Bounties wrong and Saints, Vilma and NFLPA just don’t get it
Jonathan Vilma has some free time to admire this.
(4:10 p.m: Updated and rewritten)
The NFL Players Association needs to re-brand itself, perhaps as the Union of People We Feel Like Representing. Because how is it that a players’ union, whose stated mission includes looking out for the well-being of all its membership …
• Ignores all evidence uncovered in a two-year NFL investigation into a bounty program.
• Ignores the public admission of a former assistant coach, Gregg Williams, who orchestrated and partially funded the program.
• Ignores an audio recording in which Williams is heard instructing his New Orleans defensive players to deliver repeated head blows to the opposing quarterback and running back and then references a specific wide receiver, saying: “He becomes human when we [bleepin’] take out that outside ACL.”
Where’s their union?
The NFL did the right thing again Wednesday. Following the suspensions of coach Sean Payton and other team officials for “Bounty Gate,” commissioner Roger Goodell suspended linebacker Jonathan Vilma for the entire 2012 season and three other players: defensive end Will Smith (four games), linebacker Scott Fujita (now with Cleveland, three games) and defensive end Anthony Hargrove (now with Green Bay, eight games).
It could’ve been worse. The league initially stated “22 to 27″ players were involved in the bounty program. But Goodell, in his own little bounty program, focused on the Saints leaders who contributed money, demonstrated the greatest intent to participate “and/or obstructed the 2010 investigation.”
The union’s immediate response was indignation. It will appeal. I understand a union has members’ backs. But is Drew Brees’ back more important than everybody else’s? How about the guys targeted to be beheaded? Or is the NFLPA just somehow trying to save face after giving so much back in collective bargaining talks?
The NFLPA released a statement saying it has “not received any detailed or specific evidence from the league of these specific players’ involvement in an alleged pay-to-injure program.”
In legal circles, this is called The Bart Simpson Defense: “I didn’t do it. Nobody saw me do it. You can’t prove anything.”
Former Saint Darren Sharper said he read the NFL security report and saw no “proof” that bounty payments made. I love it when people go all CSI on us.
Fear not, I’m sure video of Williams and Vilma handing out $100 bills will surface because don’t you just know the Saints would want it for bookkeeping purposes?
Probably won't see this photo again: Payton, Goodell, Brees smiling
Exactly what would the players union and its muddled-brained leader, DeMaurice Smith, say to Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was among those targeted for $10,000 bounties by the Saints defense? Rodgers said recently, “I think the line is drawn when people knowingly take money for hits that cause injuries to another player.”
The Saints have now lost their head coach (Payton) for the entire season, their interim head coach (Joe Vitt) for six games, their general manager (Mickey Loomis) for eight games, two of their best defensive players (Vilma and Smith) and a second-round draft pick. Quarterback Drew Brees also remains unsigned and unhappy about being franchise tendered, so there’s a degree of uncertainty about his future.
The Saints will play up the Us-Against-The-World theme. But how can you not look at this and logically conclude that the Falcons have the inside track for the NFC South title?
We’ve addressed this before: Anybody who trivializes the bounty program with comments like, “Everybody does it” (not true) or the NFL loves violence (true, but they don’t love concussions and torn ligaments) is missing the point. There’s a difference between rewarding an athlete for an unscripted play and a premeditated assault.
Payments for “cart-offs” aren’t acceptable. We’re taking about people’s livelihoods. And lives.
There aren’t a lot of people around the NFL who feel sorry for the Saints. Along with the team’s success, New Orleans has been viewed as one the more arrogant organizations for a few years. Nobody wears that crown better than Vilma. He recent demonstrated that by changing the avatar on his Twitter account (@JonVilma51) to the Sports Illustrated cover with his picture and the headline: “Bounty Culture.”
I’m sure that went over well in Goodell’s office.
Clearly, there’s a level of acceptance that hasn’t taken place yet with Vilma or the NFLPA. It’s easy to understand a player who can’t get out of the way of his own ego. But a union that is supposed to be looking out for all doesn’t have that excuse.
By Jeff Schultz
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259 comments Add your comment
GDawg
May 2nd, 2012
1:02 pm
First
GDawg
May 2nd, 2012
1:04 pm
The Stains will crash and burn this season.
Mr Constanza
May 2nd, 2012
1:04 pm
First!
Mr Constanza
May 2nd, 2012
1:05 pm
SERENITYNOW!!!!
saintsation777
May 2nd, 2012
1:05 pm
That is excellent news. Vilma and Smith are both washed up anyway and didn’t play mostly at all last season with bum knees!!! We Saints came away with a great deal finally ridding Smith and Vilma!!! here
Joe Vitt
May 2nd, 2012
1:06 pm
You must be outta your mind. The Falcons suck and still won’t beat the Saints!!!
Tumbledown
May 2nd, 2012
1:08 pm
Caution is most appropriate here. Atlanta teams disappoint us the most when great things are predicted. Atlanta teams have a penchant for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
weaseal
May 2nd, 2012
1:10 pm
Who dat getting suspended now…
Buckeye
May 2nd, 2012
1:10 pm
The Falcons will split with the Saint and Cam’s Panthers win the South. Not what I’m hoping for, just saying.
BigTimeTECHFan
May 2nd, 2012
1:11 pm
Matt Ryan was going to better than Drew Brees anyway
BigTimeTECHFan
May 2nd, 2012
1:11 pm
Brees is master of choke and most overrated QB in football
PMC
May 2nd, 2012
1:12 pm
Yeah after watching the Hawks performance last night with Rondo out. I’m just going to wait and see.
Atlanta sports teams are fantastic at grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory and I’m not expecting the Saints to be that down also I expect Carolina and Tampa to be better too.
I hope Konz fixes the Right Guard program I really do. But no chickens are being counted on this stuff.
Broken Record
May 2nd, 2012
1:13 pm
Yeah, and the Hawks had a slam-dunk victory without the Celtics best player…how’d that work out? Hawks, Falcons and UGA sportswriters/fans have one thing in common…always what they’re GONNA do…yet they NEVER seem to deliver.
Who Dat Nation
May 2nd, 2012
1:16 pm
It doesn’t matter because MATT RYAN still hasn’t won a playoff game with that noodle arm.
Ga./Fl. Stillman Dawg
May 2nd, 2012
1:19 pm
Look sir, lets not forget YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT GEORGIA TEAMS, both professional and college,,,,THEY ARE KNOWN TO DISAPPOINT. EX. 1. UGA; 2. GA. TECH(BOTH LAST SEASON AND SOME; 3. SORRY AZZ BRAVES9THE PAST AND PRESENT0; AND LAST 4. DEM SORRY HAWKS(I CAN’T TYPE THAT LONG ON THEM).. GREAT STATE FULL OF WTF!!!!!!!!!!!! O AND TALENT..
saintsation777
May 2nd, 2012
1:19 pm
Wasn’t Joe Vitt the head coach and Vilma wasn’t playing when my Saints went to Atlanta last year and beat them up for the 9th time in last 11 meetings!!! Will Smith was yet absent in that game too cause he never do anythng but throws temper tantrums. So Idon’t know why ATLANTA writer here is all happy like we Saints got destoryed or hurt to day by today’s news!!!!
shlomo
May 2nd, 2012
1:20 pm
Jeff- you can’t be that stupid. Atlanta teams dont win anything.
Pete Babcock
May 2nd, 2012
1:20 pm
Ok Ok, I hate the Aints as much as anyone but Brees is a stud. To speak otherwise is ignorant. The dude can play, does he play for a terrible franchise, Yes, but he’s still a stud. Give him the props he deserves. Be better than Aints fans who are incapable of being objective.
Sonny Clusters
May 2nd, 2012
1:20 pm
We would like to know what it takes to put somebody out with an oblique injury? What is an oblique and how do you injure it? Did players have obliques before and we just didn’t know about them? Where is the oblique and what kind of doctor do you go to for a bad oblique? Are obliques ever used in sports writing? We was wondering.
Left Coast Dawg
May 2nd, 2012
1:21 pm
@saintsation777 – So now all of a sudden Vilma and Smith are washed up and don’t matter?? Another disillusioned Saints fan.
Left Coast Dawg
May 2nd, 2012
1:23 pm
ditto Sonny Clusters!
Hahahahahahaha
May 2nd, 2012
1:24 pm
Hahahahahahaha who dat not getting paid now
Hurst
May 2nd, 2012
1:26 pm
Yes, this blog will be updated so Jeff can walk back his statement that the Falcons have just clinched the NFC South. Talk about inane comments Jeff.
Larry
May 2nd, 2012
1:27 pm
The suspensions are clearly justified but I’d get much more satisfaction spanking their stinking Cajun fannies at full strength. Winning when you’re supposed to is never as fulfilling.
Who Dat Nation
May 2nd, 2012
1:29 pm
When Matt Ryan wins a playoff game then you Falcon fans can talk but until then what have the falcons won
Delbert D.
May 2nd, 2012
1:31 pm
I rarely prognosticate, but I think that this sordid mess and the criminal charges and investigation will end with Benson selling the team.
Bourbon Street dancer
May 2nd, 2012
1:32 pm
This is so unfare. The NFL wants the big hits and rough play for TV ratings but when the Saints do it, tehy get punished. Of course its typical for you Falcant fans to get excited as this is your only chance to win the NFC south.
Karma
May 2nd, 2012
1:32 pm
S A I N T S N A T I O N ?
W H A T A J O K E
Falcons Rule!!!
