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
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562 comments Add your comment
Boone
March 21st, 2012
3:49 pm
If Peyton’s suspension starts April 1st, when does the GM’s suspension start? Will he be around for the Draft, or are none of the decision makers available? That could hurt big time.
keepinitreal
March 21st, 2012
3:50 pm
“My team isn’t in trouble, cupcake. If you could read, you’d know that my team won the SB last year.
GREEN BAY, cupcake.”
Thanks for admitting you’re a troll. I’ll be sure to ignore all your posts from now on since you’re not interested in having a rational discussion.
1eyedJack
March 21st, 2012
3:50 pm
When is Goodell going to come down hard on Alabama?
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
3:50 pm
“No, you must be because you are a saints fan. Dumba**.”
Ok, so you can’t read. Got it.
Kramer
March 21st, 2012
3:52 pm
Greg Mendel, Brees is gone after this year. Payton will come back and be gone in 2-3 years. Right on dat WHO DAT? Who Dat is todays visiting moron who thinks he is more intelligent then he really is in real life. Who Dat gonna watch his super bowl over and over this year. Right on dat Who Dat!!!
Atlanta87
March 21st, 2012
3:52 pm
@ Who Dat Show me where I said anything remotely close to that numbnuts. Why are you so angry?
1998 NFC Champions
March 21st, 2012
3:53 pm
“Ok, so you can’t read. Got it.”
Don’t use a Saints handle if you want people to know you’re a Packers bandwagoner, putz.
G
March 21st, 2012
3:54 pm
Good move, commissioner. Goodell just proved Bountygate is worse than Spygate. This is not Katrina, but the aints have a flood of problems. The bright side? They can go back to hiding behind paper bags.
Kramer
March 21st, 2012
3:55 pm
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
3:50 pm
“No, you must be because you are a saints fan. Dumba**.”
Ok, so you can’t read. Got it.
Good comeback Who Dat. As we can all see you have brought a knife to a gun fight with your intelligence today. Let me guess, schooled in New Orleans in the public school system. Your parents must be so proud.
sally
March 21st, 2012
3:55 pm
Thanks to Roger for doing a great job. That team really is a nasty bunch…….and then to lie to Roger was just too much. The Saints (certainly no Saints there) got exactly what they deserve. Now on to punishing the players who knew what was happening and carried the injuries out.
haha
March 21st, 2012
3:55 pm
Or they could just put their water wings back on!
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
3:58 pm
“Don’t use a Saints handle if you want people to know you’re a Packers bandwagoner, putz.”
If you could read then you’d know that I was mocking the whole NFC south.
Try again, ma’am.
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
3:58 pm
“Show me where I said anything remotely close to that numbnuts. Why are you so angry?”
Ma’am, you are obviously confused.
dre
March 21st, 2012
3:59 pm
Gregg Williams looks like a female women’s college basketball coach, although his breasts are larger.
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:00 pm
“As we can all see you have brought a knife to a gun fight with your intelligence today. Let me guess, schooled in New Orleans in the public school system. Your parents must be so proud.”
Nice diversion, troglodyte. First, you incorrectly ASSume that I’m a Saints fan. THEN, you idiotically ASSume that I am from NO.
Could you be any dumber? Why yes. Yes you can.
Atlanta87
March 21st, 2012
4:00 pm
@ who dat why are you worried about the NFC south. You play teams from there maybe a few times a year. Be happy with what you got up there in bumfu*kville, Wisconsin. Hope you stay warm this winter!
sally
March 21st, 2012
4:00 pm
Good going Roger.
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:01 pm
“1998 NFC Champions”
HAHAHAHAHAAH!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!! What a legacy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You Falcant fans are more delusional and pathetic than I thought.
Atlanta87
March 21st, 2012
4:01 pm
Calling me a woman! That’s clever.
Sly Ty
March 21st, 2012
4:01 pm
Sawthat1nce, how can you say that. Doesn’t it make you feel bad that the Saints fans will once again be reduced to wearing the bags over their heads again. Lets be honest, teams will go after Brees like never before, even to the point of doing what d saints did to Favre after the whistle and stuff like that.
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:02 pm
“why are you worried about the NFC south. ”
Um, I’m not, cupcake. I mock and make fun you all.
“Be happy with what you got up there in bumfu*kville, Wisconsin.”
Well, “bumfu*kville, Wisconsin.” has more SUPER BOWL rings/trophies than the A T L!!!!
