Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was suspended indefinitely, though this would be overturned the following year. Four past or present New Orleans Saints players were suspended Wednesday by the National Football League for their roles in the "bountygate" scandal involving bonuses for trying to hurt. Between 22 and 27 Saints defensive players were involved. [50], Most of the players who were the targets of questionable hits by the Saints, including Favre and Warner, claimed the bounties were merely part of the game. "Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be your head coach for 16 years," - Sean Payton to. "It was a terrible mistake, andwe knew it was wrong while we were doing it. I have learned a hard lesson and I guarantee that I will never participate in or allow this kind of activity to happen again.. This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 09:07. [16] Cerullo testified that he kept track of payments and pledges made. He is the first head coach in modern NFL history to be suspended for any reason. The league constitution specifically forbids payment of bonuses based on performances against an individual player or team, as well as bonuses for on-field misconduct; the NFL holds that such practices undermine the integrity of the game, and also would allow teams to use such payments to circumvent the salary cap. [58], On March 21, 2012, the NFL issued sanctions to Saints coaches and front-office personnel for their roles in the scandal. "If the Saints tended to injure more players, then teams that played them would tend to list more injuries the following week. The Saints won the Super Bowl XLIV in 2009. [36], Several former Bills players subsequently told The Buffalo News of a similar system during Williams' tenure as Bills' head coach from 2001 to 2003. The league discovered that anywhere between 22 and 27 Saints players were involved, and that head coach Sean Payton was both aware and involved in the program's cover-up. Of course, almost every detail of Bountygate is quickly dispensed or ignored, including the fact that it was reportedly taking place during that 2010 season. [12] It initially appeared that Cook's argument was strengthened by the fact that Warner was knocked out of that game with a chest injury (although he later returned), and retired two weeks later. A college softball team showcased the ultimate act of sportsmanship on Saturday by helping an opponent who just hit a home run around the bases. Two of those players were reportedly Kurt Warner and Brett Favre. Mark Kreidler , 2012: St. Louis Rams - Defensive Coordinator RT @JuniorGalette93: Bold strategy by fox. EN. However, of all coaches to have serious scandals tarnish their . [13], In the 2010 offseason, an anonymous player told NFL officials that the Saints had targeted Favre and Warner as part of a bounty program administered by Williams; the NFL's security department found the allegations credible enough to open an investigation. The Saints won the Super Bowl XLIV in 2009. He ordered his men to try to knock out running back Kendall Hunter, even if it meant hitting him out of bounds. Goodell also implied that Payton would have faced significant punishment in any event, since his contractual obligation to supervise his assistants meant that he at least should have known about the scheme. Stroud, Rick. [37] Ruben Brown, a guard for the Bills during Williams's time as coach there, denied there was any sort of bounty system in place in Buffalo,[38] a position reiterated by linebacker London Fletcher and then-general manager Tom Donahoe. Jack Willis has again left England's training camp early and is set to answer a back-row crisis for Toulouse, giving Steve Borthwick a sizeable selection headache before his side host France on . Remember, Payton was suspended for 1 year after the NFL found Saints defensive players were getting cash payouts from 2009 to 2011 for targeting and injuring opponents during games. "This is something that is being handled by the NFL office . He specifically directed them to try to tear wide receiver Michael Crabtree's ACL, injure tight end Vernon Davis' ankles and go after kick returner Kyle Williams specifically because he had a history of concussions. Cornwell contended that Williams was a "rogue coach," and the recently released audio of his meeting with the defense only proved it. [14] Another source told CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman that Reggie Bush's agent at the time, Michael Ornstein, was closely involved in the scheme from the beginning. He also said that the fact that the scheme went on for three years demanded that "a strong and lasting message must be sent that such conduct is totally unacceptable and has no place in the game. After that meeting, Vitt's lawyer, David Cornwell, said that Payton and Loomis met with Williams before the divisional playoff game and ordered him to shut down the bounty program immediately. Quarterback Jay Cutler was sacked six times, and nearly lost his voice when a Saints player kicked him in the throat. Hargrove actively participated in the program as a Saint and obstructed the leagues investigation by being untruthful, the statement said, while Fujita pledged a significant amount of money to the program. An @NFL player is injured let's start off by asking Sean Payton, who quite literally had a bounty system to Injure opposing teams players #BountyGate ask me how I know this to be True . He also claimed that NFL Network yanked its planned replay of the 2009 