New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton Suspended One Year By NFL
The NFL has suspended New Orleans Saints’ head coach Sean Payton for one year as punishment for the team’s admitted use of a bounty system from 2009 to 2011. Payton was aware of the system, which compensated players for hits inflicted on opponents.
Payton’s suspension is slated to begin April 1.
The league also handed out an indefinite suspension to former Saints’ defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who is now defensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams. Williams was accused of implementing the bounty program with the Saints and other teams he has coached.
Additionally, Saints’ G.M. Mickey Loomis was suspended for eight games and fined $500,000. New Orleans also forfeited second-round draft picks in 2012 and 2013, and the team was fined $500,000.