We’ve all been waiting to see the outcome of the investigation into the bounty program that the New Orleans Saints implemented for the past three years. Everyone has been wondering what the payment will be for this infraction. And pay they will.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hit the Saints hard, setting an example for any other teams that want to try this kind of motivation.
“Beyond the clear and continuing violations of league rules, and lying to investigators, the bounty program is squarely contrary to the league’s most important initiatives – enhancing player health and safety and protecting the integrity of the game,” Goodell said. “Let me be clear. There is no place in the NFL for deliberately seeking to injure another player, let alone offering a reward for doing so. Any form of bounty is incompatible with our commitment to create a culture of sportsmanship, fairness, and safety. Programs of this kind have no place in our game and we are determined that bounties will no longer be a part of the NFL.
Based on the record, Goodell has imposed the following discipline on Saints management:
- The New Orleans Saints are fined $500,000. In addition, because the violation involves a competitive rule, the Saints will forfeit their selections in the second round of the 2012 and 2013 NFL drafts.
- Saints Head Coach Sean Payton is suspended without pay for the 2012 NFL season, effective April 1.
- Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis is suspended without pay for the first eight regular-season games of the 2012 season.
- Former Saints (and current St. Louis Rams) defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is suspended indefinitely from the NFL, effective immediately. Commissioner Goodell will review Williams’ status at the conclusion of the 2012 season and consider whether to reinstate him, and, if so, on what terms. Commissioner Goodell said he will give close attention to the extent to which Williams cooperates with the NFL in any further proceedings.
- Saints assistant head coach Joe Vitt is suspended without pay for the first six regular-season games of the 2012 season.
- The Saints and the individuals disciplined today are expected to participate in efforts led by the league office to develop programs that will instruct players and coaches at all levels of the game on the need for respect for the game and those who participate in it, on principles of fair play, safety and sportsmanship, and to ensure that bounties will not be part of football at any level.
The full text of Goodell’s findings can be read here.
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March 21, 2012