May 2nd, 2012
1:38 pm
that’s great news for the ATL!!! With the saints in disarray and vilma out, ATL wins the division easily!!! Mark this down–with the new coaches, ATL makes a deep playoff run in 2012!!!
Bourbon Street dancer
May 2nd, 2012
1:38 pm
FREE JONATHON VILMA!!!!
Bourbon Street dancer
May 2nd, 2012
1:39 pm
HAHAHAHA……No way the Falcants win the South have you forgotten about Cam Newton?
Falcon Jim
May 2nd, 2012
1:39 pm
Of course, Taints fans will come on a Falcons blog and “protest too much.”
Buckeye
May 2nd, 2012
1:41 pm
How about a bounty on Keith Brooking??
reckingball
May 2nd, 2012
1:41 pm
“The discipline handed down by Goodell was harsh but justified.”
It was justified and that is a fact, but it was not enough, the people involved and the organization itself, should have gotten at least, twice as much suspended time from the games, twice as much $$ taken away.
The saints are a bunch of D-bags.
Sid
May 2nd, 2012
1:41 pm
Let me get this straight……………the NFC South only has 2 teams?
Sid
May 2nd, 2012
1:42 pm
Plenty of good whine in the NFC South cellar for Saints fans.
Dumb Dawgs
May 2nd, 2012
1:42 pm
Atlanta, like UGA, can only win when the competition is down and out. Even when the competition is down and out…they still lose.
PMC
May 2nd, 2012
1:43 pm
ha, Vilma is free now. He’s got all the free time in the world.
Larry
May 2nd, 2012
1:44 pm
Delbert D.
Perhaps you’re unfamiliar with the corrupt politics and organized crime so prevalent, ignored and well accepted in Louisiana, particularly New Orleans. As a result, this actually will result in higher attendance and popularity thus making them MORE valuable for Benson.
Indeed there are good, solid people in every city, even New Orleans; however the degeneracy and substandard core values there is more pervasive there that anywhere else save possibly a couple of cities in Nevada.
This stuff is right up their alley!
Dumb Dawgs
May 2nd, 2012
1:44 pm
Cam Newton is flashing that multi-million dollar smile right now.
Hillbilly D
May 2nd, 2012
1:46 pm
I still suspect this a case of the caught and the uncaught. The Saints got caught though, so they deserve whatever they get.
It must be May
May 2nd, 2012
1:54 pm
It must be May, because Jeff and the other falcon fans fill they have a shot at a title. Cue Georgia and Braves fans as well. Just give it time people! There will be a different tune come September when all hope has gone. This is Jeff’s equivalent to “ringing the bell”?
Loser!
May 2nd, 2012
1:56 pm
Ddoog33-
really! you actually want to go down that road? I don’t believe anyone on here suffers fools like yourself. Get Lost!
Hahahahahahaha
May 2nd, 2012
1:56 pm
“FREE JONATHON VILMA!!!!” even at that price, nobody wants him.
It must be May
May 2nd, 2012
1:58 pm
typo-
“feel”
Sid
May 2nd, 2012
1:58 pm
Buckeye May 2nd, 2012
1:41 pm
How about a bounty on Keith Brooking??
************************************
Brooking is not even listed on the Cowboys roster. You might want to make sure you word that as a football term.
Judy
May 2nd, 2012
1:58 pm
They are getting what they deserve. But you cannot count them out. There is no sure fire thing for the Falcons. Do not forget the Panthers. I am a Falcon fan but we need to wait and see
gcs
May 2nd, 2012
1:59 pm
@Schultz,
Do you still think Larry Drew deserves a raise?
Bluto
May 2nd, 2012
2:05 pm
Looks like this has become the Taints crying room.
Spot On
May 2nd, 2012
2:07 pm
Tumbledown hit the nail on the head.
sam
May 2nd, 2012
2:08 pm
Jeff: I’m surprised only 4 players were suspended when the NFL has been saying 22-27 were involved. Any insight on why the others weren’t punished?
Sid
May 2nd, 2012
2:08 pm
Judy May 2nd, 2012 1:58 pm
They are getting what they deserve. But you cannot count them out.
***********************************************
Yes you can………..Saints are cooked for 2012…………..NFC South Cellar Dweller Judy…………but you can’t count out Tampa and Carolina…………that part is very correct.
Buckeye
May 2nd, 2012
2:09 pm
Sid,
I couldn’t catch him anyway. For once, he’d be a step faster.
G
May 2nd, 2012
2:11 pm
From Saints to Sinners……..bwahhaahhaa!!!! New Orleans Taints! Superbowl trophy officially has a taint. Next up, the trophy will have to be vacated because of how the team went about getting it done.
Kirk
May 2nd, 2012
2:13 pm
Why do all the saints fans cry on this blog? Don’t they have anywhere else to go?
Go Falcons!
P B Orr
May 2nd, 2012
2:16 pm
Larry you don’t know what the hell you are talking about. The people of New Orleans are some of the nicest and friendliest – and family-oriented – you will meet. Louisiana is like any other former Confederate state, politics at the state level is all Billy Bobs and greased palms. It has nothing to do with New Orleans.
As for Vilma, thugz and thug life has been creeping into the NFL for some time, and something should be done to halt it.
Just Sayin
May 2nd, 2012
2:17 pm
Big Time TECHFan, Have you lost your everlasting mind about Brees being overrated. Matt Ryan
is saying on if he could be like Brees.
Jimmy Crack
May 2nd, 2012
2:17 pm
To be clear….
IT COULDN’T HAPPEN TO A MORE DESERVING FAN BASE.
Delbert D.
May 2nd, 2012
2:17 pm
@Larry “Delbert D.
Perhaps you’re unfamiliar with the corrupt politics and organized crime so prevalent, ignored and well accepted in Louisiana, particularly New Orleans. As a result, this actually will result in higher attendance and popularity thus making them MORE valuable for Benson.”
I’ve been aware of the New Orleans situation since my first trip down there in 1965, and more recently from reading books on organized crime, its possible ties to the Kennedy assassination including one by the chief federal prosecutor who was responsible for the Warren Commission review.
This mess with the Saints provides a perfect opportunity for the NFL to get their team in LA. Benson either sells the Saints, or has them disenfranchised by the NFL as a result of the federal criminal proceedings (RICO statute). Either way, no more small market New Orleans NFL team; the vast riches of LA await. As I said, conjecture on my part.
Dirty Dawg
May 2nd, 2012
2:19 pm
Can you imagine the outcry, particularly from NOLA, the first time a Saint goes dwn with an injury? Undoubtedly, they’ll claim it was ‘payback’…I’ll call it Karma…what goes around, comes around.
mol
May 2nd, 2012
2:20 pm
saints still suck hind tit
Forget Hell
May 2nd, 2012
2:21 pm
Larry, let’s be real. Regardless of the circumstances, winning beats losing. Unfortunately, neither of my teams can be counted on to win, so I’ll take any win we can get. My hope is that this has started the saints in a downward death spiral from which they cain’t recover. If the Falcons can take the two games this year, maybe it would serve as a catalyst for bigger and better things to come. Payback for making the Falcons the sacrificial team in New Whorlings’ triumphant return. Rewarding idiots for building a town in a hole by the ocean. Great feeling, having the rest of the world pull against Atlanta. It should have been a nonconference game with no added value. Never send a hurricane to do a man’s job. Thanks Mr. G.
New York 1
May 2nd, 2012
2:24 pm
Falcons and Carolina would be the Saints anyway, Brees is washed up and team has fallen apart, two one and dones to Seattle and SF, WHAT A BUNCH OF LOSERS, GO GIants !
Sad Sack
May 2nd, 2012
2:25 pm
Yeah, well it looked like the Hawks could win w Boston not having their best player, so just cuz the Saints are down doesn’t mean they are out…
Janet S
May 2nd, 2012
2:27 pm
Now they can go loot their city, occupy New Orleans, LMFAO,
FalconJim
May 2nd, 2012
2:27 pm
The “Aints” got what they deserve. But let’s not count our chickens before they hatch, Jeff. The “Sucs”, and the “Panties” had a nice draft, and won’t be “push-overs” by any means.
The only thing I don’t like about this whole thing is, when we give the “Aints” a beat-down, they’ll have an excuse now…..stupid whiners!
But I must say, it’s looking good for our Falcons right now…..I guess we’ll know more come August.
The Backup Quarterback Blog
May 2nd, 2012
2:28 pm
Agree that the suspensions are absolutely justified. Not sure the Falcons should print the NFC South Title T-shirts just yet though: http://www.backupquarterbackblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/saints-player-suspensions-wont-hurt-too.html
Karen N.O. Deva
May 2nd, 2012
2:28 pm
I think the Saints gave our city a bad name to be honest.
Falconwings
May 2nd, 2012
2:30 pm
They will cry all season as why they arent winning. Why is everybody picking on us, cry me a river
Live and in Color
May 2nd, 2012
2:31 pm
Its funny…Vilma is out and the Saints will replace him in the lineup with the best tackler on the Falcons!!!! Lofton is now the starter in the middle for New Orleans and Wac Ryan nad “Tiptoe” Turner will loose to them again…Then we will have to listen to the srcub fans in this town make even more excuses as to why the Falcons can not win in the playoffs…….
Gomer Pyle
May 2nd, 2012
2:33 pm
So…
The Saints’ bounty, the grassy knoll and the faked lunar landing are all related?
Shazam!
