Friday, the NFL released a report that from 2009 – 2011, the New Orleans Saints defense had a “Bounty” program. The program paid $1,000 hits by the Saints that causing opposing players to be carted off the field and $1,500 for players being knocked unconscious. The program also paid players who made interceptions and recovered fumbles. Paying playing outside their contracts is against NFL policy. To make matters worse, the system was conducted by then Saints defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams. Head coach, Sean Payton, also knew about the pay for play system and did nothing to stop it. Mike Ornstein was also involved, a convicted felon, who the Saints were told to stay away from by the NFL. Ornstein actually put up money for the bounty program.
It seems as if the corrupt reputation that the city of New Orleans has been accused of has seeped into their beloved football team. Say it ain’t so Saints. It’s about to get real for New Orleans, because NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, will make sure they pay for their “Pay for Play” scandal. Goodell’s motto is to “Protect the Shield” and once the shield is compromised he brings down the hammer. The NFL experience for fans is at an all-time high right now, but what goes up must come down. All of the concussion issues players are suffering from will no doubt have parents steering their kids away from football to play other sports. How are parents going to feel when they know that NFL teams are paying their players under the table to intentionally hurt other players?
Hell hath no fury like Roger Goodell protecting the NFL shield. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if the Saints lost this year’s 1st round draft pick, next year’s 2nd and 3rd round draft picks, Sean Payton was suspended three games, Greg Williams (now with the Rams) suspended five games, and the Saints organization fined about 100k. We shall see.
Take a look at this playoff hit on Kurt Warner in 2010. Oh yeah…I forgot to tell you guys that the payouts doubled and tripled during the playoffs.
That’s all I got,
Ricky Writer