Laying down the hammer: NFL suspends Payton for one year
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The National Football League hit the New Orleans Saints with severe punishments on Wednesday for their involvement in a bounty program.
The highlight was the suspension of head coach Sean Payton for the 2012 season, effective April 1.
Former Saints (and current St. Louis Rams) defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has been suspended indefinitely, effective immediately. Commissioner Roger Goodell will review his status at the conclusion of the 2012 season and consider whether to reinstate him, and, if so, on what terms.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}New Orleans general manager Mickey Loomis was suspended without pay for the first eight regular-season games. In addition, Saints assistant head coach Joe Vitt has been suspended without pay for the first six regular-season contests.
To make matters worse, the team will forfeit second round picks in the 2012 and 2013 drafts. And they have been fined $500,000.
"We are all accountable and responsible for player health and safety and the integrity of the game," Goodell said in a statement. "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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"A combination of elements made this matter particularly unusual and egregious. When there is targeting of players for injury and cash rewards over a three-year period, the involvement of the coaching staff, and three years of denials and willful disrespect of the rules, a strong and lasting message must be sent that such conduct is totally unacceptable and has no place in the game."