Sam Borden of the New York Times reports Payton would face dire consequences if caught violating the terms of his one-year suspension from the NFL, starting with the possibility that he would not be allowed to return to the league when the suspension ended. That potential for long-term unemployment may be reason enough for most to believe that Payton is, in fact, staying away and not, say, scratching out plays in powdered sugar during covert meetings disguised as beignet feasts, still, there are doubters.
The Saints visit the Giants on Sunday, and in interviews this week, several Giants players questioned just how silent Payton has been this season, punter Steve Weatherford expressed a common sentiment when he said, Of course he will get his message to them somehow.
Weatherford added: Im not saying anything about Sean Payton as a person or anything, but I think any coach would do that. Its not like hes just going to sit at home and watch the games and not have any thoughts. His message will be heard.
Joe Vitt, the Saints interim coach, said it had been exceedingly difficult for him not to speak with Payton this season. The Saints have struggled with inconsistency and enter Sundays game at 5-7, a record that puts them on the very outskirts of playoff contention.
For Vitt, who has worked as the assistant head coach and linebackers coach under Payton and served a six-week suspension himself before taking over the team, Paytons absence has been conspicuous. Its like a giant hole in my chest, Vitt said. I think we both kind of look at the calendar and see that theres four weeks left in the regular season, and hes due to come back here at the conclusion of the playoffs. But its been extremely difficult. Source: The Redzone Attached Thumbnails
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December 07, 2012
