New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees finally speaks out on Bounty scandal - NFL News
New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, who was recently tagged by the franchise, has finally spoken out on the Saints bounty scandal that has engulfed the franchise.
A week after the revelation that the Saints defensive line was involved in giving illegal incentives to players for injuring targeted opponents Brees released a statement on his own website detailing his thoughts on the issue while also denying any knowledge of such a program.
The quarterback posted a letter on his foundations website which read.
“I do feel a responsibility to my teammates, the Saints organization and to the fans, to address the "Bounty" allegations.
Adding further Brees continued.
“There is no place in the National Football League, or any sport played at any level, for players to conspire, to be coerced, or to be incentivized to intentionally injure another player. I did not participate nor did I have any knowledge relating to its real existence”
The Saints are alleged to have run a bounty program which reached a maximum of $ 50,000 under the guidance of ex-defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams and with the tacit approval of both head coach, Sean Payton, and general manager, Mickey Loomis.
It was also alleged in the National Football League (NFL) report that 22 to 27 players in the Saints defence roster were involved in the scheme while linebacker, Jonathan Vilma, was named as agreeing to provide $ 10,000 to any player who injured Brett Favre in the 2009 National Football Conference (NFC) Championship game between the Saints and Minnesota Vikings.
Williams, Loomis and Payton have all apologised for their role in the scandal but are still expected to face heavy fines and suspensions from the NFL.
Brees though urged fans not to reach conclusions before a full investigation is completed and wants the players, the franchise and the fans to stand united.
“To our fans, please reserve judgment until the facts in their entirety are known. Until that time, we will stand together and remain united as an organization.”
The quarterback though agreed that if all allegations are proved then a severe punishment is justified with players’ safety taking precedence.
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