Live and in Color
May 2nd, 2012
2:33 pm
“two one and dones to Seattle and SF”
Really???? This from a fan of a team that only managed 2 points in a playoff game???? Yeah right……
SeenThisB4
May 2nd, 2012
2:34 pm
Falcons still suck and they will be lucky for a 7-9 record at best!! Saints will dominate on offense this season! Watch out Drew brees is gonna be MVP! WHOOO DAAAT NATION STAND UPP!!!
Big Lou
May 2nd, 2012
2:40 pm
*Inhales Deeply*
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!
Brave Hokie
May 2nd, 2012
2:41 pm
Wish I could share in the enthusiasm Schulzie…
But the last 24 hrs should be time and again reminder: this IS “loserville” and something will always find a way to go wrong…
The Bucs or Cats will take advantage while the Falcan’ts will watch and wonder, WTF?
Hillbilly D
May 2nd, 2012
2:41 pm
Louisiana is like any other former Confederate state, politics at the state level is all Billy Bobs and greased palms.
And of course they don’t do any of that up North, I guess?
Mateo49
May 2nd, 2012
2:42 pm
Schultz – you have a new O-coordinator and D-coordinator and think that should get your pigeons the NFC South title?? In the words of ESPN MNF, ‘come on, man’! You better not sleep on the Bucs or Panthers…if anything, if the birds don’t win the division, your head coach may be looking for a new gig next year as well…as a beat writer for pro sports in this city, you should know better…the Braves, Hawks and Pigeons are teasers…nothing more, nothing less. Get a grip on reality, sir.
catamount 79
May 2nd, 2012
2:45 pm
You seem to have forgotten about the team 4 hours north of Atlanta. Atlanta hasn’t clinched anything yet.
Pandora
May 2nd, 2012
2:46 pm
There is no way in HELL the Failcant’s would have won the south period. The Failcant’s is a very sorry team! Give me a break!
Matthew
May 2nd, 2012
2:47 pm
I hate the Saints, but Grubbs is a very small step down if any, and I think it is a huge reach to act like the Falcons made massive upgrades this year.
Steve613
May 2nd, 2012
2:53 pm
This is AWESOME news!!! Maybe…just maybe…if the ENTIRE Saints team gets suspended for the year, Atlanta might be able to split the two games against them this year. Maybe.
Forever a Saints Fan!
May 2nd, 2012
2:53 pm
The Failcant’s wish they could have a good team. That is not in the cards any time soon. Not in this lifetime! Go ahead you FAILCANT’S fans…laugh while you can. It’s so pitiful that you laugh at this. At any rate we the New Orleans SAINTS will beat your behinds again! You can believe that! Then I’m certain that the Failcant’s fans will still cry…’bounty…bounty..’.
Notice that Matt ’sweetness’ Ryan was NOT on their list. What does that tell you…It tells you that your team is not a match for the New Orleans Saints! The Failcat’s are very sorry. You still have a sad team. It will be proven once again when the season begin. WHO DAT NATION BABY….ALL DAY EVERY DAY! GEAUX SAINTS!!! 
Steven
May 2nd, 2012
2:55 pm
Vilma was not going to play for this team next year. He would have been cut if the suspension hadn’t given the Saints a freebee on his contract. The Saints (in reality) lose one player because of the suspensions. Grubbs is not a step down from Nicks; he might actually prove to be better, and to assume that Carolina and Tampa Bay aren’t capable of surprising their way into the playoffs is naive to the point of idiocy.
Old School
May 2nd, 2012
2:56 pm
Hey Jeff, off the subject but I just heard Junior Seau was found dead, apparent suicide. Wow, heard anything? Terrible if true.
C
May 2nd, 2012
2:56 pm
Goodbye Saints. Back to your rightful place at the bottom of the NFC.
Tully
May 2nd, 2012
2:57 pm
Old School-
Apparently true. TMZ and Fox are reporting he shot himself at his home. Tragic end to a great player.
Old School
May 2nd, 2012
3:00 pm
Thanks Tully, just found a couple of links. I’m stunned, he was only 43. Damn.
Brave Hokie
May 2nd, 2012
3:00 pm
May 2nd, 2012
2:46 pm
There is no way in HELL the Failcant’s would have won the south period. The Failcant’s is a very sorry team! Give me a break!
_________________________________________________________
I agree, the Falcons IS a very sorry team…
& your “forms of be”, be mastered at some Louisiana public sckool.
Pandora
May 2nd, 2012
3:01 pm
Trust me when I say that New Orleans has been thru Katrina…I KNOW we will get through this. We will have a great season. The New Orleans Saints team is a great team. On their WORST day, they are much better than the FAILCANT’S best day!
Go head all of you Failcant’s fans and enjoy the second…let’s see how much you will be talking when we go to the Superbowl in our own city next year! GEAUX SAINTS!!! 
Jimmy Crack
May 2nd, 2012
3:05 pm
Sain’ts fans are such scumbags.
Karma
May 2nd, 2012
3:09 pm
I agree, Saints can go the Superbowl in NO. Of course, they’ll need tickets.
Devil's Advocate
May 2nd, 2012
3:11 pm
Falcons will go 16-0 then lose in the 2nd round of the playoffs to the Lions 66-3. Stafford and Johnson break NFL post-season passing and receiving yardage and TD records in the process. Bank it!
Karma
May 2nd, 2012
3:13 pm
We can all dream, DA.
Sage of Bluesland
May 2nd, 2012
3:16 pm
Jeff–I still don’t get excited about this player-financed motivational ploy (and I’m a huge Falcons fan enjoying the Saints’ offseason nonetheless).
“Pre-meditated assault”? That IS the NFL, for Heaven’s sake.
Soon, the league will be reviewing the “intent” of every single tackle….and the game will be ruined forever.
I think this is much ado about nothing….but, I’m still enjoying the Falcons’ offseason….Petrino’s comeuppance; the Saints’ travails; Keith Brooking revealed as a fraud in a loan-scam….yes, indeed, it’s been a good offseason.
Saints, Vilma slammed — and Falcons may have won South | football-feed.com
May 2nd, 2012
3:17 pm
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nolabigdawg
May 2nd, 2012
3:23 pm
bigtimetechfan @ 1:11
Son, you are not supposed to drink the bong water, GEESH!!
You can’t be that stupid?
While I am not a Saints fan, you Falcons do know that the Saints offense is intact, right?
You will still have to out score them and while their defense was mid-pack they will still be a contender to go to the Super Bowl from the NFC.
The Falcons will be good, but they still have to beat the Saints, Shultzes’ foolish prediction not withstanding.
SAL
May 2nd, 2012
3:27 pm
It’s sad that Falcons fans have to rely on other teams having players suspended or a team in disarray to have hopes of winning the division.
kerryb
May 2nd, 2012
3:30 pm
Sage of Bluesland
May 2nd, 2012
3:16 pm
Jeff–I still don’t get excited about this player-financed motivational ploy (and I’m a huge Falcons fan enjoying the Saints’ offseason nonetheless).
“Pre-meditated assault”? That IS the NFL, for Heaven’s sake.
Soon, the league will be reviewing the “intent” of every single tackle….and the game will be ruined forever.
I think this is much ado about nothing….but, I’m still enjoying the Falcons’ offseason….Petrino’s comeuppance; the Saints’ travails; Keith Brooking revealed as a fraud in a loan-scam….yes, indeed, it’s been a good offseason.
__________________________________________________
You can’t be more wrong. Yes, the football is a violent game and players will get hurt but, it is a different thing to pay players as hit men to injure other players intentionally. That is a BIG difference. I don’t know why the other players wouldn’t withdraw from the NFLPA or fire the representatives for backing these players. It sounds like no matter what players do the union is going to back them even if it is something against the other members. Seems like a pretty stupid decision by the leadership.
kerryb
May 2nd, 2012
3:32 pm
SAL
May 2nd, 2012
3:27 pm
It’s sad that Falcons fans have to rely on other teams having players suspended or a team in disarray to have hopes of winning the division.
_________________________________________________________________
I think the Falcons won the division convincingly in 2010 without all of that.
kerryb
May 2nd, 2012
3:34 pm
nolabigdawg, don’t live in denial. The Saints are finished. Gone from the media’s darlings to outcast in just a few short months.
SAL
May 2nd, 2012
3:34 pm
kerryb – Yeah, and then got their butts handed to them in their first playoff game that season by Green Bay! Embarrassing! I was referring to this upcoming year.
Pandora
May 2nd, 2012
3:37 pm
No the Saints will PLAY in the Superbowl next year. The Failcant’s will go to the game. The Saints are a very good team. They are not the only team that has done the bounty thing. The NFL should look at other teams..like the San Francisco 49′ers and a lot of other teams. Let’s see how they will look. Everybody knows that the FAILCANT’S is a sorry team. Mike Smith even knows his team sucks! Don’t get confused and think that the New Orleans Saints are down and out because they are not. The only difference is that next season when we beat the FAILCANT’S AGAIN and other teams…it won’t be for pay, but for delight b-a-b-y! Believe it! It will be for free…compliments of the Champions Baby….The Failcant’s will NEVER win a division or championship game! Why? Because they are a bunch of losers and so are their ‘fareweather’ fans…loosers!!!
Like the group Queen says “WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, NO TIME FOR LOOSERS (FAILCAINTS) CAUSE WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!”..HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
…
IT DON’T MEAN A THING, IF YOU AIN’T GOT THAT RING (SUPERBOWL)…DO WAH DO WAH DO WAH DO! You see your sorry Failcant’s fans…you will NEVER be able to chant either songs…why? Because your Failcant’s team is sorry and you ar loosers!!!
