Playing Roger Goodell: How Should NFL Commish Respond to Saints' Bounties?

The New Orleans Saints are in trouble.

Big trouble.  

Coaches and players had a bounty system in place that rewarded guys for injuring their opponents from 2009 to 2011.

Unbelievable. 

The NFL released these findings after a recent internal investigation conducted by the league's security department.

This Los Angeles Times article cites some notes from the investigation. Of the most despicable findings:

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During the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons, the players and other participants involved used their own money to fund a 'Pay for Performance' program. Players earned cash awards for plays such as interceptions or fumble recoveries. They also earned 'bounty' payments for 'cart-offs' and 'knockouts.' All such payments violate league rules for non-contract bonuses.

Players were willing and enthusiastic participants in the program, contributing regularly and at times pledging large amounts. Between 22 and 27 defensive players contributed funds to the pool over the course of three NFL seasons. In some cases, the amounts pledged were both significant and directed against a specific opposing player.

The bounty program was administered by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams with the knowledge of other defensive coaches. Funds were contributed on occasion by Williams.

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Commissioner Roger Goodell has been preaching player safety during his iron-fisted tenure and now...this? 

Guys unintentionally suffering debilitating injuries has been bad enough. 

So, where to start?

This one's simple. 

To begin, the New Orleans Saints organization must be hit with a hefty fine, and I wouldn't rule out the forfeiture of a draft pick. 

Remember, the New England Patriots lost a first-round pick in the "SpyGate" scandal. 

Although the owner and possibly the general manager were not aware of the program, coaches were, allowed it to happen and seemingly encouraged it.

As for those coaches, most namely head coach Sean Payton and then defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, they deserved to be suspended without pay for at least half of the 2012 season. 

That's certainly not too harsh for such a drastic violation of league rules.

This program went against Goodell's safety directives. Another aspect of the program was explained in that same LA Times article:

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There is no question that a bounty program violates long-standing league rules.  Payments of this type—even for legitimate plays such as interceptions or fumble recoveries—are forbidden because they are inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement and well-accepted rules relating to NFL player contracts. 

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Any other assistant coaches involved must face similar penalties. 

This may become one of the biggest black eyes in NFL history, especially if other teams are uncovered. Former player Damien Woody says it happens all around the league.

Yikes.

Commissioner Goodell has to act sternly to send a strong message to the rest of the league and just as importantly, the fans. 

This is a serious offense that should yield serious consequences. 

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