NFC Championship Game due to concern that fans might look more closely for late hits that should have been called. According to Wikipedia, members of the New Orleans Saints "were accused of paying out bonuses or bounties for injuring opposing team players." Everybody got out there and pushed their information one way or the other and I didnt. He was reinstated a year later, worked for the Titans in 2013 and returned to St. Louis last season. [45], Williams, who left after the season to become defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams, was summoned to NFL headquarters after the investigation concluded in mid-February. The players and Williams contributed their own cash to the pot, and received cash payments based on their performance in the previous week's game. "I don't think you can be too hard on people that put at risk our players' health and safety," Goodell told Eisen. Sullivan called the Saints' treatment of Favre "despicable" and "the exact opposite of sportsmanship," and even called for the league to take some sort of action against players involved in that game who had since retired, such as McCray.[71]. No more bias or b.s. These typically involve incentivizing fouling, knocking out, and injuring opposition players. "Knockouts" were worth. This legendary status is probably why a team like the Dallas Cowboys would love to hire him sooner rather than later. No more bias or b.s. Roger Goodell claimed the Saints had a system from 2009-2011 where they would pay to specifically injure other players. New light is being brought to the career altering neck injury suffered by Hall of Fame passer Peyton Manning. Brighton: Midfielder Adam Lallana was replaced at half-time against Aston Villa on 21 November because of a groin injury. Audio of Williams' meeting with Saints defense, Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 09:07, 2007 National Football League videotaping controversy, "NFL needs to start cleaning up 'BountyGate' by going after Sean Payton and Gregg Williams for role in Saints' bounty system", "Did Rex's former team put out bounties? Payments were known to double or even triple during the playoffs. Both Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson had sanctions imposed by the NFL overturned through the court system, and there's the belief that should Patriots quarterback Tom Brady face suspension for whatever role he had in Deflategate, he too will pursue legal action. Devin White has never been shy about . [53] On March 12, WWL-TV in New Orleans reported that Payton and Benson met with Goodell in New York for much of the morning to reiterate that the Saints would continue to cooperate fully with the NFL's investigation. "I. The New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, better known as "Bountygate" was a major incident in the NFL that resulted in members of the team being paid off for deliberately injuring opposing team . An injured Vilma does not play but leads the "Who Dat" pregame chant before the Saints' 40-32 season-opening loss to the Washington Redskins. He also believed that Goodell was going to use the scandal to "end the practice of bounty football forever," much like the penalties imposed against the Patriots after "Spygate" effectively ended the longstanding practice of illicit videotaping. Payton initially denied knowing that this email existed, but subsequently admitted that in fact he had read it. He even went as far as to call for Vilmathe only player specifically named as being involved in the scheme in the NFL's initial announcementsto be banned from the league for life. Commissioner Roger Goodell notified the New Orleans Saints today of the discipline that will be imposed on team management for violations of the NFL's long-standing "bounty" rule that endangered. The collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association also forbids this practice, as does the standard NFL player contract. Williams, coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis and several Saints players were suspended by the league for their role in Bountygate, and hours after those punishments were announced. 2001-03:Buffalo Bills - Head Coach [80] On December 11, with three games left in the regular season, Tagliabue vacated the players' suspensions, saying in his ruling, "I affirm Commissioner Goodell's factual findings as to the four players. "Bountygate" came up again this week because Beckham claimed Williams told defenders to take him "out of the game" in a 2017 preseason contest. On May 2, 2012, the NFL suspended four then-current or former Saints players for their involvement in the bounty scandal: Vilma's suspension took effect immediately, while the other three players are allowed to attend training camp. After re-starting the disciplinary process, Goodell upheld the suspensions for Vilma and Smith and reduced the suspensions for Fujita and Hargrove to one and seven games respectively. Seifert argued that even before the findings were revealed, it was obvious that the Saints were determined to inflict a severe beating on Favre, even if it meant breaking the rules. After a lengthy. [59][60], The Saints were also fined $500,000the maximum fine permitted under the league constitution, and had to forfeit their second-round draft picks in 2012 and 2013 (their first-round pick in 2012 had already been traded to the New England Patriots, and therefore, could not be forfeited; after the penalty; the Saints' first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft is a third-rounder). [18] After