New Orleans Saints head trainer Scottie Patton comes to Jonathan Vilma’s rescue

A Saints driven rehabilitation is just what the doctor ordered for linebacker Jonathan Vilma.  His 2011 knee injury obtained during a week two, non-contact practice drill resulted in two surgeries, and extensive recovery.

However,  Vilma’s season-long suspension has left the linebacker with concern of permanent, extensive damage if he is denied the ability to rehabilitate with Saints medical staff.

The NFL has filed in opposition of expediting the  temporary restraining order with the argument that Vilma has access to Saints trainers under “certain circumstances.”

These limits are what have left Patton concerned as NFL attorneys have stated that, “while Mr. Vilma may not attend the Club facility, he can rehabilitate and condition at a private facility and Saints trainers and physicians can monitor and help guide his rehabilitation there.”

Scottie Patton, New Orleans Saints head trainer, filed a sworn affidavit today in support of Jonathan Vilma’s request to expedite a temporary restraining order against his year long, league suspension.

“As a result of the suspension, Mr. Vilma is barred from entering into the Saints training facility and, most importantly from my standpoint, the suspension effectively prohibits my staff and me from assisting Mr. Vilma in helping him to recover from a serious knee injury,” Patton states in the affidavit.