2012 New Orleans Saints BountyGate: Are You Really Surprised?

If you are surprised by an NFL team having a bounty system, you should be. Only, you should be surprised that more teams haven't been "ratted" out yet, but they should be. These "bounties" have been around as long as hazing has. While I don't condone deliberately injuring a player, big hits are what jack up momentum and team emotion. If you can do that while not injuring the player, what's wrong with that? I also don't agree with money being exchanged, but if the reward was something like perks around the practice facility, dinners or small gifts then it probably wouldn't receive as much attention.

The bounty tradition has always been around. It's probably a big reason why tackling is so poor in the collegiate and pro ranks. High school coaches, usually young assistants, often give small practice incentives such as longer breaks to get players to play with an extra step in their game. They give them extra incentive to put more effort out on the field.

The 2009 New Orleans Saints' season could be seen as a perfect example for a bounty system, with all of the turnovers and touchdowns that were scored on defense. There were players one-upping their teammates every single game and it brought out their best effort, which in turn, led to a Super Bowl championship. Minus the money exchanging hands, that could've been seen as a great motivational tool.

Instead, Gregg Williams upped the ante over the next two years, while also turning a blind eye to an illegal operation that the Saints organization and the city of New Orleans would not approve of. The worst part about this situation is just how dopey and nonchalant Williams is acting towards the allegations. He has that "I'm not there anymore, I don't care, what's my penalty?" attitude to him.

Just like any scandal, there is a rat in the clubhouse. Someone who broke teammates' trust and hung them out to dry for harsh penalties. It seems like now, with all of the findings, the NFL will look to send a message. Maybe they can scare teams into closing up shop and finally ending this bounty business.

So, don't be surprised with any information that comes out about this subject, but...

Mark my words: There will be more teams that come out in this, not just New Orleans.