Goodell sends right message, slamming Saints, Payton
It was Gregg Williams' (right) bounty program, but Sean Payton allowed him to do it. (AP photo)
(Last updated: 2:20 p.m.)
Roger Goodell got it right Wednesday – not just for coming down hard on the New Orleans Saints in general and coach Sean Payton in particular, but for slamming somebody who doesn’t wear a uniform.
The NFL commissioner suspended Payton, the Saints’ head coach, for the entire 2012 season for his role in the team’s bounty program. He also suspended former New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams (now with St. Louis) for at least one year, assistant head coach Joe Vitt for six games and general manager Mickey Loomis for eight games. The Saints also will lose two second-round draft picks (2012 and 2013) and must pay a $500,000 fine.
The Saints will be allowed to keep their shoes.
Player discipline will be forthcoming. But the punishment against Payton and the team, while harsh, is justified. The Saints not only implemented a bounty program that “endangered player safety over a three-year period,” quoting from the NFL’s official news release (or jury verdict), but they lied about it. Allegations regarding the 2009 Super Bowl season initially were investigated in 2010, but couldn’t be proved. Team officials denied it then, and again this past season when new evidence surfaced.
The league referenced, “a deliberate effort to conceal the program’s existence from league investigators, and a clear determination to maintain the program despite express direction from Saints ownership that it stop as well as ongoing inquiries from the league office.”
If we know one thing about Roger Goodell, it’s that he doesn’t like being lied to.
“We are all accountable and responsible for player health and safety and the integrity of the game,” he said. “We will not tolerate conduct or a culture that undermines those priorities.”
Don’t confuse the NFL’s licensed violence with premeditated assault. As former Chicago Bears safety Doug Plank said two weeks ago, “I can’t believe a coach, a team or an organization would stand behind that [bounty] policy. For a coach to even address something like that with players, like, ‘This is a person we can remove from the game,’ that puts you on pretty thin ice.”
Given the backdrop, it's safe to assume this photo was taken back when Goodell was welcome at the Saints' facility. (AP photo)
The investigation revealed the Saints placed bounties on four opposing quarterbacks: Brett Favre, Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Warner. It said the Saints’ Jonathan Vilma “offered $10,000 to any player who knocked Brett Favre out of the [2009] NFC championship game.”
Was it Goodell’s objective to make an example of the Saints? Absolutely. His mission is to “protect the shield.” The ripple effect of this punishment will be felt in 31 other front offices.
But this particularly sends a great message to players. Goodell has been known as “the discipline” commissioner. For the past several seasons, he has come down hard on players for on- and off-the-field actions that he believes casts the league in a negative light. There has been a perception he is not equally tough on coaches or team officials. (An exception: “Spygate.” Goodell disciplined the New England Patriots for videotaping the New York Jets’ defensive hand signals in 2007 and took a first-round draft pick away from the team.)
Goodell largely is viewed as the owners’ guy. Of course, he is. He works for the 32 NFL owners, not the 1,700 players. That was reaffirmed with several comments he made during collective-bargaining talks and the lockout before last season.
But there is no dispute here. If Goodell didn’t wreck the Saints, he certainly left them doubled-over.
A recent Super Bowl winner – and the Falcons’ primary competition in the NFC South – just lost its head coach (Payton), his top assistant (Vitt) and its general manager (Loomis). The $500,000 fine means little. The two second-round picks mean significantly more.
Saints owner Tom Benson will not invite Goodell to dinner at Commander’s Palace any time soon.
Goodell said the involvement of players is still being reviewed and punishment will be decided at a future time. But coming down on those not wearing the uniforms is significant. He made the right call.
By Jeff Schultz
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
562 comments Add your comment
SawThat1nce
March 21st, 2012
2:34 pm
Anyone that does not think that putting a bounty on an opposing player is not a serious matter, should not be calling other people ignorant.
The 2:24 comment by ls1zwhatever is dripping with stupidity.