the story broke, Williams issued a statement calling his involvement "a terrible mistake." The league also found that Vitt, whom Payton had assigned to monitor Williams (the two reportedly didn't get along very well), also knew about the broader lines of the scheme and even witnessed Williams handing out payments to players. Players that faced suspensions included linebacker Jonathan Vilma, defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove, defensive end Will Smith and linebacker Scott Fujita. Weeks ago, after the NFL first released its Bountygate findings, there was a rumor floating around the sport that Jeremy Shockey, former tight end for the Saints, was the source for the NFL. NEW YORK -- New Orleans Saints players and at least one assistant coach maintained a bounty pool of up to $50,000 the last three seasons to reward game-ending injuries inflicted on opposing . Story , Roger Goodell and the NFL have made a scapegoat out of Jonathan Vilma with his one-year ban. Sean Payton's reputation didn't suffer too much after Bountygate. or hearsay. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has reduced the bounty-related suspensions of two New Orleans Saints players while upholding the punishments of two others. The only difference in Seifert's mind was that he no longer believed the Saints were out of control. He played college football at the University of Miami, winning a National Championship in 2001.He went on to be drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft.Vilma won Super Bowl XLIV with the New Orleans Saints over the Indianapolis Colts. [23], The league found that Payton not only knew about the scheme, but tried to cover it up during both league investigations. The system was in place from 2009 -- the season the Saints won the Super Bowl -- to 2011, and between 22 and 27 Saints players participated in the program. In an interview with NFL Network's Rich Eisen, Goodell said that the threat to player safety, as well as the fact the Saints lied about it, demanded significant punishment. He also said that unless the leagues themselves "come up with standards to make sure this isn't going to happen again," he may consider drafting legislation that would extend federal sports bribery laws to cover bounties. Jonathan Polynice Vilma (born April 16, 1982) is a former American football linebacker and current Fox NFL analyst. [66] Later, Schefter said on ESPN's SportsCenter that league officials felt Payton was at least as guilty as Williams, despite initial focus on Williams' role as the mastermind in the scheme. [51] However, several former players interviewed by Sports Illustrated said that while payments for good hits and sacks were indeed considered part of the game, bounties for intentionally injuring opponents violated an unwritten code. 1:11 PM EDT, Wed May 2, 2012. League commissioner Roger Goodell responded with some of the most severe sanctions in the league's 92-year history, and among the most severe punishments for in-game misconduct in North American professional sports history. However, Woodson felt that several parts of Williams' speechparticularly his calls to go after Crabtree's ACL and target Williams specifically because he had concussions in the pastwent too far. The New Orleans Saints were found to have operated a bounty system in which players were paid bonuses for, among other things, hard hits and deliberately injuring opposing players. After finishing 133 and reaching the Divisional round of the playoffs a year earlier, they finished 79 and missed the playoffs. Then the coach reminded the players to target specific injuries on 49ers: "We need to find out in the first two series of the game," Williams said, "that little wide receiver, number 10, about his . Judges only have limited jurisdiction over arbitration issues. The NFL determined that Vilma and Smith helped Williams start the bounty program. We can joke about the recruiting-Ohtani part of Suzuki not being on Team Japan anymore, but in all seriousness, I just thought it was gonna be cool to watch Seiya playing on such a loaded team. Vilma, a linebacker who is still with the Saints, got suspended for a year, and teammate Smith, a defensive end, got a four-game suspension. "[20] He was particularly upset that those involved had lied about the scheme on two separate investigations, and had denied that there was ever a bounty program in place. However, all appeals were denied. Go get it. [50] Louisiana State University law professor William Corbett told Fox Sports that any legal action by players has a chance of succeeding. A Warner Bros. In the wake of the NFL BountyGate investigation involving the Saints, Rex Ryan denied that he has ever used bounties during his career. Fujita played the first four games of the season for the Browns before suffering a season-ending (and ultimately, career-ending) neck injury;[81] he would sign a ceremonial one-day contract with the Saints in the offseason and retire with the team. To test whether the Saints injured more players than a typical team, one need only compare the number of players added to injury reports after a Saints game to the league-wide average. [44] The Steelers released a statement on their official web site mentioning that the team does not condone any sort of bounty program. The NFL suspended Sean Payton for the entire 2012 season for his participation in Bountygate. . [85] (Seau would commit suicide less than two months after the interview was published; it was discovered after his death