Judge does not rule in Vilma lawsuit

Jonathan Vilma reportedly turned down a settlement offer from the league that would have reduced his suspension.

Mark Lennihan/AP

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NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- A judge has heard arguments on the NFL's motion to dismiss Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's lawsuit seeking to overturn his bounty suspension without making a ruling.

U.S. District Judge Ginger Berrigan on Friday urged all parties to work toward a settlement. The judge could potentially rule on Vilma's request to be allowed to temporarily return to the Saints while the case proceeds.

When Vilma left the courthouse, quarterback Drew Brees gave his teammate a hug and pat on the back.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has suspended Vilma for the entire 2012 season, saying the Saints linebacker was among the ring leaders of a program that offered Saints defenders improper cash bonuses for injuring opponents.

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