Burdell
March 21st, 2012
2:34 pm
Gregg Williams is definitely guilty of wearing his pants a bit too high…
Greg Mendel
March 21st, 2012
2:35 pm
The Saints have the right to be proud of their Super Bowl win. They now have the responsibility to be ashamed of their bounty program. Had they ended the sleaze when they were warned three years ago (instead of lying), there would be no penalty.
Raymar
March 21st, 2012
2:35 pm
If you think Saints players fans are crying about this think again. Everbody will band together and become stronger than ever. Saints will win the NFC South, book it. Matty Ice-hole and that fat slow little creature you call a running back just ain’t good enough. Not to mention the Saints will sign your best defender Lofton. Sorry, Falconts lose again.
Ueeediot
March 21st, 2012
2:35 pm
by dominating you mean having a 40-45 record against the Falcons?
E Harmony keeps matching me with fat chicks
March 21st, 2012
2:35 pm
Where’s a good place for pizza?
Falcon1364
March 21st, 2012
2:36 pm
AINTS FANS NEED TO GO TO THE NEW ORLEANS TIMES PUKE BLOGS AND STAY OFF THIS BLOG ! GO CRY TO SOMEONE WHO CARES ! THESE NFL INVESTIGATORS SHOULD BE HIRED TO INVESTIGATE AUBURN AND ALABAMA AS WELL !!!
SawThat1nce
March 21st, 2012
2:37 pm
Let’s see how well the DIRTY sAINTS fare, in 2012, WITHOUT the assistance of Goodell’s 7 Zebras, giving them all the calls, in their favor, as they have for the last 6 years.
Bourbon Street dancer
March 21st, 2012
2:37 pm
@ Raymar
Well said again. We will banned together and stand tall. Nothing these Falcant loser say bothers me.
ViningDawg
March 21st, 2012
2:37 pm
BS Dncr… What dat you smokin dude? Vick was out of the league for longer than a year…
Ray Lewis did not kill anyone ( but sure lied about who did, though)…
The Aints committed felonies on the field! Next step… Which players are going to be out for games? Vilma for sure….
Parson Brownlow
March 21st, 2012
2:38 pm
If they really wanted to punish Payton they’d make him spend his year of suspension in New Orleans.
Aints Hater
March 21st, 2012
2:38 pm
Now can we do something about their dumb a@$ fans? Bunch of idiots who don’t see the error of their team’s ways. Man up and accept that your team did wrong. Quit your complaining. And if you don’t like the Atl, then go the f back to New Orleans. We don’t want you here.
rivercard
March 21st, 2012
2:39 pm
ls1z28chris – For the most part I would say you have pretty much nailed it. CYA and PR by the NFL. Although I do think the cover-up factored in to the punishment somewhat. Just beyond dumb for management and coaches to get involved.
Inflicting pain/damage always been part of the game and always will be until they start handing out the flags.
Ueeediot
March 21st, 2012
2:39 pm
lmao….
loser cajuns havent learned english.
Just like Sean Peyton, you will banned together….
LOL
March 21st, 2012
2:39 pm
Ten bucks says Brees bolts. That would be hilarious!
Hollywould
March 21st, 2012
2:39 pm
You cannot thumb your nose at the NFL. The saints arrogant coaches were told to stop and did not.
End of story!!!
Chief Media Urologist
March 21st, 2012
2:40 pm
At least the Commish didn’t punish the fans by making Gregg Williams wear a push-up bra.
LOL
March 21st, 2012
2:41 pm
Ueeediot – “lmao….
loser cajuns havent learned english.
Just like Sean Peyton, you will banned together….”
