The Saints have turned out to be sinners.

The New Orleans Saints are known for their prolific offense, but it’s their defense that’s in the news this morning.  When former New Orleans Saints and current St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was caught running a bounty scheme during his time with the Saints, the NFL was not pleased.  Non-contract bonuses, such as pay-for-performance on an individual basis is forbidden by NFL rules, and Gregg Williams knows this.  He started a bounty program anyway, and has a history of running a bounty program for his defenses that awarded defenders for making big hits and deliberately injuring other players.  Well, the punishments have arrived and they are severe.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has been suspended for the 2012 season as a result of Bountygate.  Gregg Williams, the man behind the bounties, has been suspended indefinitely.  Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis has been suspended for 8 games.  Saints assistant coach Joe Vitt has been suspended 6 games.

“The game doesn’t need to be played this way.  We think that while it is a strong message, its an important one to send — that we need to protect our players,” said NFL commissioner and league guardian Roger Goodell.  “We are all accountable and responsible for player health and safety and the integrity of the game.  We will not tolerate conduct or a culture that undermines those priorities.  No one is above the game or the rules that govern it.  Respect for the game and the people who participate in it will not be compromised.”

As it turns out, deliberately injuring another team’s quarterback is a bad idea, but covering it up, lying to NFL investigators, and continuing said program after being told specifically to NOT do that?  That’s also a bad idea, and not just because someone may take it out on your record-breaking All-Pro quarterback in retaliation.

Tags: roger goodell, saints, new orleans saints, suspensions, bountygate, sean payton, gregg williams, joe vitt, mickey loomis, saints suspensions, nfl, football, national football league, nfl suspends saints coaches for bounty program, intentionally injuring other players, nfl bounty, controversies, paying to injure other football players, professional football, sports

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