Shame on you!" from the gallery. Follow M. Alex Johnson on Twitter and Facebook. "This isn't about us versus them. This is about Michiganders," Snyder said at news conference in the state capital, Lansing, where he announced that he had signed the legislation. By a 58-51 vote, the Republican-led House passed a bill that would ban workplace rules that make union membership a condition of employment for government workers. It then approved a second bill, covering private-sector workers, by a vote of 58-52.  When the new rules take effect in March or April, Michigan — one of the most union-friendly states in the country —will become the 24th "right to work" state, making payment of union dues voluntary even though the union negotiates on a worker's behalf. Snyder told NBC News' Andrea Mitchell that he was "pro-collective bargaining," but he said right-to-work laws denied workers freedom of choice. "I think it's a good thing," he said of the legislation. "I think it's pro-worker." Michigan labor fight puts 'tough nerd' Snyder under partisan spotlight As the vote was taking place, as many as 10,000 people descended on the Capitol, State Police estimated, prompting authorities to restrict access to the building because it was at its capacity of 2,000. The overflow filled the lawn and stretched down East Michigan Avenue to the Lansing Center across the river several blocks away. About 200 onlookers filled the gallery overlooking the House floor Tuesday. As debate resumed on one of the bills, the session was interrupted with protesters yelling, "Shame on you," NBC News' Nadine Comerford reported. After the votes, protesters then moved to the building housing Snyder's office, chanting, "Governor Snyder, just say no!" Live developments on breakingnews.com Law enforcement officials said they wouldn't let Michigan become another Wisconsin, where demonstrators occupied the state Capitol around the clock for nearly three weeks last year to protest similar legislation. Armed with tear gas canisters, pepper spray and batons, State Police officers guarded the Capitol as protesters shouted "No justice, no peace!" and "Shut it down!" NBC station WILX of Lansing reported.  State Police officials confirmed that one of their troopers used pepper spray on one protester. Police spokesmen said the man was sprayed when he grabbed a trooper and tried to pull her into the crowd. The showdown in Michigan could cause a ripple effect across the country – with major implications for working class families. Democratic strategist Debbie Dingell and former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele discuss. The man wasn't arrested, but two other people were arrested after they tried to force their way into another building on the grounds where Snyder has offices, police said.  A tent set up by supporters of the measures also collapsed amid what authorities described as "pushing and shoving" among protesters. No one was hurt, police said. Elsewhere on the lawn, four large inflatable rats were set up to mock Snyder, House Speaker Jase Bolger, Senate Republican leader Randy Richardville, and Dick DeVos, a prominent conservative businessman who union leaders say is behind the bills. Obama decries right-to-work proposal during trip to Michigan Schools in at least three districts were closed because so many teachers and other staff were at the rally. Valerie Constance, a developmental reading instructor for the Wayne County Community College District and a member of the American Federation of Teachers, sat on the Capitol steps with a sign shaped like a tombstone. It read: "Here lies democracy." Scott Hagerstrom, director of the Michigan affiliate of the activist group Americans for Prosperity, said the new laws would be "a win-win for Michigan's economy, for individual freedom." "What a lot of these protesters may not realize is that after this bill passes, they can still belong to a union. It'll just be their choice. They just can't force their co-workers to give their hard-earned money to a private organization," he said. But Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan, the ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee, called it "a terrible result." "Workers want a voice and ... they want to be sure when conditions are set that they're part of the process," he said in an interview on msnbc. Valerie Constance, a developmental reading instructor for the Wayne County Community College District and a member of the American Federation of Teachers, sat on the Capitol steps with a sign shaped like a tombstone. It read: "Here lies democracy." But Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Committee, hailed the votes, saying the made for "a great day for Michigan's workers and taxpayers," "I would like to congratulate Michigan's workers for their newly protected freedom to work without union affiliation as a condition of their employment," Mix said. Getty Images Union members from around the country streamed to the State Capitol to protest a vote on 'right-to-work' legislation Lansing, Mich., on Tuesday, Dec. 11 More content from NBCNews.com: More graves found at notorious Florida reform school for boys Marijuana sales? Lots of obstacles still to weed out in Washington, Colorado California exodus as thousands quit state for Texas, Ariz., elsewhere Banking giant HSBC to pay record $1.9 billion in money-laundering case New York Hasidic counselor found guilty of repeatedly sexually abusing girl Pentagon identifies SEAL killed during hostage rescue Fewer homeless vets expected; 'alarming' trend in young Aurora shooting suspect James Holmes' notebook at center of hearing Video:Troubling signs in paradise Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook

