Friday, the NFL announced findings of lengthy investigation into the New Orleans Saints, including new Rams Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams, regarding violations of the league’s “Bounty” rules. The league discovered Saints defenders were paid, with team knowledge, for injuring opponents from 2009 – ’11.
The report states that the illegal bounty program included payouts of $1,500 for a “knockout” hit and $1,000 for a “cart-off” hit. During the investigation, the league revealed the players provided funding for most of the payouts, but Sean Payton, the Saints’ head coach, was aware of the program and Williams administered it.
Williams acknowledged his role violating league rules with such a program and released the following statement:
“I want to express my sincere regret and apology to the NFL, (Saints owner Tom) Benson, and the New Orleans Saints fans for my participation in the ‘pay for performance’ program while I was with the Saints.”
It was a terrible mistake, and we knew it was wrong while we were doing it. Instead of getting caught up in it, I should have stopped it. I take full responsibility for my role. I am truly sorry. I have learned a hard lesson and I guarantee that I will never participate in or allow this kind of activity to happen again.”
The league has not yet released any information on punishment for the violations, but considering NFL commish Roger Goodell has hung his hat on player safety and stout penalties for rule breakers, expect him to drop the hammer on both the Saints and Williams.
What can we expect? For the Saints, since the head coach, defensive coordinator and general manager all allegedly knew of the bounties and they were essential team-sanctioned, Goodell will look to make an example with his punishment. When Bill Bellicheat and the Patriots were caught in “Spygate,” the coach was fined $500k for his involvment, while the team was hit for $250k and docked a 1st round draft pick.
The bulk of the punishment will be on the Saints due to the involvement/knowledge of 22-27 players and the front office staff. Since the violations are directly related to purposefully injury players, Goodell will likely drop fines, confiscate draft picks and possibly suspend some of those involved.
Since the Rams had no involvement in the scandal, the team shouldn’t face any punishment. But Williams, assuming he survives the massive PR hit, will see his paycheck go on a diet and may be forced to miss some time on the sidelines.
While many people presume that individual defenders have used bounties throughout league history, the fact that the Saints ran a team-sanctioned program is quite disturbing. Hopefully whatever spanking Goodell gives to Williams won’t discourage his hard-nosed, attacking defensive style. On the bright side, maybe the Rams can put a spin on the bounty program and pay the wide receivers to actually catch the ball this season!
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