Jamie Reidy comments on the National Football League’s punishment of the New Orleans Saints leadership for Bounty-gate.
ESPN reports that the NFL made it clear such behavior will not be tolerated.
Saints coach Sean Payton has been suspended for one year, former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was suspended indefinitely, general manager Mickey Loomis was suspended for the first eight regular-season games, the team was fined $500,000 and lost two second-round draft picks (one in 2012 and ’13).
Williams initiated the program. Payton knew about it. Loomis, when he learned of the bounties, instructed Payton to stop it, but the head coach did not.
Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a stern message to the other 31 NFL teams:
“We will not tolerate conduct or a culture that undermines those priorities. No one is above the game or the rules that govern it. Respect for the game and the people who participate in it will not be compromised…such conduct is totally unacceptable and has no place in the game.”
The Good Men Project shouts out a big “AMEN!” to that.
But we wonder if these bounties will stop. After all, players can set them up on the down low without coaches and management knowing.
What do you think: are bounties dead?
Photo by: Gaspa