WHO DAT NATION B-A-B-Y! SEE YOU IN THE DOME!
extremus
May 2nd, 2012
3:40 pm
Okay, so the Saints won a Superbowl before the Falcons. But if the accomplishment were reversed and the Falcons had been found guilty of winning it in such a fashion, as a fan who gives a care about integrity and good sportsmanship I have to say in my mind it wouldn’t really count. In fact despite the frustrations of watching my Birds fall flat the past few years in the playoffs, I can at least say (to the best of our knowledge) that at least they’ve been playing clean and fairly, and I’d rather see them lose that way than win by cheating. As talented a football club as the Saints have had the past few seasons, they shouldn’t have felt the need to rely on injuring other teams’ players to win. It’s inexcusable for ANY team, and it’s a badly tarnished Lombardi Trophy that’s on display in New Orleans.
Hopefully there is a Superbowl victory and a parade down Peachtree in the near future for Atlanta. And when it happens, it’ll mean even more because the Falcons went about it RIGHT.
RL
May 2nd, 2012
3:43 pm
The Saints and New Orleans are both filled with lowlifes.
Good riddance to all of them.
GRITTY52
May 2nd, 2012
3:46 pm
I love my state but,let’s face reality we can’t and don’t know how to win the
BIG ONE’S! We just don’t know how to put a foot on another teams throat when we got them down. Braves, Falcons, Dawgs, Jackets, Hawks have spent a gazillion $$$$ and got 2 skins (Braves 95, and Dawgs 1980) to show for it.Killer instinct rules sports and we have absolutely ZERO!!
elroy
May 2nd, 2012
3:50 pm
just as long as mark bradley doesn’t predict the Falcons to win the South they will be ok. That man is a jinx for all city & state teams. Aints fans responding to article have no credibility, so their comments are meaningless. BOOOOOOO-dat, New Orleans Cheats…uh Aints bleaux!
Damage Inc.
May 2nd, 2012
3:58 pm
tee-hee-hee-hee
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
3:59 pm
The real punishment has not even been served yet. The real punishment will be taken out on the Saints QB for his team targeting others teams QB for injury. Drew Brees will not play a full season this year even if he does finally get a contract. Must of his time will be spent on IR with his knees getting sewn back together. This is so much bigger than just Falcons-Saints rivalry. The actions of the Saints defense has now made them the blood rival of every team in the league. Kinda like when Margarito cheated on Cotto. When Pacquiao and Mosley fought Margarito, they tried to kill his ass. The same thing will happen to Drew Brees.
nolabigdawg
May 2nd, 2012
3:59 pm
kerryb,
O.K. so they are not the media darlings anymore. How am I living in denial about the on field play?
As I stated, I am not a Saint’s fan, but I do admire Drew Brees and that offense is still loaded and lethal. So take your homer glasses off for a moment and tell me how the Falcon offense will out score them? So far the results have not been good. And not just against the Saints. It seems to me that the Falcons have a lot of work to do and should not be relying on the travails of the Saints to guarantee the NFC South for themselves.
Devil's Advocate
May 2nd, 2012
3:59 pm
And why do some fans bang on their chest about football being a violent game so bounties for injuries are okay? If unmitigated levels of violence were okay there wouldn’t be pass interference, holding, unnecessary roughness, or any other contact penalty. The game would be a free-for-all as long as no one jumps offsides.
Pandora
May 2nd, 2012
4:01 pm
extremus..hahahahahahahahaha! you are laughable. We went about it right…TRUST me you know that there will NEVER be a celebration for a superbowl for the FAILCANT’S! C’mon..you know it.
For the record…We did go about it right. We won because we DESERVED to win. So go ahead and gloat…it’s so sad that you all are gloating because of the bounty thing. Your name says it all EXTREME! You are on another planet…EVERYBODY knows that the New Orleans Saints team is MUCH BETTER than the FAILCANT’S..it’s obvious..
WHO DAT BABY! ALL DAY EVERYDAY!
GEAUX SAINTS!!! 
WE WILL PREVAIL….AND THE FAILCANT’S WILL CONTINUE TO FAIL!!! LOOSERS..HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! 
WHO DAT BLACK
May 2nd, 2012
4:05 pm
Thanks Mr. Schultz for your clarity in this matter. It just goes to show you that the teams’ fans in this division are more interested in the opponents’ downfall than their team getting better on the field. Just for the record, as a Saints fan, I think Carolina will win the division. We’ll get the Wild Card on our way to hosting the Super Bowl. And the Falcons will clean house and finish with 5 wins. It is what it is. Bounty or no bounty!!!!
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
4:07 pm
Fantasyland creeps into Atlanta. Jeff , you must not watch football . The only thing the Failclowns have guaranteed this season is maybe a shot at another winning season . With the Saints depth , they will handle the Failclowns again this year . We went 13-3 without our h.c. last year and now we have your best linebacker playing for us and probably taking the place of the aging and somewhat slower Vilma . Only 2 players suspended-things are starting to look up for the NFC South champions finally. Sorry Failclowns fans but you just can’t keep a good team down! I’m really liking the sound of my soon to be new name –12 of 14
WHO DAT BLACK
May 2nd, 2012
4:07 pm
Hey Chub, you do know that most players disagree with the suspensions? The only ones who agree with Goodell are Saints haters and the jealous Vikings.
Devil's Advocate
May 2nd, 2012
4:11 pm
One last parting shot before I head out. Saints fans need to get a grip. They act like they’ve won 5 SBs. As an Atlanta Braves fan I can tell you that before you know it you’ll look back and realize that 1 championship doesn’t mean much a decade or two later. Just saying, the Saints’ window is closing and with these suspensions it’s pretty much slamming shut.
Their best play is to tank 2012, get a Top 5 draft pick, hope Brees returns and pick up in 2013. Otherwise they are falling back to the pack sooner than later.
So stop strutting around like the Saints haven’t choked in the playoffs just as much as the Falcons the past 2 years. At least you guys put up a fight against the 49ers…I’ll give you that much.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
4:11 pm
@ WHO DAT BLACK-It is sad when ones team is so miserable that the only way they can get satisfaction is from the problems of another team and not the accomplishments of their own. Can you say 0-3 with Smitty Dummytroff and Matty meltdown? I sure can !
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
4:13 pm
@ Devils Advocate- I’ll bet you are not in any sort of management position!
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2012
4:14 pm
FOLKS — I just completely rewrote and updated the column. Give it a look and let me know what you think. I’ll try to get back some comments soon. J
William
May 2nd, 2012
4:17 pm
This is a beautifully written article, Mr. Schultz. Despite the indignant protests from Saints fans, the door is open for other NFC South teams. A lot of bloggers seems to lose sight of the union aspect that you mention. Thanks for emphasizing the “players” union’s stupidity.
Samuel L. Jackson
May 2nd, 2012
4:20 pm
Wow! The low level of IQ on this message board is astonishing lol. As the saying goes “never argue with an idiot in public because people won’t be able to tell the difference who is who”.
Saints will still sweep the Falcons this year, then what will your excuse be? Now that the Saints aren’t “media darlings” as you claim it… what will the cries be when you lose again?
The Saints still have another 2 yr window as constructed to be extremely competitive. Good luck!
PMC
May 2nd, 2012
4:22 pm
Like many political arguments these days it’s not about what’s right it’s about whose right.
The union is fighting Goodell because they don’t like Goodell, not because he’s wrong.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
4:23 pm
Falcons = Fans Always Left Counting On Next Season
WHO DAT BLACK
May 2nd, 2012
4:23 pm
To the Devil’s Advocate: When you win in the playoffs as much as we have the past 2 years, you can talk. Oh that’s right, you can’t because the Falcons are 0-2 in the playoffs, with a virtual shutout the last time they stepped on the field against a defense we hung 40 on. Like I said, stop rooting against our team and support yours.
PMC
May 2nd, 2012
4:23 pm
Nice rewrite Jeff.
PMC
May 2nd, 2012
4:26 pm
The worst problem with Unions these days is that they have lost thier direction. They don’t seem to understand that both they and the parent organization are in it toegther. It’s not a war between the NFL and the NFLPA. They whole idea is that everyone gets paid the most that they can get.
That can’t happen when you have lying deceitful jerks paying eachother for ruining or potentially ruining the careers of other union members.
It’s entertainment, entertain.
Brad Lewelyn
May 2nd, 2012
4:26 pm
…The Saints will play up the Us-Against-The-World theme. But how can you not look at this and logically conclude that the Falcons have the inside track for the NFC South title?…
Because they lack talent, drive and intensity. Bucs and Panthers have a better chance at winning the South then the Falcons.
Samuel L. Jackson
May 2nd, 2012
4:27 pm
How is losing on the road to the # 2 seed choking? I thought the Falcons had the market cornered on choking when they lost AT HOME by 27 to the 6 seed, but obviously that wasn’t good enough so they decided to lay down to the Giants and couldn’t even score an offensive point.
Since 2008 (when Mike Smith and Matt Ryan started), the Falcons have 0 playoff wins. The Saints have 4.
What do Falcons do when a coach tightens up??? When a QB chokes up? TELL ME MOTHA$%&&! WHAT DO FALCONS DO?!?!?!?!?
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY EGGS!