Seriously? Not a saints fan, but you may want to go back to school for some lessons on english too bro. Just sayin’
Sad day for the NFL
March 21st, 2012
2:41 pm
There way too many “Fans” of the game, for this to go by with out notice. The reality is……. They lied about it!!! Every team promotes big hits, game changing events and the like – The players pay is reflected in there ability to do there job, better than anyone else at their position. The lying is what put this in that “Oh My God – I don’t have a job” category. Vick lied to Mr.Blank – BAM – lost 100 MM dollar contract and under 2 years in the clink. Every Patriot involved LIED – BAM – lost 500 K and 1st round pick. This is the right call and it will affect the game, it will hurt the game, but most importantly it is the right thing to do or we will be focusing on the Conspiracy of the game and the fundamental fact that you can’t lie and get away with – Unless you are the President of the United States of America.
Bourbon Street dancer
March 21st, 2012
2:41 pm
The Saints did nothing wrong. It’s part of football. FOr some dumb reason, Goodell decided he needed headlines before the draft, so he does this. The sad thing is, no one on the Saints killed dogs. They might as well have seeing they are being punished worse than murderers
Chattanooga Chuck
March 21st, 2012
2:42 pm
“I think it’s hilarious that you loser Falcant fans gauge your team’s possible success by whatever happens to the Saints.”
It’s also hilarious that Aint fans gauge EVERYTHING by whatever happens to the Falcons. You guys wrote the book when it comes to obsessing over another team.
Pamela
March 21st, 2012
2:42 pm
This is really a shame. Since he did that he may as well do the same to EVERY head coach. This is going on in ALL of the NFL league. Using Sean Payton as an example is crazy! We are still going to the superbowl in our city next year and win! WHO DAT?????
Damage Inc.
March 21st, 2012
2:43 pm
Ueediot- you beat me to it. “banned” together. hilarious
Jimmy Crack
March 21st, 2012
2:44 pm
I will say this very clearly…
IT COULDN’T HAVE HAPPENED TO A MORE DESERVING FAN BASE.
evil empire
March 21st, 2012
2:44 pm
better to be a Saints fan than a loser falcon, braves, hawks, and especially stupid as s dawg trash fan…
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
March 21st, 2012
2:45 pm
Y’all should check out NOLA.COM Saints’ blog….the Saints fans are threating to march on the NFL Headquarters in protest and do serious bodily harm to Goddell.
That is definitely not a very flattering side angle view of Greg Williams….what a rack!!!!
Raymar
March 21st, 2012
2:45 pm
Ok, let’s talk about this. I will bet anyone on this blog that during the so-called “bounty” period, the Falcants put more opposing players out of games than the Saints. No one’s talking about how many players actually got put out of games by the Saints. There were not that many! ESPN keeps showing the Kurt Warner hit but that was a 100% LEGAL hit. Jackasses. Oh, here is a nice number i just saw: 45-16. Remember? Please respond with your inane, inaccurate drivel now.
Chief Media Urologist
March 21st, 2012
2:45 pm
Falcons fans obsessing over the Saints demise? Coming from someone who parks his butt on a FALCONS blog every day? I guess you can’t cure stupid.
Speaking of stupid, that’s what this punishment is all about. The league knew this was going on and told the Saints to stop it. The fact that they kept doing it AND lied about it is the epitome of asking for it. Dumb, dumb, dumb dat.
SawThat1nce
March 21st, 2012
2:46 pm
Boutbon@ 2:41…….That is the dumbest comment you have made thus far, keep on going though, because I am sure you can come up with some comments, that are even more moronic than that.
Greg Mendel
March 21st, 2012
2:46 pm
“The Saints did nothing wrong. It’s part of football.”
I think the “wrong” part is in the rule book. The stupid part is lying about it.
RockyMtnFalcon
March 21st, 2012
2:46 pm
Dont hand the NFC South to the Falcons just yet, boys and girls…..Drew Brees does not play on defense. He can still hurt us and our so-so defense that Atlanta’s front office has yet to address.
Also, the Panthers may just have a pretty good team to watch out for.
I do believe we have better chance at the NFC South than most, but we still have to work for it.
Chesty LaRue
March 21st, 2012
2:47 pm
It’s official……I am jealous of Greg Williams.
WHO DAT AINTS FAN
March 21st, 2012
2:47 pm
ITS hArD to TyPe with This Brown Bag over my HeAD!
