Strange Posts from Adam Schefter today regarding the Saints

[RockaFowler]

NFL security determined between 22 and 27 defensive players on the Saints, as well as at least one asst. coach, maintained a bounty program.

Investigation reviewed 18,000 documents totaling more than 50,000 pages. Commissioner Goodell will determine the discipline.

NFL determined that former Saints DC Gregg Williams administered the program with knowledge of other defensive coaches.

Discipline for the Saints could include fines, suspensions and forfeiture of draft choices.

NFL investigation of Saints began in 2010 when allegations were made that Saints targeted QBs such as Brett Favre and Kurt Warner.



A Bounty?? What the heck kind of program are they running down there in NO??

[Auggie]

1. I won't believe Sean Payton is clueless ...

22 players and the defensive coordinator? He knew and should be expelled from the NFL.

[RockaFowler]

2. He said the punishment will be worse than the Patriots after Spygate

[ScreamingMeemie]

3. I'm no Vikings fan but it makes you think about that hit on Brett Favre

in the NFC Championship game.

[Renew Deal]

4. NFL: Saints defense had 'bounty' fund

Between 22 and 27 defensive players on the New Orleans Saints, as well as defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, maintained a "bounty" program funded primarily by players in violation of NFL rules during the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons, the NFL announced Friday.

The investigation by the league's security department determined that an improper "pay for performance" program included "bounty" payments to players for inflicting injuries on opposing players that would result in them being removed from a game.

In some cases, the amounts pledged were both significant and directed against a specific opposing player, according to the league's investigation.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis failed to stop the bounty program when directed to do so by Saints owner Tom Benson, while coach Sean Payton was aware of the allegations but did not pursue them or take steps to stop the "bounty" program, according to the investigation's findings.

The findings, corroborated by multiple independent sources, have been presented to commissioner Roger Goodell, who will determine the appropriate discipline.
<snip>

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7638603/new-orleans-saints-defense-had-bounty-program-nfl-says

[RockaFowler]

5. Thanks Renew

It is worse. Payton knew about it and did nothing

[Auggie]

6. Benson could also suspend -- or fire -- Payton and Loomis

The problem is, the whole team had to know about it. All the coaches. You can't suspend one without suspending them all. So what do you -- hire an entire temporary coaching staff?

Ah, they'll probably get their wrists slapped with a fine and let Goodell dock them a few draft choices.

[joeybee12]

7. This sucks...really kills the feel good feeling about their Super Bowl

win for the city.

That said, am I the only one who thinks other teams are doing this?

[bluedigger]

8. Probably not.

It seems this is a longstanding league rule, not something that "developed", like PEDs. As much as players move around, it would be hard to keep quiet. I'm surprised the Saints kept it in the bag as long as they did. It certainly tarnishes their title and image.

[JonLP24]

9. The Saints came after Warner

but the only play that I remember that was questionable was when a defender took a free shot at the QB on a defensive interception return. It was the play that took him out of the game and ended his career. However, I consider it a legal play but rather than trying to take the QB out of the play they gave him a devastating hit.

[Drum]

10. I like the clarity in this Goodell quote:

The bounty rule, Goodell said, protects "two key elements of NFL football: player safety and competitive integrity. It is our responsibility to protect player safety and the integrity of our game, and this type of conduct will not be tolerated.

(Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/peter_king/03/02/saints.bounties/index.html#ixzz1o0oy9pxJ)

It's damn tough enough playing that game...breaks my heart to see and hear of the legacy that lots of players endure because of the demands of it, sometimes very debilitating consequences....

Just like performance-enhancing drug vigilance (in ALL sports,) this type of scrutiny can insure that we--and our kids--can be thrilled and inspired by Sport, without the taint that we are watching the equilalent of fake-wrestling. So many more people around the world find inspiration in Sport (far more than from the arts,) and I believe that ethics in the ranks and guardians at the top are important.

But you knew that, and probably agree too...I'm just spouting. This is one of the only parts of DU I check regularly anymore...I just wanted to sound off!

[madinmaryland]

12. If this shit is even close to true, there will not be another Saint's team with a winning record

for another generation. This shit will explode the franchise.

[madinmaryland]

11. Hmmm. Maybe this is why BossHog has gone missing for a couple of years...

On that note, I have always thought Gregg Williams was way overrated and a douchebag. Hell, even Danny-boy canned his ass. Maybe he knew something that we didn't!