WASHINGTON (AP) - Right from the start, the NFL said Gregg Williams was in charge of a pay-for-pain bounty system with the New Orleans Saints.

The former defensive coordinator -- who told the league about others' involvement -- was being cross-examined Friday by lawyers for players appealing their suspensions in the case.

And two of those players, Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive lineman Will Smith, attended Williams' session.

The hearing is part of the latest round of player appeals overseen by former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Former Saints assistant coach Mike Cerullo faced questions Thursday, when lawyers for the league and for players spent more than nine hours in a Washington office building.

Tagliabue and various lawyers declined to comment Thursday or Friday.

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