New Orleans Saints: 4 Reasons Sean Payton Suspension Is Ludicrous

News of the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal has rocked the sports world. It has easily become one of the most talked about sports topics since it was uncovered. 

His subsequent suspension has become very controversial and debated, as some believe it is a justified punishment. Others, like myself, believe that this punishment is completely absurd and way too harsh.

Here are five reasons that Sean Payton's suspension is completely and utterly ludicrous.

Incredibly Too Lengthy

I will admit it, Sean Payton definitely deserves some sort of punishment. But, seriously, a season long suspension? That is way too harsh. 

I am not one to feel bad for rich people losing money, but Sean Payton will lose millions of dollars from this suspension. This bounty program was not his idea, and though he allegedly went along with it, why should he be suspended for an entire season?

I would have understood a couple of games and a fine, but a full season, which is his way of earning income, is pretty hefty.

Roger Goodell's Track Record

Let's all be honest here. Roger Goodell has been on a power trip from the minute he became NFL commissioner. His suspension of Payton is just another instance in a string of questionable leadership.

For a commissioner of a sport as physical as football, Goodell is pretty squeamish about physical play. Anytime any player gets near another player's head, there is a hefty fine or a suspension. In general, he is an over-finer (that is a Seinfeld type word).

Fearing former players who have sued the NFL over concussion issues back in the day is probably, in my opinion, what brought about such a harsh penalty. That is one of the reasons this suspension is incredibly wrong.

Criminal Charges?

According to ESPN, it appears that the players and coaches involved in this scandal could also face criminal charges, which is absolutely ridiculous.

I get it, they want to protect the safety of the players. They don't want teams conducting themselves like this.

Well if the NFL wants to pursue criminal charges with this scandal, let's not stop there. How about every time there is a fight in the NHL we arrest the separate parties for assault and battery. Or how about when there is a bench clearing brawl in the MLB, why don't we get a paddy wagon down to the stadium and drag all of them to jail.

If criminal charges are pursued, it will be the most ludicrous act in sports history. 

Gregg Williams

If anybody should be punished it is Gregg Williams. According to Dan Graziano at ESPN, it was his idea and it is not the first time he has done it apparently.

While working on teams such as the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills, it is noted that Williams did the same exact thing. He is the one that brought the bounty program to New Orleans, so why should Sean Payton overpay for it?

Plus, you don't see the Redskins and Bills receiving any repercussions if they indeed ran bounty programs.  

It appears Sean Payton is the sacrificial lamb, which is simply not right.