Brees: Saints will thrive in wake of bounty system

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Drew Brees is still sticking up for his team and says it will continue to thrive despite coach Sean Payton's season-long suspension for his role in the New Orleans Saints' bounty system.

The quarterback says he doesn't condone a bounty structure, but added there's a difference between pay-for-performance and pay-for-injury, "and I'd say what we've been accused of in regards to pay-for-injury is not the case."

Brees spoke at La Costa Resort & Spa while promoting his Drew Brees Celebrity Championship, which will be played in May.

Brees sidestepped his unhappiness at being slapped with the franchise tag. He declined to say whether he'd skip offseason workouts that start Monday.