NFL revokes bounty case suspensions

Decision by former commissioner overturns current NFL chief Case affects the New Orleans Saints from 2009-11 Tagliabue says Saints given incentives to hurt opposing players Was it typical "trash talk" that occurs regularly before games? (CNN) -- Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue on Tuesday rescinded punishments against four players in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal. The ruling overturned a decision made in October by Roger Goodell, the current commissioner, against Jonathan Vilma, Anthony Hargrove, Will Smith and Scott Fujita. Under the bounty program, Tagliabue wrote, Saints players were given incentives during the 2009 through 2011 seasons to render opposing players unable to play. They were called "cartoffs" and "knockouts." In addition, it was alleged that a bounty was placed on Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre for his injury during the NFC Championship game against the Vikings in January 2010. In his 18-page order, Tagliabue found that Fujita's actions "were not conduct detrimental" and vacated a one-game suspension imposed by Goodell. Tagliabue wrote that Fujita "did not participate in the program including cartoffs and knockouts and that his participation in a 'non-injury' pay-for-performance pool is typically subject only to club discipline." Tagliabue found that Hargrove, Smith and Vilma engaged in "conduct detrimental to the integrity of, and public confidence in, the game of professional football," but ordered their punishments to be rescinded, too. Hargrove had been suspended for seven games but was credited with having served five. Goodell found that Hargrove falsely answered an NFL investigator's questions about the misconduct. But Tagliabue said it was not clear Hargrove lied about the program and noted that he was "under tremendous pressure to follow the chain of command in order to keep his job." Tagliabue concluded that there was insufficient evidence that Hargrove's alleged misconduct merited a suspension. Goodell had suspended Smith for four games after finding he gave money to the program. But Tagliabue said Smith was being singled out unfairly because he was a team captain. "On the present record, selective prosecution of allegations of misconduct and enforcement of discipline relative to Smith cannot be sustained," Tagliabue wrote. "Whatever the reason for such selective enforcement, it does not satisfy basic requirements for consistent treatment of player employees similarly situated." Goodell had found that Vilma offered a bounty to any Saints player who could knock Favre out of the 2010 championship game and suspended him for the entire 2012 season. But Tagliabue nixed that suspension, too, saying it was not clear that any such pledges were made seriously. "Was it inspirational only?" he asked. "Was it typical 'trash talk' that occurs regularly before games? The parties presented no clear answers." In a statement, the NFL noted that the matter had been reviewed by Goodell, two collective bargaining agreement grievance arbitrators, the Collective Bargaining Appeals Panel and now Tagliabue. "The decisions have made clear that the Saints operated a bounty program in violation of league rules for three years, that the program endangered player safety, and that the commissioner has the authority under the CBA to impose discipline for those actions as conduct detrimental to the league," the league said. "Strong action was taken in this matter to protect player safety and ensure that bounties would be eliminated from football." In a statement, the NFL Players Association, the union, said it was pleased with the decision. "Vacating all discipline affirms the players' unwavering position that all allegations the league made about their alleged 'intent-to-injure' were utterly and completely false. We are happy for our members." Vilma's lawyer, Peter R. Ginsberg, accused Goodell of "trying every conceivable maneuver to avoid real and honest scrutiny of his manufactured allegations that Jonathan Vilma engaged in a bounty program aimed at opposing players." Though gratified that his client "no longer needs to worry about facing an unjustified suspension," he said Tagliabue's order "does nothing to rectify the harm done by the baseless allegations lodged against Jonathan."