Breaking NFL News: Saints coach Payton suspended one year, Williams indefinitely

The NFL announced Wednesday that New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton will be suspended for one season without pay for his involvement in the team's bounty program. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has been suspended for eight games. Former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has been suspended indefinitely.

The team has also been fined $500,000 and will have to give up its second-round picks in the 2012 and 2013 NFL Drafts.

The league said in a news release that the involvement of individual players in the program is still being reviewed, and that any discipline will be announced at a future time.

In addition, Saints assistant head coach Joe Vitt has been suspended without pay for the first six games of the 2012 season.

Payton's suspension will begin April 1 and last for the entire 2012 season. Loomis' suspension, which is also without pay, will be for the first eight games of the 2012 season.

Williams, who was hired to be the St. Louis Rams' defensive coordinator earlier this year, will have his status reviewed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after the 2012 regular season has ended, according to the release. Goodell will then decide if Williams should be reinstated.

www.nfl.com...

I agree with the NFL on this one. The bounty program isn't good for the game and it wasn't necessary in an already violent sport. Loss of their second round draft picks will surely dissuade other teams from practicing this. I think it's a good move.

The saints have never failed to have their share of crazy hardships. I knew this major upswing in good times for the saints would eventually come crashing down somehow. Just the nature of the saints and new Orleans

On a side note, I don't think the NFL or the city ever wants a home team going to the super bowl. Manning had his strange neck problem, then the saints have this. hmmm