Larry Nalls
May 2nd, 2012
4:35 pm
I’m somewhat surprised no criminal charges have been filed. Outside the NFL, this Bounty action is usually deemed premeditated assault.
realitycheck
May 2nd, 2012
4:38 pm
The Falcons and the AJC need to quit worrying about the Saints and deal with their own problems. Regardless of what kind of season the Saints have, the Falcons are still a big ZERO in the playoffs, and i don’t see that changing anytime soon. Falcons 7-9 to 9-7 next year! Biggest offseason move was getting another Eagle castoff in his 30’s. LOL!
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
4:38 pm
WHO DAT BLACK- LMAO so now you have asked every player in the NFL and gotten a response? GTFOH with that BS. There will be punishment levied on the field. Must players who were not directly affected by the bounty program are going to side with other players or be indifferent. There will always be the labor versus management aspect to these matters. The purpose of a Roger Goodell is to decide was best for the league as a whole. His judgement clearly states the New Orleans Saints broke the rules but make no mistake about it other teams will be headhunting the Saints this year so be prepared. I’m not a Saints hater. Quite frankly, it’s typically the fans that get so ignorant that makes you want to hurt one of them. It’s football man…a game. I love the game but it’s not my life anymore. Some fans act as though they are on the field making plays LOL. It’s hilarious to me. I come to the games in New Orleans and I expect to see tough guys like I see in this blog site. I guess when they get a look at me they figure it’s a lot less risky being tough on the blog site.
Larry Nalls
May 2nd, 2012
4:38 pm
“Kill the Head and the Body will Die”….pretty obvious to me.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
4:40 pm
NO PROOF Thats how
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
4:40 pm
Must=Most
BigBadBartkowski
May 2nd, 2012
4:42 pm
It is fitting that the Taints only Super Bowl win is now Tainted with this. Haha. How long before the NFL breaks out the asterisk? They will be back where they belong in their paper bags before you know it when Brees doesn’t come back.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
4:43 pm
Chub Rock- So you’re saying you ‘re some sort of bada$$ or you ‘re just a 400 lb pile of welfare lard. I’m guessing the latter!
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
4:45 pm
@BBB- it’s ok to be jealous of our SB win , just try and not be bitter about your SB LOSS . After all , it is ancient history
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
4:48 pm
The players don’t hate each other nearly as much as the fanatic type fans spread hate. The players want to beat their rivals but it doesn’t reduce down to the sissified level of calling each other Aints and Failclowns LOL. That behavior is strictly for the fan that gets his face painted before games and buys season tickets but can’t afford to send his kids to college.
Parade of Knuckleheads
May 2nd, 2012
4:49 pm
Bring out the old brown paper grocery bags for the
2012 sAints
GT Grad
May 2nd, 2012
4:49 pm
the one thing a Tech and UGA fan can agree on: Falcons football
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
4:50 pm
Then you just flip flopped on your earlier comment. So ,do they not hate each other or will they be headhunting each other . Stupid and drunk is no way to go through life son!
BigBadBartkowski
May 2nd, 2012
4:52 pm
I am not jealous of a Super Bowl win that took people to put bounties on players in order to get them to play to a (dirty)level they could win. It is a disgrace to football.
realitycheck
May 2nd, 2012
4:53 pm
BBB……..He will be signed……..book it!……..you are just another bitter ATL sports loser.Good luck with clumsy noodle arm Matty Melt!
RFlagg
May 2nd, 2012
4:54 pm
Head Coach – Gone for the year
Assistant Head Coach – Gone for 6 games
Defensive Captain – Gone for the year
Defensive Line Sack Leader/#2 In Team Sacks – Gone for 4 games
General Manager – Gone for 8 games
Star QB- Unsigned and unhappy
QBs Saints will play, in order – RGIII, Matt Cassel, Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers, Josh Freeman, Peyton Manning, Michael Vick, Matt Ryan, Carson Palmer, Alex Smith, Matt Ryan, Josh Freeman, Tony Romo, Cam Newton.
Looking at that lineup and what we know now, I’m starting to listen more to the crowd that says the Saints may not break 8-8.
Mike Franklin
May 2nd, 2012
4:55 pm
My viewpoint:
The problem here is that ANY criticism is going to be seen as team-fan oriented. IE: Falcons’ fans are not going to give an honest approach to their main NFC South rivals. As such, our opinions, regardless of their worthiness, will be set aside at best, and shot down in anger at worst.
Standing off to the side is the league… that, while honest in reporting this horrid violation, has gone overboard in protecting the Saints and itself. In sum, it really IS like the fox guarding the henhouse. For any worthy accounting, we really need a US congressional investigation… but in this economy and because representation is more often bought today than voted in, there is little chance of this happening.
The outcome is that Sean Payton will return and so will almost every one of those found most guilty of violations. In the end, the Saints will be forgiven from within, the league will go on as if nothing happened and someday, we’ll see this all happen again.
WHO DAT BLACK
May 2nd, 2012
4:56 pm
Also, to Mr. Schultz,
The NFLPA is doing what they should be doing, which is protecting the interest of all of it’s players. It’s funny that you seem to believe that the Saints should be the villains and everyone should be against Vilma and Co. You should check Twitter more often, or better yet, check this out from nola.com:
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/05/new_orleans_saints_other_playe.html
It’s pretty much league wide that the players disagree with you, Goodell, and the jealous fans that think these penalties are too harsh. I would agree as well. My take is that he couldn’t get 22 players on the hook so he went after 4 players that were in the media’s eye as far as involvement. The guy who knocked out Kurt Warner in ‘09 (Bobby McCray) got no suspension. Of course, he hasn’t said much via Twitter or to the media, so if we got fined or suspended, most people including yourself would say, who???? But, I guess that’s the way it is.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
4:57 pm
RFlagg- i’ll take that bet all day long if you’re man enough
WHO DAT BLACK
May 2nd, 2012
5:03 pm
Hey Chub, check twitter and follow the players. Anyone who can read can see that my point is clear.
Also, anyone who can read knows that a lot of people get shot and killed in New Orleans. Watch what you ask for. People at the games aren’t looking for a fight, but if you are looking for one, meet some guys that hang out in the back of the projects a few blocks away from the Dome. They’ll take good care of you.
BigBadBartkowski
May 2nd, 2012
5:03 pm
League wide isn’t 25 players. That isn’t even half of a team. So 25 out of roughly 1700. Not one of them a QB, excluding the only one that couldn’t have had a bounty on him(Brees). It is just the unsilent minority spouting off.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:16 pm
Ok Flub pebble- I’m ready
CAPT-ATL
May 2nd, 2012
5:18 pm
just speculation on my part, but reports all say that Benson cooperated fully allowing investigators access to Saints servers and email. I handle security for my company and Video from all facilities around the country are stored on local servers in our ATL HQ’s. That said, if money changed hands inside the locker room, meeting rooms, just about any room at the Saints facilities other than Showers and bathrooms, then the league has that digital video. Anyone with a wonderlic score of above 10 knows that the NFLPA is posturing and grandstanding with the “lack of real Evidence”. They certianly are not going to come out and say “we have seen the evidence and those NFL Security boys did one heck of a job, our players are busted”. No, they are going to minimize it, knowing that it will never see the light of day. As soon as the appeals are finished, the evidence will be destroyed. To the dismay of many in the media and the fan base attorneys that claim this will end of in Federal Court…. NOT A CHANCE IN HELL. The Union and players signed off on the CBA and Article 3 Section 2, in respect to Article 46 waives ALL rights to court action. The closest anything will be to court is Jonathon Vilma in Minnesota court room where he will be known as the DefenDAT, for the HIT he put out in the Metrodome. WHO DAT!!
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:18 pm
By the way , I’m in Atlanta so we’ll see if you make that game in N.O.–if you’re able
Jeff
May 2nd, 2012
5:20 pm
The Saints General Manager, coaches, and players are perfect reflection of their city, just plain “dirty.”
Dirty GM
Dirty Coaches
Dirty Players
Dirty Mayor
Dirty City
Hurst
May 2nd, 2012
5:20 pm
Jeff says “But how can you not look at this and logically conclude that the Falcons have the inside track for the NFC South title?”
Very easily. For one thing, the Saints talent level is still much higher than what the Falcons can muster up. You really think with adding Samuel and Tatupu that they’re going to slow down the Saints’ offense? You really think you can outscore the Saints when you have to deal with DC Spag’s schemes? Yes Jeff, please think logically. This looks like another typical ATL sycophantic piece written just so you can get continued access.
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
5:21 pm
WHO DAT BLACK- I pretty sure your little resident criminals are not the ones on the blog site talking trash. Those guys are busy selling dope to the natives. Every city has it’s street thugs surely you know this. I grew up in the projects homie in a small city called Chicago. Cabrini-Green projects. Funny one of the streets close by was Orleans St. I walk mine just like I talk it.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:25 pm
What about it Flub Pebble? You’re not talkin’ my language-maybe ’cause I don’t speak sissy
Chuck Clausen
May 2nd, 2012
5:25 pm
When I was coaching in the league (1976-1990) The word was out that their was one head coach giving out monitary rewards for injuring opponents – the players I knew didn’t like it, they had little or no repect that coach – I think he lasted 3 or 4 years, hard to win if your players don’t respect you.
Bill Cosby
May 2nd, 2012
5:27 pm
suspensions won’t stand when they go to court, there is no proof only hearsay, this has all been a sham to cover the NFL’s butt with the pending lawsuits. It’s not about player safety as Schultz would have you beleive. All of this will come into the light and all of the WHO DATS will have their day. We don’t need Smith and Vilma to beat the failcons anyways, it doesn’t even matter if the dirty birds win the division, they will have an early exit reguardless.
