New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma at the Saints' 2012 minicamp in June (Photo: Parker Waters).

Monday was another busy day in the ongoing tug-of-war between the National Football League and suspended New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

The NFL has filed a grievance with the players' union asking New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma to drop his defamation lawsuit against league commissioner Roger Goodell.

The league claims Vilma's suit violates the collective bargaining agreement reached last August to end the lockout.

Meanwhile, Vilma is asking a federal judge for a hearing Thursday on his bid to block his season-long suspension stemming from the NFL's bounty investigation.

Saints trainer Scottie Patton joined Vilma in his hearing request with a supportive affidavit, but Berrigan set a hearing later than hoped. It will be held in July 26.

Interim head coach Joe Vitt also helped Vilma's cause with an affidavit strongly supporting his defensive captain.

"Our inability to work with Mr. Vilma, in my opinion, jeopardizes the entire Saints football team and our 2012-2013 season," said Vitt's affidavit.

In a court filing Monday, Vilma's attorneys ask U.S. District Judge Helen "Ginger" Berrigan to hear their request for a temporary restraining order before the Saints' training camp opens on July 23.

Berrigan didn't immediately rule on Vilma's hearing request. Vilma seeks a fast ruling since he wants to attend training camp to continue receiving treatment for a knee injury.