NFL hears appeals of New Orleans Saints coaches on Thursday - NFL News
The National Football League (NFL) heard appeals from New Orleans Saints head coach, Sean Payton, assistant coach, Joe Vitt, and general manager, Mickey Loomis on Thursday.
The appeals were held at the NFL headquarters in New York and according to sources a decision could be released as early as Friday.
Sean Payton who met the commissioner to appeal his year-long suspension while working out the details of the punishment left the building without comment.
The appeals and discussions with all Saints representatives took almost six hours and it is now up to the commissioner to decide whether to make changes in the suspensions earlier announced for all three accused of aiding and abetting the Saints bounty scandal.
The NFL had earlier announced severe punishments for the Saints with Payton receiving a season long suspension while both Loomis and Vitt were suspended from their jobs for eight and six games respectively.
The franchise itself was fined $ 500,000 and had its second round draft picks removed for two seasons.
Vitt talked to the media after his appeal and was asked whether he believes his suspension will be reduced.
"I have no feel for that."
Adding further he said.
"The commissioner's got a tough job. I've worked hard to earn the respect of my players, and now I want to earn his respect."
His attorney David Cornwell said of the meetings.
"I thought the commissioner was extremely receptive,"
Timing of the appeals coincided with the revealing of a new audio tape in which ex-defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is seen urging the players to injure San Francisco 49ers players before their meeting in the playoff divisional round.
The Saints were found guilty of running an illegal bounty programme in their defensive unit with players being paid for injuring targeted opponents.
The program ran for three years spanning 2009-11 and included the Saints 2009 run to the Super Bowl title.
Roger Goodell is currently in discussions with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) as he mulls on punishments to be handed down to the 22 to 27 Saints players involved in taking bounties for big hits.
More details over the appeals are expected in the coming days.
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