New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton releases another apology over bounty scandal - NFL News
New Orleans Saints head coach, Sean Payton, on Friday, issued another apology after the National Football League (NFL) handed out some of the most severe punishments to the franchise for running an illegal bounty program.
The head coach has been suspended for a year from the league after the NFL found him guilty of silently approving the bounty scheme and failing to stop the program.
Payton was also accused of lying to the league during an earlier investigation as he denied the existence of the scheme.
The head coach released a statement apologising for his role in the scheme and said that he will make sure that no such activity takes place in the locker room in the future.
"I share and fully support the league's concerns and goals on player safety. It is, and should be paramount. Respecting our great game and the NFL shield is extremely important to me.”
Adding further he said that.
"Our organization will implement all necessary protections and protocols, and I will be more vigilant going forward. I am sorry for what has happened and as head coach take full responsibility. Finally, I want to thank Mr. Benson, our players and all Saints fans for their overwhelming support."
During his absence, an interim coach will take over the duties and three candidates are being considered to take over the role.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer are front runners for taking over the Saints during Payton’s unpaid suspension.
According to a NFL investigation, the franchise were found to be involved in running a bounty program rewarding players for illegal hits and injuring opposition players.
The scheme ran for three years including the Saints 2009-10 run to the Super Bowl, all under the guidance of the then defensive coordinator Gregg Williams who maintained a bounty pool of approximately $ 50,000.
Williams who joined St. Louis Rams this year has been suspended indefinitely by the league, while Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and assistant coach Joe Vitt both received six-game suspensions.
The Saints were hit with a massive $ 500,000 fine in addition to losing their second round draft picks for two years.
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