How many championships does the city of ATL have?
ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:02 pm
“Calling me a woman! That’s clever.”
Pot, meet kettle. You ain’t none too bright is ya?
nolaLIFE
March 21st, 2012
4:03 pm
Count on at least 2 wins i just love win we beat dem falcants. And yes i do say DEM for my well to do falcant fans. i don’t care if we lose every game but 2.
G
March 21st, 2012
4:03 pm
Who dat……without a coach, draft picks and a trunk load of money? Furthermore, Drew Brees didn’t even sign the franchise tag. Player fines and suspensions next……stay tuned.
About that Lombardi………….told ya’ll it was tainted with aints voodoo. Aints deserve what they get. Can I get a nolia clap?
Kramer
March 21st, 2012
4:03 pm
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:00 pm
“As we can all see you have brought a knife to a gun fight with your intelligence today. Let me guess, schooled in New Orleans in the public school system. Your parents must be so proud.”
Nice diversion, troglodyte. First, you incorrectly ASSume that I’m a Saints fan. THEN, you idiotically ASSume that I am from NO.
Could you be any dumber? Why yes. Yes you can.
NO, I assume you are a dumba** and I was correct. What team you support is truly not important here. It is your rapid ignorance and being a tool that matters.
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:04 pm
“without a coach, draft picks and a trunk load of money? Furthermore, Drew Brees didn’t even sign the franchise tag. Player fines and suspensions next……stay tuned.”
Another Falcant fan who thinks I’m a Saints fan.
SawThat1nce
March 21st, 2012
4:04 pm
Sly@4:01………haha Not really, this time they can wear plastic WallyWorld bags, instead of paper.
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:05 pm
“NO, I assume you are a dumba** and I was correct. What team you support is truly not important here. It is your rapid ignorance and being a tool that matters.”
It is important, ma’am. Since you keep ASSUMING that I’m Saints fan and all. You must have fallen off the short bus one too many times.
Now get back to your double wide.
Dawglasville
March 21st, 2012
4:05 pm
After years of fans calling Godell a racist hopefully fans will begin to realize that Godell, like Stern, only likes one color – GREEN. They are going to protect the brand not matter what.
Also, a warning to fellow Falcon fans: Learn from the Niner fans. Some Saints fans are packing and aren’t afraid to use extreme force if you talk about their team.
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:05 pm
“Hope you stay warm this winter!’
We had the warmest winter in over 40 years, cupcake.
Hope you stay cool in your trailer park, Klanner.
Atlanta87
March 21st, 2012
4:06 pm
Atlanta
Estimated median household income in 2009: $49,981 (it was $34,770 in 2000)
Atlanta:
$49,981
Georgia:
$47,590
Estimated per capita income in 2009: $36,912
Atlanta city income, earnings, and wages data
Estimated median house or condo value in 2009: $257,200 (it was $144,100 in 2000)
Atlanta:
$257,200
Georgia:
$162,800
Mean prices in 2009: All housing units: $384,753; Detached houses: $391,185; Townhouses or other attached units: $373,931; In 2-unit structures: $417,720; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $334,929; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $356,754; Mobile homes: $122,458; Occupied boats, RVs, vans, etc.: $170,497
Median gross rent in 2009: $886.
Read more: http://www.city-data.com/city/Atlanta-Georgia.html#ixzz1pmeUMmlP
Estimated median household income in 2009: $40,857 (it was $38,820 in 2000)
Green Bay:
$40,857
Wisconsin:
$49,993
Estimated per capita income in 2009: $22,729
Green Bay city income, earnings, and wages data
Estimated median house or condo value in 2009: $129,800 (it was $96,300 in 2000)
Green Bay:
$129,800
Wisconsin:
$170,800
Mean prices in 2009: All housing units: $151,262; Detached houses: $151,845; Townhouses or other attached units: $184,826; In 2-unit structures: $150,443; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $126,851; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $294,360; Mobile homes: $27,346
Median gross rent in 2009: $609.
Read more: http://www.city-data.com/city/Green-Bay-Wisconsin.html#ixzz1pmecgskD
Aint Life Grand
March 21st, 2012
4:08 pm
The all-time series is currently led by Atlanta at 46-40 (45-40 regular season, 1-0 playoffs).
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:08 pm
Atlanta87
I’d take a safe city like Green Bay over a thug city like Atlanta.
