Saints QB Drew Brees files affidavit defending Jonathan Vilma

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is stepping into suspended teammate Jonathan Vilma's fight against the NFL over his season-long suspension.

Vilma's attorneys filed an affidavit Saturday in federal court in New Orleans supporting Vilma's effort to discard the suspension imposed over his alleged involvement in a program offering bonuses to injure opponents.

Brees swears in the document that "I have no knowledge of a pay to injure program existing, and yet to personally see any evidence that would substantiate these allegations."

He also praises Vilma's leadership role on the team and his importance to the community.

Vilma and Saints coach Sean Payton have been suspended for the 2012 season for their roles in the bounty program the NFL says went on for three seasons.