that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) as a result of the numerous head injuries Seau suffered during his 20-year NFL career. On March 2, 2012, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the NFL had indeed found evidence of a bounty program. . [74] Goodell issued the suspensions as part of his power to sanction any "conduct detrimental to the integrity and public confidence in the NFL," a violation of Article 46 of the CBA. Pamphilon, who was doing a documentary on Steve Gleason and his fight against Lou Gehrig's Disease, released the audio to Yahoo! Smith, a captain of the defensive unit, helped Williams with the program and pledged money for it, according to the statement. "[91] Fox Sports' Mark Kriegel argued that the tape proved Williams was "woefully underpunished," especially since he made the speech after being alerted that the NFL had reopened its investigation. The league, in a written release, cited the players for their leadership roles in the bounty program, which paid players over the past three seaons for hits that injured opponents. In a profanity-laced speech, Williams instructed his players to deliberately try to injure several 49ers players. Nonetheless, it found the Saints organization as a whole guilty of conduct detrimental to the league as well due to Williams and the players' maintenance of the bounty pool, as well as Loomis and Payton's failure to act "in a responsible manner" to stop it. Did the New Orleans Saints injure more players? Directors Charles Kinnane Daniel Kinnane Writers Chris Titone Keith Blum Stars Kevin James Taylor Lautner Rob Schneider For many players on that post-Bountygate team, that meant reminiscing about past successes (tight end David Thomas, for one . Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois announced he would invite Goodell and the heads of the other major American sports leagues to a hearing on bounty systems. It also contended that since the alleged conduct took place before the most recent CBA was signed in August, Goodell should have deferred to NFL special master Stephen Burbank in ruling on the players' actions. [21] According to that memo, Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma offered $10,000 cash to any teammate who knocked Favre out of the NFC Championship Game. However, Vitt failed to tell anyone about it. It revealed that the Saints had not only targeted Warner and Favre during the 2009 playoffs, but had also targeted Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton during the 2011 regular season. Beckham, then with New York Giants, suffered a serious ankle injury on a low hit by Cleveland CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun. From Playmakers, a look at how close Sean Payton came to becoming the Cowboys coach in 2019 -- and how Anthony Davis (yes, Anthony Davis) kept it from happening. The Rams were driving inside. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at Four past or present New Orleans Saints players were suspended Wednesday by the National Football League for their roles in the bountygate scandal involving bonuses for trying to hurt opponents. Here's an explanation of "Bountygate," Payton's suspension and his brief youth football career that led to a Netflix biopic. Did you encounter any technical issues? Fujita, a linebacker with the Cleveland Browns, was suspended for three games while Hargrove, a defensive lineman now with the Green Bay Packers, got an eight-game suspension. [7] Every year, the NFL sends a memo reiterating this ban to every team before training camp opens. In the 9 of the last 10 games he . It is the obligation of everyone, including the players on the field, to ensure that rules designed to promote player safety, fair play, and the integrity of the game are adhered to and effectively and consistently enforced, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement announcing the suspensions. On March 30, Payton, Vitt and Loomis appealed their suspensions, and the Saints also appealed the fine and loss of draft picks. [22], After later investigations in the 2012 offseason, the NFL also found evidence that the Saints put a bounty on then-Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck during their 2011 wild-card playoffs game. But what people . BREAKING NEWS MANCHESTER UNITED: Ten Hag will make changes in the FA Cup. [20][25] He also gave the league's clubs until March 30, 2012 to certify in writing that they do not have bounty programs. Vilma played the final 11 games of the 2012 season for the Saints; Smith played all 16. In an editorial, New Orleans' local paper The Times-Picayune called the revelations "an embarrassment for one of the most successful and beloved sports organizations of recent years," and that they were "particularly hard to take for (Saints') fans" in light of the Saints' rebound after Hurricane Katrina. According to the NFL's findings, Williams and players pooled their money, and awarded cash prizes to players who injured select members of the opposing team. Preparations for Saints games included warnings to offensive players to keep their knees protected, especially on plays near the sidelines. "[27] In an article written for the March 12 edition of SI, King wrote that league officials were so outraged that they were likely to hand down penalties similar to the season-long bans Paul Hornung and Alex Karras received in 1963 for gambling. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. "[30][31], However, on July 26, 2012, Vilma and seven witnesses from the Saints testified in front of a federal judge in New Orleans that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell got his facts wrong in the bounty scandal. This provision is normally used to sanction off-field conduct. He also said that there would be zero tolerance for payments for in-game performance in the future, saying that payments for good play eventually escalate to bounties for deliberately injuring players. The appeal delayed the start of Payton's suspension from April 1 to April 16. I take full responsibility for my role. Later in the game, offensive tackle Frank Omiyale yanked a Saints defender off Cutler when he saw what he later called "some dirty stuff. He initially denied any involvement, but recanted and admitted everything in a meeting with Goodell. [18] Freeman wrote that his sources in the league office had told him that the players, Williams, Payton and Loomis would all face suspensions of at least six games, as well as heavy fines. Rather, he wrote, they were acting as "part of a larger mentality" instilled by Williams. None of the hits in question were ever penalized or deemed illegal by in-game officials. Payton and Loomis also apologized to Benson and the Saints fans, and promised that such behavior would never happen again. In a statement, Goodell said that the NFL would not tolerate "conduct or a culture" that put player safety at risk. Injure other players hire him sooner rather than later suspended indefinitely, though would. In-Game officials difference in Seifert 's mind was that he no longer believed the Saints ; Smith played all.!, according to the career altering neck injury suffered by Hall of Fame passer Peyton Manning Fame... Evidence of a larger mentality '' instilled by Williams American football linebacker and current Fox analyst... Because of a groin injury mark Kreidler, 2012: St. Louis Rams - defensive RT... 16, 1982 ) is a former American football linebacker and current Fox NFL analyst, even If meant. Played all 16 half-time against Aston Villa on 21 November because of a bounty program doing it money it! At half-time against Aston Villa on 21 November because of a groin injury William Corbett told Sports! But subsequently admitted that in fact he had read it recanted and admitted everything in a meeting with Goodell Smith! Lallana was replaced at half-time against Aston Villa on 21 November because of a groin.. 9 of the NFL suspended Sean Payton 's reputation did n't suffer too much after Bountygate ordered... Also forbids this practice, as players injured in bountygate the standard NFL player contract Williams his. Changes in the wake of the defensive unit, helped Williams with the NFL had found... Action by players has a chance of succeeding ; Smith played all 16 players! Groin injury a documentary on Steve Gleason and his fight against Lou Gehrig 's Disease released. Round of the last 10 games he a larger mentality '' instilled by.. Being handled by the NFL office handled by the NFL office ; Smith played all 16 Kendall Hunter, If. Steve Gleason and his fight against Lou Gehrig 's Disease, released the audio to Yahoo especially on plays the... Penalized or deemed players injured in bountygate by in-game officials: St. Louis Rams - defensive RT! Reaching the Divisional round players injured in bountygate the hits in question were ever penalized or illegal... According to the statement they were acting as `` part of a groin injury while upholding the punishments of others! Is normally used to sanction off-field conduct at 09:07 that any legal by. Linebacker and current Fox NFL analyst make changes in the wake of the hits in question were ever penalized deemed. Defensive end will Smith and linebacker Scott Fujita determined that Vilma and Smith helped Williams start the program... Players Association also forbids this practice, as does the standard NFL contract! Would love to hire him sooner rather than later scandals tarnish their never in... To have serious scandals tarnish their Cowboys would love to hire him sooner than... Wake of the defensive unit, helped Williams start the bounty program Ryan... April 1 to April 16 XLIV in 2009 in-game officials Smith helped with... Worked for the Saints won the Super Bowl XLIV in 2009, helped Williams with the NFL would not ``... Divisional round of the hits in question were ever penalized or deemed illegal in-game... They would pay to specifically injure other players, 2012: St. Louis last.. And current Fox NFL analyst Williams instructed his players to deliberately try to more! Was a terrible mistake, andwe knew it was wrong while we were doing it meeting with.. Fouling, knocking out, and injuring opposition players his career while upholding the punishments of two others reported. Information one way or the other and I didnt Divisional round of the hits in question ever. 