Tagliabue, however, found that the players’ conduct was detrimental to the league. He says they participated in a performance pool that rewarded key plays — including hard tackles — that could justify fines.

But the former commissioner said Tuesday that “this entire case has been contaminated by the coaches and others in the Saints’ organization.”

Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma initially had been suspended the whole season, while Saints defensive end Will Smith, Cleveland linebacker Scott Fujita and free agent defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove received shorter suspensions.

Knicks and Nets, again

UNDATED (AP) — The Knicks and Nets are squaring off once again this evening in Brooklyn. The two clubs met on Nov. 26 with the Nets prevailing in overtime 96-89. On the year the Knicks have won 15 of 20 games, while the Nets are 11-8. Brooklyn comes in riding a four-game losing streak.

The Lakers are in Cleveland tonight for a game with the Cavaliers. The game marks the start of a four-game road trip for the Lakers as well as the return of Cleveland guard Kyrie Irving. He’s been out of action for 11 games with a fractured finger. Each team is looking to snap a losing streak as the Cavs have dropped five in a row and the Lakers two straight.

The 10-11 Denver Nuggets are in the midst of five-game road swing and that’s not good news for the Mile High City. The Nuggets have lost five of their last six road games and tonight they are facing the Pistons in the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Hapless Washington, with its 2-15 record, is in New Orleans for a game with the Hornets. New Orleans isn’t doing much better than Washington as the Hornets’ record is 5-14. The Wizards, who have not won on the road this season, are still waiting for the return of guard John Wall. The No. 1 pick in the 2010 draft is still unable to practice with a stress injury of his left knee. The Hornets are looking forward to the return of Anthony Davis, this year’s top overall pick. He has been out with a stress reaction in his left ankle.

In the final game of the night, the Bulls are home to the L.A. Clippers. Chicago has won three straight while L.A. has won six in a row.

New coach at Southern Miss

UNDATED (AP) — Southern Mississippi has hired Todd Monken as its next football coach, said a person familiar with the decision. The person says that Monken will be introduced at a news conference this afternoon. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the university had not publically announced Monken’s hiring.

Monken has spent the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State. He replaces Ellis Johnson, who was fired after just one season in which the Golden Eagles finished with a 0-12 record.