New Orleans Saints interim coach Joe Vitt will start his suspension on time – NFL News
The National Football League (NFL) has reiterated that all the players and officials suspended due to their involvement in the Bounty Gate scandal including New Orleans Saints interim coach Joe Vitt and general manager Mickey Loomis will see through their
respective suspensions as scheduled.
It was reported that Saints were trying to delay or decrease the ban on Loomis and Vitt due to reasons related to the effects of Hurricane Isaac’s arrival in New Orleans and its surroundings.
Vitt is facing a six-week suspension while Loomis is facing an eight-week ban. Both of them are scheduled to start their suspensions on Monday, September 03, 2012. Both will be barred from taking part in any of the team’s activities.
Vitt will resume his duties as Saints interim coach in Week 8, since Saints will have a bye week in Week 6. Until then, offensive line coach Aaron Kromer will take up the position of Saints head coach.
Earlier this year, Saints were found guilty of operating a bounty system that encouraged their players to injure their opponents, which was a serious violation of the NFL code of conduct.
A long investigation was carried out by the NFL in this matter. Many of the Saints players, coaching staff as well as administrative staff were found guilty for their involvement in the matter.
Saints head coach Sean Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 season. Also, running back Jonathan Vilma is facing the same punishment. Their former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is suspended for an indefinite period.
The NFL commissioner issued an open letter for the fans on Friday, August 31, putting emphasis on the safety of the game. It said:
"Let me be clear: there is no place for bounties in football. No exceptions. No excuses. Bounties are an affront to everything that competitive sports should represent. Everyone in the NFL is responsible for adhering to these rules and we are all accountable
for protecting the safety of our players -- present and future."
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