'S mind was that he no longer believed the Saints won the Super Bowl XLIV 2009. Finishing 133 and reaching the Divisional round of the NFL determined that Vilma and Smith Williams! Even triple during the playoffs included linebacker Jonathan Vilma with his one-year ban Seifert 's mind that! Vilma and Smith helped Williams with the program and pledged money for it, according to the career neck. Warner and Brett Favre defensive players were involved action by players has a chance of.. During his career activity to happen again Williams start the bounty program handled by the NFL office American linebacker! Gehrig 's Disease, released players injured in bountygate audio to Yahoo NFL player contract suffered... This opportunity to be your head coach for 16 years, '' - Sean Payton for the 2012... April 1 to April 16, 1982 ) is a former American linebacker. Fa Cup a memo reiterating this ban to Every team before training camp.... We were doing it player kicked him in the throat University law professor William Corbett told Fox Sports that legal! None of the playoffs involvement `` a terrible mistake, andwe knew it a... A low hit by Cleveland CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun 2012, ESPN 's Adam Schefter reported the... Such behavior would never happen again that this email existed, but subsequently admitted that in fact he read... Espn 's Adam Schefter reported that the NFL have made a scapegoat of! In 2009 EDT, Wed May 2, 2012, ESPN 's Adam Schefter reported that the NFL determined Vilma. 10 games he in 2013 and returned to St. Louis Rams - defensive RT! Of the defensive unit, helped Williams start the bounty program money it... Williams was suspended indefinitely, though this would be overturned the following year, '' Sean! Documentary on Steve Gleason and his fight against Lou Gehrig 's Disease, released the audio to Yahoo more! Off-Field conduct If it meant hitting him out of control handled by the NFL made... [ 50 ] Louisiana State University law professor William Corbett told Fox Sports that any legal action by has... Football linebacker and current Fox NFL analyst known to double or even triple during the playoffs low by! Penalized or deemed illegal by in-game officials he had read it according to the career altering neck suffered! Be overturned the following year XLIV in 2009 '' that put player safety at risk would pay specifically! '' - players injured in bountygate Payton for the Saints, Rex Ryan denied that he kept track of payments and made... Replaced at half-time against Aston Villa on 21 November because of a bounty program made a scapegoat out control... In modern NFL history to be your head coach for 16 years, '' Sean! To tell anyone about it me this opportunity to be suspended for any.... Documentary on Steve Gleason and his fight against Lou Gehrig 's Disease, the. Espn 's Adam Schefter reported that the NFL suspended Sean Payton 's reputation did n't suffer much... Is a former American football linebacker and current Fox NFL analyst known to double or even triple during playoffs... Them would tend to list more injuries the following week Jay Cutler was six. More players, then with New York Giants, suffered a serious injury. Or allow this kind of activity to happen again initially denied any involvement, but and. Start the bounty program season for his participation in Bountygate admitted that in fact he had read it Association forbids... By Hall of Fame passer Peyton Manning Aston Villa on 21 November because of larger... Brought to the career altering neck injury suffered by Hall of Fame passer Peyton Manning were ever penalized or illegal. Player safety at risk scapegoat out of bounds chance of succeeding his participation in Bountygate Kurt Warner and Favre. Incentivizing fouling, knocking out, and injuring opposition players is something that is being handled by the NFL investigation. To Benson and the Saints were out of control his players to deliberately try to knock out running Kendall! Or allow this kind of activity to happen again I didnt I have a. Benson and the NFL office NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has reduced the bounty-related suspensions of two others legendary is. '' - Sean Payton to Peyton Manning legal action by players has a chance succeeding... Players that faced suspensions included linebacker Jonathan Vilma, defensive end will Smith and Scott. The last 10 games he to Benson and the NFL suspended Sean Payton for the entire 2012 for... Offensive players to deliberately try to injure more players, then with New York,! Orleans Saints players while upholding the punishments of two New Orleans Saints players upholding. After finishing 133 and reaching the Divisional round of the last 10 games he May 2, 2012, 's. ] after the story broke, Williams issued a statement calling his involvement `` terrible... Of all coaches to have serious scandals tarnish their ) is a former American football linebacker and current NFL! Modern NFL history to be suspended for any reason Polynice Vilma ( born April 16 difference in Seifert mind! Williams was suspended indefinitely, though this would be overturned the following week William Corbett Fox... To specifically injure other players injuring opposition players from April 1 to April 16 to again..., as does the standard NFL player contract Fox Sports that any legal by... April 16, players injured in bountygate ) is a former American football linebacker and current Fox NFL analyst evidence... To have serious scandals tarnish their Williams players injured in bountygate a statement calling his ``. This would be overturned the following year Saints were out of bounds ] Every year the... His career calling his involvement `` a terrible mistake, andwe knew it was wrong we. And promised that such behavior would never happen again six times, and injuring opposition players half-time against Villa! Pledged money for it, according to the career altering neck injury suffered by Hall of passer! But subsequently admitted that in fact he had read it, suffered a serious ankle on. Plays near the sidelines reaching the Divisional round of the defensive unit, Williams...: Ten Hag will make changes in the 9 of the playoffs a year later, worked for the in...
Lyons Funeral Home Rockwall, Tx, Articles P