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:09 pm
Falcons = 0 championships
Hawks = 0 championships
Braves = 1 championship
Atlanta = loserville
Sly Ty
March 21st, 2012
4:10 pm
Who Dat??? There is no place in this forum for that Sean Hannity crap. I sympathize for the Saints Fans. I feel the punishment is a bit harsh (8 million dollars from a drug addict isn’t going to help Coach Payton’s recovery). I know how I felt when Vick was arrested, when Eugene Robinson got caught trying to buy couche the night before the superbowl.
Kramer
March 21st, 2012
4:13 pm
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:06 pm
How many Falcant fans are members of the KKK?
Damn dude, you get more ignorant with each post. I would ask what team you do support but, that would mean you would have to man up and we all know that is not possible. Please, continue with your knife fight mentallity. Some of us are enjoying the fact that we feel even better about ourselves becuase we are not you. Next stupid comment you have is………..
Jeff Schultz
March 21st, 2012
4:14 pm
Folks, I am deleting any comments I see slamming city of New Orleans/hurricane/etc and will ban ANYBODY who persists in this. Thanks in advance for curtailing comments.
Jeff Schultz
March 21st, 2012
4:14 pm
Part II: Anybody who sees a comment I miss can email me @jschultz@ajc.com
Mountain Man
March 21st, 2012
4:16 pm
This board has degenerated into pure garbage. No legitimate sports talk at all.
Sid
March 21st, 2012
4:16 pm
Drew Brees: “I am speechless. Sean Payton is a great man, coach, and mentor. The best there is.
I need to hear an explanation for this punishment.”
HE DOESN’T GET IT
Mountain Man
March 21st, 2012
4:18 pm
Saw the same thing happen on the ESPN boards concerning Tebow’s trade. No intelligent conversation. Just mindless Neanderthals heaping insults.
Sid
March 21st, 2012
4:19 pm
Here, post at the Who Dat blog, they are really up in arms over there……..but at least they are over there instead of here (for reasons beyond comprehension)
http://www.nola.com/saints/app/whodat_active/index.html
saintsation777
March 21st, 2012
4:19 pm
I have never seen anyone get knocked out of the game so this is mind baffling to me!!! I think you jealous fans are missing the point. We won off our offense 99% of the time not defense. Offense remains in tact!! We needed new blood on the defense with a new coordinator. This is a blesing actually!!! I see we about to sign one of your linebackers LOL!!!
splendid splinter
March 21st, 2012
4:22 pm
OK – now we all know how the Saints won the Super Bowl – THEY CHEATED. AND THEN THEY LIED ABOUT IT!
Now one would think that the Saints fans would be humbled by this. But nooooo – (ala Raymer and Who Dat). They show a lot of class – NOT!!!
AINTS FANS STILL talking blah blah blah
March 21st, 2012
4:22 pm
You guys should all really get together for a good cry, 2012 is going to be full of disappointment for you! BWAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!!!
SawThat1nce
March 21st, 2012
4:24 pm
Well, at least the saints still have Brees, and that looks to be about it.
The Ghost of Norm Van Brocklin
March 21st, 2012
4:30 pm
THIS JUST IN…
In order to keep Louisiana from slipping into the Repub column come November, our President has concluded a deal that will resolve this issue..
Our Wonderful President has invited Payton, Williams, and the key thug defensive players to the White House for a beer with Farve, Newton and Warner.
Yes, they will all have a beer. Our President will announce that all things are resolved, the group will have a big man-hug, sing Kum Bah Yah….and then, our Wonderful President will be awarded yet another Nobel Peace Prize.
CNN is setting up their cameras now, and the AJC is preparing the massive headlines.
Sid
March 21st, 2012
4:31 pm
nolaLIFE
March 21st, 2012
4:03 pm
Count on at least 2 wins i just love win we beat dem falcants. And yes i do say DEM for my well to do falcant fans. i don’t care if we lose every game but 2.
***************************************************
“Count on two wins?” You’re, ahem, team (or what’s left of it) is going down against the Birds …………..Payton or no Payton, the Birds are flying high in the NFC South this year. And understand if it does not pain me that the cellar is where the Saints will dwell in 2012. You didn’t even win you’re Lombardi by playing by the rules, it’s tarnished dude, why don’t you join us in rooting for a team that considers class and sportsmanship of importance.
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:37 pm
How do you cheat to win a SB?
WHO DAT??????
March 21st, 2012
4:38 pm
“There is no place in this forum for that Sean Hannity crap.”
Huh?