Pamela
March 21st, 2012
2:48 pm
uEDDIOT! No….you must have meant to say 45-16 score…we tore your behinds up and we will CONTINUE to do so! We are going go be an even more determined and stronger team! WHO DAT????? We are going to not only go to the Superbowl in 2013, but we are going to WIN in our own city! WHO DAT?????
Swamp People "Troy"
March 21st, 2012
2:49 pm
Damn Sean……….Shoooth Him Lizabeth!
coachx
March 21st, 2012
2:49 pm
The Saints should have to give up more draft picks. Taking only two 2nd round picks is not enough.
They don’t have a 1st round pick this year any way since the traded this years 1st away for Ingram in last years draft.
Now th Aint’s first pick in the draft will be round in 3.
Damage Inc.
March 21st, 2012
2:50 pm
BS dancer- your either in denial or just plain slow. It is NOT just football. Paying players to intentionally hurt specific players (remove from game) is not allowed. It’s borderline illegal. Not to mention there was a person alleged to have donated some money that is not even part of the team and is a known felon.
coachx
March 21st, 2012
2:51 pm
Greg Williams has C-cups.
Ha !
Raymar
March 21st, 2012
2:51 pm
@Chattanooga Chuck
Tthe last the thing we do is obsess over the loser Falcants. We do tremendously enjoy, however, the fact that you all talk such smack at the beginning of EVERY season then want to fire everyone from Arthur Blank on down when you have another inevitable debacle of a season a la last year: Giants 24 Falcants 2. 2?? Really??!! And of course being swept by the Saints again. Obsession? No. Unbridled enjoyment? Yes.
Pamela
March 21st, 2012
2:52 pm
WHO DAT GONNA COACH YOUR TEAM ??
Boo
March 21st, 2012
2:53 pm
Can’t wait til the lawyers go after the Saints in civil/criminal court cases. That’s when the FUN begins!!
P B Orr
March 21st, 2012
2:53 pm
“The Saints will be allowed to keep their shoes.” Jeff, you just made Furman Bisher smile, and me laugh out loud!
Sad day for the NFL
March 21st, 2012
2:53 pm
I am still laughing at the picture of Greg Williams – I wonder if they produce Milk – They say – It does the body good!
To you sorry FALCANTS fans...
March 21st, 2012
2:53 pm
It don’t mean a thing, if you ain’t got that ring!!! dowadowadowadowadowadoo…we are still going to beat the pants off your sorry team! You know this…so what Sean Payton may or may not coach for 1 season…it doesn’t change the fact that the Saints – at their worst – is where the Falcaints wish they were on their best! Who Dat? We are going to beat your pants off next season! Like we always did…
Don’t get caught laughing at a REAL TEAM like the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS!!!! The Falcaints are the worse team in the NFL….hahahahahahahahahaha! HA! WHO DAT???? 
Bobby
March 21st, 2012
2:53 pm
I’m a life long and diehard Saints fan, but I agree with the penalties completely. There is no place in sports for such shenanigans.
Typical Falcants fan
March 21st, 2012
2:54 pm
I dont undrestand much of what is said to me cuz Im too busy sleeping with my sister and going to dog fights.
too tough
March 21st, 2012
2:55 pm
who dat.?
SawThat1nce
March 21st, 2012
2:55 pm
Come on, all of you saints trolls know that you would never gotten to the SB without the dedicated help of the NFL Zebras.
Heck, without those Zebras, the saints record would be 6 loses(at least) and possibly 2 wins against the Falcons, in the last four seasons.
GO FALCONS! go away saints trolls, please
Raymar
March 21st, 2012
2:56 pm
@ Boo
That can’t and won’t happen because no player has ever accused the Saints of a dirty hit and that includes Favre and Warner. Please have your Mom read an article to you from time to time., you might learn something.
BRAD
March 21st, 2012
2:56 pm
If Benson has any cojones, he fires Payton today.