Saints Head Coach Sean Payton Suspended One Year Following Bounty Program Probe


The NFL on Wednesday announced that New Orleans Saints head coach will be suspended for one year with no pay following the teams implementation of a bounty program. The team will also pay a fine of $500,000.

According to NFL officials the bounty program which paid players to injure opponents is in direct violation of the NFL’s competitive rules agreement.

The Saints will also be without assistant head coach Joe Vitt for the first six games of the regular-season. Vitt was also suspended without pay.

The Saints have also been forced to give up second round picks in both the 2012 and 2013 NFL drafts.

Also cut out of the equation is Saints GM Mickey Loomis who was suspended without pay for the first eight games of the regular season.

A Former Saints coach was also hit by the NFL’s ruling when defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was suspended “indefinitely” as the league investigates his part in the program. In Williams’ case NFL Commissioner Goodell will personally review his case at the end of the 2012 season and consider whether to reinstate his NFL coaching status. Williams for all his faults admitted to the program and has since apologized.

The Saints coaches and front office are also expected to lead the league in developing programs that will specifically instruct players and coaches about respecting the game and those who participate in it. The newly minted program will focus on fair play, sportsmanship and safety.

Do you think the NFL made the right decision in suspending Sean Payton, Joe Vitt, Mickey Loomis and Gregg Williams?

Share this article: Saints Head Coach Sean Payton Suspended One Year Following Bounty Program Probe
More from Inquisitr