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
5:33 pm
10 of 12-Flub Pebble? Are you even serious? Are you a man or a woman? If you’re a woman I apologize because I don’t bash women. I have just never heard of a grown man coming up with such queer names before. I asked you once before if your name 10 of 12 was in reference to your search for 10 of the 12 inches needed to put you sound to sleep but wow now I think I’m blog arguing with a girl. Conversation ended on the “Flub Pebble” comment. LOL I dont bash women or gays.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:35 pm
Hooters on 41 near Cumberland Mall . I usually get there around 7 on Wed and Thurs nights . I’ll be the one with a Saints shirt on Ther, that gives you somewhat of a chance to get the first shot . Better make it count ’cause I’m not responsible for scrapin’ 400 lbs of lard off their floor once I get finished with you
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:36 pm
Now you’re cluckin’ like a chicken – or is it a Falcon?
BigBadBartkowski
May 2nd, 2012
5:37 pm
If the NFL has the evidence?!? There is a public admission by Williams that it EXISTED. The coach admitted it! And y’all don’t think they have any more evidence if the guy who orchestrated it owned up to it? Y’all are delusional.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:39 pm
Chubs forecast calls for pain!
falconfan58
May 2nd, 2012
5:50 pm
Old saying, “if you can’t do the time, then don’t do the crime”. The decision to suspend the players was up to the commish and he not only punished the players, but their organization-the Saints-as well. There are more than enough injuries to go around in the NFL without some lame brain idiot paying bounty hunters a reward for taking out other players. Sounds like the old Steve McGueen tv show. Now everytime there is an injury will there be a fine. Players it is now time to just suit up and play good old fashion football. Hit them hard and hurt them, but do not go out there with the intention to injury a player. Play football.
10 of 12
May 2nd, 2012
5:51 pm
The only crew you got is your box of twinkies fat boy so eat up. The bouncers there don’t let thugs in anyway and you’re welfare HOMIES aren’t gonna waste gas for a fat slob who can’t do his own work . I knew you were gonna Falcon out -ooops I mean chicken out. Tell your momma I said to get my socks ironed
OPEN YOUR EYES
May 2nd, 2012
5:51 pm
Falcons are even lucky to make it to a 7-9 record this season! Y’all schedule look mighty tough, and besides it doesn’t matter how much help you get from the league, We still have the best offense in the league!! SAINTS WILL WIN THE DIVISION 13-3!!! WHO DATT??!!!! WE DAT!!!! LETSS GO SAINTS TIME TO PUT OUR RALLY CAP ON AN PROVE TO THE NFL WE NOT BACKIN DOWN!!!
OPEN YOUR EYES
May 2nd, 2012
5:52 pm
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
GO SAINTS!!! WHO DAT????!!!!
Mike Franklin
May 2nd, 2012
5:53 pm
Somebody with the legs to check this out see if it’s for real:
Jo Bonner (R-AL) has called for a congressional inquiry on the NFL’s pay-for-hits scandal.
‘Bout damned time.
BigBadBartkowski
May 2nd, 2012
5:54 pm
Bouncers at Hooters at Cumberland… Haha yeah right. That is like a screen door on a submarine.
bamadawg
May 2nd, 2012
5:55 pm
Schultz, you are right about one thing . I’ve never seen any union of late (get it). Do away with all unions.
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
6:06 pm
10 of 12- Ok I will tell her and you tell that 10 dollar curbside trick mother of yours to use a condom sometimes because that single wide trailer is about to fall off the bricks. What do thugs look like you ignorant reject? You just show up with the Saints shirt on and everything else will take care of itself.
Who Dat
May 2nd, 2012
6:14 pm
WHO DAT??
Goddell DAT!
Suck it, Aints.
Nativebird
May 2nd, 2012
6:14 pm
Their all just basically greedy ba$tards with undeserved God-given physical advantages over the rest of us. Pro sports has become the microcosm of all the selfish, self-loathing, narcissism that our cult-of-personilty society has become. Enjoy the long look in the mirror Amercia.
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
6:24 pm
BigBadBartkowski- He or she whatever it is, probably works part time at Hooter’s. All of this talk about the Falcons and Atlanta but it(10 of 12) needs Atlanta to put a roof over its moms head. Geaux back home and cheer your Saints in person LOL. Probably can’t afford to geaux back.
Get over it
May 2nd, 2012
6:25 pm
Well not all of the players are currently with the Saints now. I think only Vilma is. The only one. So it is not over for the saints.
Let me buy the groceries
May 2nd, 2012
6:28 pm
Even old cranky Bill Parcells
refused to join that mess in New Orleans.
Cam Newton
May 2nd, 2012
6:32 pm
Cam Newton with that forehead large enought to land a plane smile reminds me of “Chuckie” from the horror movie.
Vince Lombardi
May 2nd, 2012
6:46 pm
OPEN YOUR EYES is “SeenThisB4.”
Loser………………
Don Schula
May 2nd, 2012
6:47 pm
I agree with Vince.
Norm Van Brocklin
May 2nd, 2012
6:51 pm
Without a doubt, we all know it’s just Seen up to his old tricks. He has been about a dozen different characters on the Falcon blogs. His M.O. is so identifiable.
Chub Rock
May 2nd, 2012
7:09 pm
No Show just like I figured. Hide behind the blog. LMAO!!!
LakeDawg
May 2nd, 2012
7:30 pm
The players union is nuts on this one. BTW The Taints will rally for a few games, but evenyually it will catch up to them. A good year for them will be 7-9.
Dawglasville
May 2nd, 2012
7:35 pm
I don’t know how those defensive guys looked their offensive brothers in the face and barked about this crap. Knock a guy out by the rules so be it. No need to celebrate it. Those guys are making a living too.
1990_Champs_GT
May 2nd, 2012
7:35 pm
Aints are just lucky that trophy they “won” is still in the Bayou. Goodell was too soft on them. BTW: How much will a healthy Brees who just sat out the 2012 season bring on the open market? He’ll look good in Dallas!
Arno
May 2nd, 2012
7:40 pm
Our punishment is that we will be subjected to contstant rehash for the next few years when miserable Saints games are televised.
Cajun Crap Talker
May 2nd, 2012
7:43 pm
Think about what Roethlisberger did. He only got 4 freaking games. Time to ban football and play tiddly-winks.
Jeff
May 2nd, 2012
7:46 pm
Jeff. You don’t get it.
Why in the hell should we believe the NFL and not the players who were involved. Where is Hargrove’s letter? Did you see it?
You know what’s funny, is that the NFL ‘investigated’ in 2010 and again in 2011 and had ‘information’ that Vilma had 10000 out on a qb. The NFL did NOTHING! They asked the Saints to stop. So, evidently, these were egregious violations only after the NFL felt slighted by the Saints and all of these lawsuits from former players.
The NFL is/are a bunch of retards.
Round1
May 2nd, 2012
8:15 pm
gooddell better drop these suspensions or the union will sue for big money!
Devil's Advocate
May 2nd, 2012
8:22 pm
I know the Falcons suck in the playoffs. I’m just pointing out that the Saints do too (except one lucky season where every break went their way). Whoever said the Falcons need to win as much as the Saints the past 2 seasons, you’re right. The Falcons do need to win ONE game. LOL!
Fresh Spring
May 2nd, 2012
8:35 pm
FIRST !!
Fresh Spring
May 2nd, 2012
8:40 pm
Vacate the Super Bowl “victory” and all wins since the transgressions. Actually……. death penalty for New Orleans Saints and remove the franchise for all time. Salt the earth in all the parishes. What a mockery to humanity ! Be done with this aberration. NOW !
Fresh Spring
May 2nd, 2012
8:46 pm
So ……… any other THUGS want to step up for judgement ? Yeah. I didn’t think so. Out getting new tatts. What a joke. Disgusting non humans bouncing around as “people” wanting to ride the gravy train in professional sports. Step up to the gallows. We have rope waiting for you thug….. c’mon…
SlapnutSaints
May 2nd, 2012
8:52 pm
Trivia question here: Drew Brees was drafted in 2001. In what year did he win his first playoff game???
SlapnutSaints
May 2nd, 2012
8:56 pm
Peyton Manning was drafted in 1998. In what year did he win his first playoff game???
Fresh Spring
May 2nd, 2012
9:09 pm
Brees — 2006 Manning — 1999 point ? next question ? move on.
SlapnutSaints
May 2nd, 2012
9:20 pm
Drew Brees first 4 yr stat totals: Matt Ryan first 4 yr stat totals:
QB rating avg first 4 years 86 QB rating avg first 4 years 88.4
Completion % avg first 4 years 59.8 Completion % avg first 4 years 60.9
Total yards thrown first 4 years 8772 Total yards thrown first 4 years 14238
TD totals first 4 years 56 TD totals first 4 years 95
It took Drew Brees and Peyton Manning 5 years in the NFL to win their first playoff game. Saints fans are such complete idiots they don’t even know the facts. Matt Ryan at 26 years old has just begun and Drew Brees at almost 34 yrs old is about to hit his decline.
SeenThisB4
May 2nd, 2012
9:22 pm
@open your eyes- thank you for joining the dark side, I need all the troops I can get on this blog
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2012
9:34 pm
Old School — Awful news about Seau. A lot of speculation going about why/how but I wish we could just wait 24 hours in circumstances like this to remember the player and the man.
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2012
9:35 pm
Williams — Thanks for the comments. As for protests from Saints fans, fans are fans. I understand.
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2012
9:36 pm
PMC — Thank you, sir.
