Saints Bounty Scandal: NFL Suspends Sean Payton 1 Year in Strong Saints Penalties

The New Orleans Saints and coach Sean Payton have been hit hard by the NFL for their role in the bounty program, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. 

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Sean Payton suspended one year. Mickey Loomis 8 game and $500,000 fine. Saints fined $500,000 and a second round pick in 2012 and 2012.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2012"

He corrected the last part of that penalty in a subsequent post, meaning the Saints will lose a pick in 2012 and 2013. 

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Saints lost two second-round picks, one in 12 one in 13.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2012"

The bounty system reportedly involved the Saints coaching staff offering financial incentives for players to land hard hits and knock opposing players out of games, among other bonuses.

Roger Goodell has made the safety of players his mission since taking over as commissioner, and he definitely dropped the hammer on the Saints with these penalties. 

The NFL has issued a statement on the penalties and suspensions, and why it took the action it did.

Here is a portion of Goodell's statements in the release (via Pro Football Talk):

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“We are all accountable and responsible for player health and safety and the integrity of the game. 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.”

“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.”

"

Even if you feel this punishment is harsh, the NFL had to take drastic action to make sure that this kind of thing doesn't happen again. Commissioner Goodell clearly doesn't want anyone even thinking or joking about a bounty program. 

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