Roger Goodell to New Orleans Saints: Don't Test Me

As expected, Roger Goodell did not see fit to reduce the suspensions of New Orleans Saints general manager Micky Loomis, head coach Sean Payton and assistant coach Joe Vitt. 

The NFL's release on the matter ends with the following sentence: "At the conclusion of their suspensions, the commissioner will review the status of each of the three individuals to determine their eligibility for reinstatement."

Translation from Goodell to the Saints: Don't test me. 

As we've discussed before, the appeals from Payton, Loomis and Vitt were pretty much dead on arrival. But the Commissioner has made it clear here that he would consider lessening financial penalties “If they embrace the opportunity and participate in a constructive way.”

In other words, if Payton and company play along, show remorse and, most likely, pitch in on the sure-to-come "Change in NFL Culture" push that is around the corner, they might just get some of the money back that they are set to lose due to their various punishments. 

Goodell is also willing to reconsider the Saints’ forfeiture of their 2013 second-round draft pick. While the team will definitely lose a selection that year, they could see it reduced from a second- to a third-round pick. 

One other message that is not explicitly laid out in the release but is no doubt being delivered: Making sure that the Saints, and specifically Payton, understand that any kind of attempt at subverting the rules of the suspensions—in particular Payton trying to run the team by proxy—will be met with more serious consequences. 

If Payton hopes to coach again in the NFL, he'll make sure that, starting April 16th, when his suspension officially begins, he does not so much as think about trying to contact anyone even remotely involved with the day-to-day operations of the Saints.