Section242
May 2nd, 2012
9:37 pm
The Saints are getting off light. Pats lost a first round pick and paid a $750,000 fine for spygate. Saints lost two second round picks (less value) and get a $500,000 fine for commit planned team assault for three years. Hargrove and Fujita were already on other teams and they renegotiated with Vilma to reduce his cap value. They replaced him with Lofton. As far as players go, they lose 1 DE for 4 games. They basically get a slap on the wrist.
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2012
9:39 pm
Who Dat Black — As previously stated, NFLPA is NOT protecting interests of all the players — and the fact is that some already have spoken out. Also, the fact that a player who knocked out Kurt Warner didn’t get suspended really means nothing.
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2012
9:43 pm
Chub Rock and 10 of 12 — You’re both about to get banned. Take it elsewhere.
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2012
9:47 pm
Eddie Ray — No Katrina/9th Ward type jokes permitted here.
SeenThisB4
May 2nd, 2012
10:43 pm
╭∩╮（︶︿︶）╭∩╮
Norm Van Brocklin
May 2nd, 2012
10:48 pm
See, Seen talks to OPEN…………….proof M.O.
SeenThisB4
May 2nd, 2012
10:49 pm
@ norm
╭∩╮（︶︿︶）╭∩╮
Kenny
May 2nd, 2012
10:54 pm
Not saying they did or didn’t do it, but you are quite ignorant to say they ignored evidence…Maybe the “evidence” shows exactly what the NFL is stating, but who has seen it?? all you haters and this columnist has seen as proof is “well goodell said….”
Saints players and staff have only admitted to a performance program..not BOUNTY program existing….again, I’m not saying it’s BS…but what is BS is that no one has seen a shred of evidence, only hearsay. Show the evidence and shut everyone, haters and me alike up
SeenThisB4
May 2nd, 2012
11:03 pm
@kenny- You are a wise man!! Do you want to join my alliance???
The Truth
May 2nd, 2012
11:06 pm
Section 242….moron,,they also lost the head coach for the season and the GM for 1/2 the season. That is a little more than the Patriots.
Who know what the Saints would have done this year without the suspensions. The bottom line is the Superbowl will be in New Orleans 10th time which ties Miami for the most (Atlanta..one time) and the Falcons will not be in it. Maybe the new billion dollar stadium will let Atlanta host it for a second time..then again, maybe not. NFL may not care for the Saints, but they sure love New Orleans.
Union misguided in fighting for suspended Saints – USA TODAY | Political Daily
May 2nd, 2012
11:49 pm
[...] CitizenSaints players will receive the “due process” for which the union bargainedNBCSports.comAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -ESPN (blog)all 1,582 news [...]
Norm Van Brocklin
May 3rd, 2012
12:07 am
OPEN/Seen/OPEN/Seen/OPEN/Seen/OPEN/Seen/OPEN/Seen/OPEN/Seen
OPEN/Seen/OPEN/Seen/OPEN/Seen/OPEN/Seen/OPEN/Seen/OPEN/Seen
Cute little graphic there , ole “Taint huttin.”
doc
May 3rd, 2012
12:23 am
easy answer jeff …. this culture is the same as the one that fosters roid use protection instead of oversight to assure the health of its members rather than exploiting it.
doc
May 3rd, 2012
12:31 am
this comes out about the time one of the fiercest warriors shoots a hole in his chest to prove a point.
these guys better wake up as well as mamas who have kids playing this sport. folks a headache after practice is a grade one concussion. how many have these guys had in their lives really?
rally
May 3rd, 2012
1:21 am
quit worrying about the saints Jeff. The real story is Arthur Blank and the arrogance of trying to pass a 300 million dollar stadium the city of Atlanta does not have and to say we’ll be Super Bowl Eligible. Mr. Blank just ride yourself on out of here you piece of garbage, and take your Matt Ryan and Julio Jones with you. Exactly where does that money come from. A little journalism into this ordeal and actually bringing some accountablity back would be a good thing for starters. I forgot your on Blank’s payroll. What horsesqueez? I don’t give a crap up about no stinking saints:)
JSS
May 3rd, 2012
5:44 am
About to “get banned,” that won’t stop ‘em…
“But how can you not look at this and logically conclude that the Falcons have the inside track for the NFC South title?”
Pretty simple on that one, has the other division teams regressed enough that Falcons elevate to make them considerably better football than those other teams? No, that Saints team was light years better than the Falcons (not Mularkey, but talent)… The floor in this division has gotten better, that has always been the issue. Is your floor firmer than you opposition?
Jeff Schultz, you know how I feel about Goodell, he’s got bigger problems than those bounties (and its culture)… Junior Seau, poor Dave Duerson, poor Ray Easterling, and poor Jim Otto among others are evidence of the larger problems… This is no defense of bounty system, but this is a larger issue of a commissioner who did not learn about adversarial position he took last year regarding how he communicates with not just the union head but the NFLPA! He has quickly pushed aside going after one of the sacred cows of the league in this mess, Joe Gibbs. And what did Jack Del Rio know (when Williams was in Jacksonville)? I never thought I’d see the day when a person like Tim Hasselbeck would sound like a voice of reason regarding the bounty culture…
JSS
May 3rd, 2012
5:45 am
“you” = “your”
JSS
May 3rd, 2012
6:34 am
Who is this pretender?
“JSS
May 2nd, 2012
7:54 pm
tech fan, hold on a minute – Brees is overrated? If that’s true, what is Matt Ryan? Boy hasn’t won a playoff game yet, but people think he’s “elite”! You can have him – go Saints!”
Come on now, Matt Ryan isn’t a “boy” (he’s a man)… I tell you guys all the time, get your own user name and stand by the statements that you make here on these blogs… I may dislike Matt Ryan’s skill set; but I don’t sit here and lie on what he is… Next time you blog under my user name, I won’t be so nice… Thanks!
B
May 3rd, 2012
7:21 am
haha and you’re surprised jeff. typical of unions. they are mobs.
JSS
May 3rd, 2012
7:32 am
“typical of unions. they are mobs.”
Compared to what, the Gestapo? You’re the guy who used join in with State police at Edmund Pettus Bridge?
Hey, Jeffie and Failcantl fans
May 3rd, 2012
8:06 am
You JUST DON’T GET IT…SAINTS ARE BETTER THAN THE FAILCANTS….MORE TALENT, SMARTER COACHES, BETTER FANS….YOU DO NOT HAVE A SB RING AND NEVER WILL WITH YOUR CURRENT PATHETIC LEADERSHIP…..SAINTS WILL WIN IT ALL AGAIN THIS YEAR…YOU KNOW IT, WE KNOW IT, CURTIS LOFTON KNOWS IT WHICH IS WHY HE LEFT YOUR SORRY TEAM….everyone laughs at you…you just don’t get it…must be horrible to be a no ring FALCLOWN fan….stay classy, rednecks and ghetto dwellers…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
May 3rd, 2012
8:38 am
No Schultz, scoring ZERO points in a playoff game is “WRONG”
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
May 3rd, 2012
8:39 am
As long as CHOKE is behind center, even the bull dogs are favored to win in games that matter
cajun criminals
May 3rd, 2012
10:09 am
Poor, poor saints fans. Leave it to them to try and paint this as a great thing getting rid of Vilma. What a bunch of Bluto Blutowski’s they are. Well son, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life. Unless of course you are a saints fan.
Falcons in 2012!
May 3rd, 2012
10:18 am
with the saints out, the falcons have the division title wrapped up. Look for a deep playoff run this year with a better D and O.
Old Scratch
May 3rd, 2012
11:30 am
Said it before and I’ll say it again, Katrina 2 can’t come soon enough.
mvkitchen
May 3rd, 2012
11:31 am
“Ignores all evidence uncovered in a two-year NFL investigation into a bounty program.”
- No one has seen this alleged evidence. Everyone makes assumptions that just because the NFL says it’s so, it’s so.
“• Ignores the public admission of a former assistant coach, Gregg Williams, who orchestrated and partially funded the program.”
- He admitted to administering a pay-for-performance system, not a pay-for-injury system.
“• Ignores an audio recording in which Williams is heard instructing his New Orleans defensive players to deliver repeated head blows to the opposing quarterback and running back and then references a specific wide receiver, saying: “He becomes human when we [bleepin’] take out that outside ACL.””
- Anyone who plays football knows that coaches say stuff like that all the time. Did he target specific injuries? Yes. But a lot of coaches do. That’s why coaches don’t release their injury reports until they absolutely have to, and often leave people off of them. Saints penalties during the 49ers game from which the audio originated? Zero penalties for zero yards.
I’m not saying that there wasn’t a bounty system. I’m just saying that fans of the team and the league deserve to see some of this “evidence.”
savannahga321
May 3rd, 2012
11:41 am
Can you tell us about “all the evidence”? Because apparently you’re the only one that’s seen it other than the NFL. You’re taking them at their word, but have no idea what that evidence is. Both Vilma and Will Smith both say it didn’t happen.It’s pretty bold for them to come out and flat out say in no uncertain terms ‘I did not do this” especially if there’s some kind of concrete evidence that no one can see but the NFL. That doesn’t make you pause even for a second before you write this? And let me quote William’s admission, since you seems to have forgotten the specifics: “I want to express my sincere regret and apology to the NFL, Mr. Benson, and the New Orleans Saints fans for my participation in the ‘PAY FOR PERFORMANCE’ program while I was with the Saints.” Did you get that part in all caps?
