When the Green Bay Packers signed free agent defensive lineman Tony Hargrove, they assumed the risk that they were taking in a player that could potentially be suspended by the NFL for taking part in the New Orleans Saints' bounty program in 2009 and 2010. "The NFL Players Association told players involved in the New Orleans Saints' bounty case that there is a chance they could face criminal charges and it hired outside counsel to represent them if needed," reports Barry Wilner and Howard Fendrich of the Associated Press. After handing out discipline to Saints coach Sean Payton and the rest of the organization, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he'd wait to decide upon punishment for any players. Hargrove was fined for a late hit on Brett Favre in the 2009 NFC Championship game and quoted as yelling "Favre is out of the game!"

As of April 1, new contracts with official apparel and headwear suppliers to the NFL began and the Packers are now selling gear from Nike, New Era and Forty Seven Brand in their Pro Shop. "Nike takes over as the NFL’s official on-field provider and also offers a wide variety of performance and lifestyle gear," writes Ricky Zeller at the Packers official website. "(Packers director of retail operations Kate) Hogan said the Packers authentic jersey the team has worn for decades won’t change when the official jerseys for every team are unveiled by the NFL in New York City on April 3, but the initial replica jerseys – available from the Packers in mid-April – will have mild alterations in fit and design." The new line of apparel can also be purchased online through the NFL or the Packers Pro Shop.

The status of safety Nick Collins is laid out by Bill Huber of Packer Report. "The seven-year veteran and three-time Pro Bowl honoree went to New York for further evaluation and consultation on his surgically repaired neck," writes Huber. "Collins' spinal surgeon reportedly put the player through a battery of tests on Wednesday. By Monday, Collins was expected to get definitive word from his doctors whether attempting a comeback on the playing field will be advisable." It may not be for a couple weeks yet that Collins decides definitely about continuing his career.

A column regarding the film "Last Day at Lambeau" is written by Doug Moe of the Wisconsin State Journal. The documentary follows Brett Favre's divorce from the Green Bay Packers and will premiere at the Wisconsin Film Festival in mid-April.

Free agent offensive tackle Demetrius Bell left his visit of Philadelphia without a contract. Bell was reported to visit with the Packers as well.

Brian Carriveau is a writer for Cheesehead TV. To contact Brian, email [email protected].