Twitter Reaction and Expert Analysis on Sean Payton's Bounty-Related Suspension

The NFL issued its ruling on the New Orleans Saints' bounty program today and it was serious. Head coach Sean Payton has been suspended for a year, while general manager Mickey Loomis received an eight-game suspension and a $500,000 fine.

In addition to that, the Saints have been fined $500,000 and will lose a second-round pick in 2012 and 2013.

In addition to those penalties, former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has been suspended indefinitely. Williams orchestrated and oversaw the program and was recently hired as the defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams. 

Needless to say, Twitter exploded after the announcement as experts and athletes from around the sports world reacted to the news. 

Payton's suspension in a huge blow to the Saints, who will either have to fire him or use an interim head coach for a full season until he can return. It is inarguable that Peyton is the most successful coach in team history, so dumping him would be an incredibly difficult decision for the franchise to make.

With the draft picks being taken away, the Saints now will not pick until the third round of this year's NFL draft. 

Considering the crime, the punishment for the offending members of the Saints' leadership had to be severe. The NFL had to send a message that this type of thing would not be tolerated in the future. So while many seem to be shocked by the severity of the suspension, this had to be expected.