New Orleans Saints players feel NFL does not have irrefutable evidence over bounty programme - NFL News
New Orleans Saints have had a torrid offseason after the National Football League (NFL) in its report revealed the existence of a pay-to-injure programme being run in the franchise’s defensive roster led by former defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams.
Commissioner, Roger Goodell, using the strong evidence he claims to have about the players involvement in the scheme delivered some of the harshest punishments of his tenure to the franchise over the bounty programme.
The NFL fined the Saints $ 500,000 plus took away their second round draft picks for two years.
In addition to that the league also delivered harsh punishments to the coaching staff with Williams receiving an indefinite suspension from coaching in the league. Head coach, Sean Payton was suspended for a year while general manager, Mickey Loomis and assistant coach, Joe Vitt receiving an eight and six-game suspensions for the upcoming season.
That was not the end of the suspensions, however, as Goodell also suspended two of the franchise’s current players for taking part in the bounty scheme.
Defensive captain, Jonathan Vilma was suspended for a year while defensive end, Will Smith received a four-game suspension.
These punishments have not been taken kindly by the franchise’s players.
Many Saints players who decided to remain anonymous shared their frustration with CBSSports reporter Mike Freeman.
Players told Freeman that the NFL is just making an example out of the franchise and they do not have the irrefutable proof they claim to have or the league would have released it by now.
One player said.
"Our franchise has become a cautionary tale and we've done nothing wrong."
Another said that the players suspended by the league were just unlucky of being at the franchise during the time of the bounties.
"It's been well-documented that (Williams) had a similar pay-for-performance system at other places he's coached so now players are being punished for just the dumb luck of being in New Orleans at a time when such a culture was present.”
Adding further he said.
“There might be anecdotal evidence of a few players saying some over-the-top (expletive) to mirror their coach. ... Immature? Yes. But actually paying and accepting money to injure? Nope."
The league have maintained that they have the evidence but releasing it will lead to problems for their sources.
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