Wow I didn't see this coming:

"Consistent with the panel's decision, commissioner Goodell will, as directed, make an expedited determination of the discipline imposed for violating the league's pay-for-performance/bounty rule. Until that determination is made, the four players are reinstated and eligible to play starting this weekend," the NFL said in a statement.

The panel's decision affects the players only, not suspended coaches Gregg Williams, Sean Payton and Joe Vitt.

That reads funny to me. It sounds like they can play until Goodell determines a punishment. I thought he did that already? So Vilma, Hargrove and Fujita can play this Sunday if their teams are so inclined. Geeez what a bunch wasted effort for nothing by the league.

Anyway, the players are acting like they won the war:

"Great news and exciting to hear," Saints linebacker Scott Shanle told ESPN's Ed Werder. "It's been a long process that didn't involve a lot of facts. These guys have stood strong and stood by what was right. Glad it paid off with this ruling."

Sounds to me though like more is to come as we await Goodell's next move.