The NFL has indeed hammered the New Orleans Saints for Gregg Williams' bounty system. Expect to see no Sean Payton this year, for one thing. The Saints have also lost two draft picks, meaning they won't have a selection until Round 3 this year. This is all still pending punishments for players who were involved, meaning more could be on the way.
SB Nation's Joel Thorman has the details.
Saints head coach Sean Payton will be suspended for one full year for his role in the scandal, GM Mickey Loomis has been suspended eight games and issued a $500,000 fine and the Saints organization itself has been fined $500,000 and stripped of second round picks in the 2012 and 2013 NFL draft. Gregg Williams, former Saints defensive coordinator who is now with the St. Louis Rams, has been suspended indefinitely. Joe Vitt, assistant head coach, has been suspended six games without pay.
Atlanta's own Cam Newton was reportedly one specific target. Astounded to see Kurt Warner and Brett Favre listed here, aren't you?
The investigation showed bounties being placed on 4 quarterbacks of opposing teams – Brett Favre, Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers & Kurt Warner.
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) March 21, 2012
For more on the Saints, visit Canal Street Chronicles.