DawgDad
May 3rd, 2012
11:41 am
There is no gray area. Intent to injure is (1) unsportsmanlike and (2) criminal. The NFL should cooperate with law enforcement and if there is enough evidence the pepetrators and conspirators should be prosecuted.
Intent to injure an opponent cannot be condoned. Injuries will happen, it’s a brutal sport. But it must be a sport, not a display of barbarism.
savannahga321
May 3rd, 2012
11:42 am
Can you tell us about “all the evidence”? Because apparently you’re the only one that’s seen it other than the NFL. You’re taking them at their word, but have no idea what that evidence is. Both Vilma and Will Smith both say it didn’t happen.It’s pretty bold for them to come out and flat out say in no uncertain terms ‘I did not do this” especially if there’s some kind of concrete evidence that no one can see but the NFL. That doesn’t make you pause even for a second before you write this? And let me quote William’s admission, since you seems to have forgotten the specifics: “I want to express my sincere regret and apology to the NFL, Mr. Benson, and the New Orleans Saints fans for my participation in the ‘PAY FOR PERFORMANCE’ program while I was with the Saints.” Did you get that part in all caps?
savannahga321
May 3rd, 2012
11:43 am
Jeff Schultz: Williams admitted to a pay for performance system, not a pay-for-injury system. Both Vilma and Smith denied being involved in a pay-for-injury system. Please get your facts straight.
Turbo
May 3rd, 2012
11:54 am
No matter how outlandishly pathetic your writing gets, it will not save the falcons’ chances of beating the Saints. How does it feel to be a journalistic laughing stock even in the cities you don’t write for?
V Chip
May 3rd, 2012
12:05 pm
Thankfully, Schultz got into a career that doesn’t require logic or reason — otherwise he would be penniless and unemployed.
realitycheck
May 3rd, 2012
12:16 pm
Falcons in 2012……….You must be the typical 18 or 19 year old who hasn’t come down from your aircastle this morning. Deep playoff run? With Matty Melt? Dream on pal!…….just a few more years of winning nothing should start to cure you. Remember, you’re in the worst professional sports city in America……….eventually you will get used to the losing like everyone else!
Falcon James
May 3rd, 2012
12:18 pm
The NFLPA clearly has a double strandard, but lets face it, they are in a tough situation. It just seems to me that by appealing they are condoning the bounty program. By denying the bounty program by maintaining the Bart Simpson defense, is a ludicris as the Simpson’s show itself. In my opinion, they are taking this stance simply because they feel that can not side with the NFL on anything. The NFL is there oposition and by such, they must disagree with everything. What the NFLPA should do is say ” there is obviously a problem, and we will address it when we complete our own investigation. Our biggest asset is our members and their saftey is our highest priority. Any member who loses track of that objective is an embarrassement to our Union.” As for the rest of the Country, the Saints remain an embarrassment even if there was not a bounty program. A zebra will always be a zebra no matter how many stripes it has.
BigAlHeBDMan
May 3rd, 2012
12:22 pm
All of you falcon fans who believe you’re going to beat the Saints because of suspensions, Mr Lofton and I will be happy to sell you some prime swamp real estate in Louisiana. Ha Ha! Delusional people. You couldn’t score 1 TD in the playoffs this year. Why?
BigAlHeBDMan
May 3rd, 2012
12:28 pm
The answer to the previous question is “The falcons have always (make sucking sound).
Karma
May 3rd, 2012
12:38 pm
psst, Al, wake up. you’ve been dreaming.
BigAlHeBDMan
May 3rd, 2012
1:11 pm
karma: I will relay your comments to our new linebacker Mr. Lofton to give him extra motivation
BigAlHeBDMan
May 3rd, 2012
1:18 pm
If you recall, there were several QBs MENTIONED in the PFP by the commissioner. Unfortunately, Matttie wasn’t one of them.
you know he's lying cause his mouth is moving
May 3rd, 2012
1:45 pm
Love to see Vilma take a lie detector test If he’s so adamant about being completely innocent.
Norm Van Brocklin
May 3rd, 2012
2:07 pm
SEEN and OPEN……………………both minions of the devil (probably liberals, too.)
ricky seamon
May 3rd, 2012
2:53 pm
I love reading this stuff listen to all the haters we’re finally up there with the big boys when you got as many haters as u do fans, then you’ve accomplished great hood.Wow how great is to be a Saints fans.When soemetin like this happens you truly see how many people that a scared of our team.When they hear the Saints are coming the first thing that come to there head is (maybe we’ll get lucky this time) and maybe you will, but odds are you won’t so to all you little HATERS out there
THANK YOU ,YOU’VE SHOWN ME JUST HOW MUCH YOU FEAR US.lol A BET HALF OF YOU WISH BREE’s WAS ON DEFENSE THEN YOU WOULDNT HAVE TO GET BEAT BY HIM AGAIN
Hell to bad they just didnt suspend our whole team the whole year finally you would have chance.Im sure Goddell would love to control that part take our Super Bowl trophey away put a astrisk by our when and it should say.
We know everyteam in the NFL does it,but sense its not New England or the Giants or the Cowboys. so we can do what ever we want to them.then look at you haters coming out the wood works.DAM FINE DAY IT IS
BigAlHeBDMan
May 3rd, 2012
3:50 pm
That’s a great shot in Sports Illustrated of Vilma. Shows his intensiity. I wonder if I can get it on a “Fathead”
Mora less Petrino
May 3rd, 2012
4:29 pm
Nasty city, nasty team!
Karma
May 3rd, 2012
4:38 pm
keep telling yourself that ricky, maybe it’ll come true.
BigAlHeBDMan
May 3rd, 2012
4:42 pm
I’ll probably get cited for posting a link to a real article that disagrees with the writer’s philosophy, being on the 2nd rate falcons team, but here goes.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7883438/saints-lb-jonathan-vilma-becomes-nfl-scapegoat
At least there is a dissenting opinion because this is America, right?
Karma
May 3rd, 2012
4:44 pm
thanks for getting that meaningless information out there, Al.
10 of 12
May 3rd, 2012
5:36 pm
Hello Failclowns fans . Last night was great , the wings were hot-so were the ladies and the beer was cold and nobody even showed up to tell me hello. I didn’t think they would anyway.
AlanFalcon
May 4th, 2012
7:48 am
Money Grab, the Saints are being punished for bounty Gate (they should be), the NFL draft just concluded(how many college players joined the NFL), Now the players want to sue the NFL for all of their problems, I guess they are just stupid or they want to blame the NFL for their problems, its like they don’t have an ounce of sense-matter of fact I guess that says it all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Big Picture
May 4th, 2012
9:40 am
Realize that while the NFL is handing out these penalties to the Saints for bounty hunting that there is a much larger problem for the league that is showing itself more frequently- the rash of suicides of former players along with the brain injury lawsuit. This stance on bounty hunting by the league allows them to state that they are now and always have been interested in the safety of their players first. They are posturing, pure and simple. This is the first line of defense on a lawsuit that could severely damage the NFL as a whole, Neither the NFL nor the owners care about the players- they are a commodity in a football crazy country who are easily and eagerly replaced by the next crop of 22 year olds coming out of the collegiate farm system. The owners willingly pay them top dollar in exchange for the players damaging their bodies and minds while the value of NFL franchises grow exponentially and billion dollar stadiums are built. Sit back & watch how this plays out- the commissioner and the owners are not dummys, the players and fans are the ones being duped.
redcoat
May 4th, 2012
3:33 pm
Big Picture……Players know the risks going in. It is a profession short in duration but players get handsomely paid and with benefits, represented and protected by a union.and can step out at anytime they feel the risk is to great for the pay. Are they prepared for other careers or hoping to live off a few years of pay for the rest of their life? You make it sound that players are forced to accept this. Posturing? Taking some action is posturing? Are the players posturing too ? Other than wanting more money, what have they proposed? Protecting players that injure others intentionally? What is that? Any past players wanting to start a competing league?….this country is still free enough for them to give it a try. How about you? I would like to see how they would run it, would be interesting.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
May 5th, 2012
1:16 pm
“A PLAYOFF WINS”
CHOKE just don’t get it
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
May 5th, 2012
1:19 pm
BigAlHeBDMan
May 3rd, 2012
1:18 pm
If you recall, there were several QBs MENTIONED in the PFP by the commissioner. Unfortunately, Matttie wasn’t one of them.
__________________________________________________
That’s because CHOKE is only a threat to his teammates
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
May 5th, 2012
1:21 pm
“THE FALCANTS MOTTO”
If you can’t beat them on the field, beat them off the field”
corvette11
May 5th, 2012
11:53 pm
Saint’s fans should be angry and embarrassed by the Saint’s management, not trying to defend them.
junbug
May 6th, 2012
8:25 pm
Enter your comments here
junbug
May 6th, 2012
8:27 pm
Stupid falcan’t fans……How many times have the Saints beaten you guys to a pulp since Payton has been there? I believe its 10 out of 12. So just shut the hell up until you do better than that. Enough said.
Vilma | Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2012
3:28 pm
[...] Anyway, the one thing I didn’t expect to happen was that Vilma and I would get into a back-and-forth on Twitter. Vilma has been suspended for the entire 2012 season. He and NFLPA consider this NFL investigation a bunch of hooey. I’ve weighed on that here. [...]
Eric
May 8th, 2012
1:43 pm
This is pathetic. If you “tweet” to someone you can expect a response, especially a known member of the media Jeff. Grow up and focus on your job, stop “Tweeting” for Godsake.