Off Topic Board

Quote from Roger Goodell:

When there is targeting of players for injury and cash rewards over a three-year period, the involvement of the coaching staff, and three years of denials and willful disrespect of the rules, a strong and lasting message must be sent that such conduct is totally unacceptable and has no place in the game.

Perhaps they went so over to the top so that when an appeal is made and the penalty is scaled back, they penalty can still be somewhat meaningful. Maybe Payton will end up being suspended for 4-8 games next season......rather than 16+.

I was just thinking that, but who makes the appeal on his behalf? Obviously with the players it is the union, but with the coach, is it his agent?

At least for the Saints they get to keep their first round pick.

I think it is right, you can't cross this line. You can't try to injure people, not just hurt, but injure them so they can't play. It is bullshit to claim 'that is how the game is played'. It was a shitty program, and in an era where the league is putting player safety first. It is against the rules, and they got caught.

Apparently the league had no lack of evidence when passing judgement. It was harsh, but it won't happen again. By the way, I would not be surprised if he can appeal the ruling and end up with 6-8 games.

Well stated, I know we discussed this a couple weeks back, and you and I still feel the same.

I don't think the players union is on Payton's side with this. Players around the league are pissed off about the bounty program. The players union was consulted on the penalty and is also doing it's own investigation

People seem to be missing something in this thread. Not only did he do what people in this this thread are discussing (try to have opposing players injured), he also lied about having done it. As we all know, the cover up sometimes has as bad or worse consequences than the actions being investigated.

Roger Goodell is the worst person alive.

Sean Payton can't control the behavior of grown men. I wouldn't expect him too and no one should expect him too.

This bounty thing also happens in a lot of places. These guys blow money on tigers and multiple ferraris, of course they're going to gamble with each other.

I also believe that it's been blown way out of proportion. I expect these guys to exchange money for great plays behind closed doors, as great plays help everyone's paycheck. Sometimes great plays get people knocked out. It's not a big deal.

Am I surprised that a bunch of hyped up defensive player went on tirades about injuring Brett Favre or other players? No. It's the locker room! Of course someone is going to say something stupid and crazy. I see crazy stuff at practice everyday since it's a giant ball of testosterone. I don't really get how we expect these players to be animals for only game time. There isn't an on/off switch. In the hours before a football game, I'm not sure these guys are fun to be around.

a year is way to harsh for someone who wasn't participating. The entire saints roster from 2009 should be suspended for a year if that's the precedent.

that's fair, but I'd still argue a one year suspension for lying is excessive.

and once again, he's long gone before the $h!t hits the fan.

As I posted in the other thread, there a three components to this. 1) Bounties, 2) Cover up, 3) Intention to defy NFL by continuing the program

From the official statement:

"The NFL's extensive investigation established the existence of an active bounty program on the Saints during the 2009, 2010, and 2011 seasons in violation of league rules, A DELIBERATE EFFORT TO CONCEAL THE PROGRAM'S EXISTENCE FROM LEAGUE INVESTIGATORS and a clear determination to maintain the program despite express direction from Saints ownership that it stop as well as ongoing inquiries from the league office."

Clearly they thought Payton was complicit in all three of those components. And I guarantee you, the last two were bigger than the first. Goodell has sent a clear message to teams out there: DON'T FUCK WITH ME.