Saints caught running "bounty" program that awarded injuring players

[Glitchny]

linky

Between 22 and 27 defensive players on the New Orleans Saints, as well as defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, maintained a "bounty" program funded primarily by players in violation of NFL rules during the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons, the NFL announced Friday.

The investigation by the league's security department determined that an improper "pay for performance" program included "bounty" payments to players for inflicting injuries on opposing players that would result in them being removed from a game.

Looks like the Saints are in some shit now. Expectations are the NFL will come down on them harder than they did on the Pats.

Also Vilma offered 10k of his own money to any player who took out Favre

Link

The most alarming finding by the league, according to one club source who was briefed on the investigation late Friday afternoon, was this: Before the 2009 NFC Championship Game, Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma offered any defensive teammate $10,000 in cash to knock then-Vikings quarterback Brett Favre out of the game. Favre was hit viciously several times in the game.

Was also reported that the Redskins were running the same type of program when Williams was coaching the defense there. Which for you Colt fans, is the year Peyton started having neck problems, after playing the Redskins.

Link

Williams was the defensive coordinator in Washington from 2004 to 2007. It's worth noting that Peyton Manning Tony Dungy has said his current neck problems began with two hits he took playing against the Redskins in 2006—the second, a high hit from Phillip Daniels.

Saints 3rd most penalized team from 09-11

The first chart, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information, shows the Saints ranking third from 2009 to 2011 in penalties for unnecessary roughness, facemasking, roughing the passer, personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct.

 

[child of wonder]

Any Vikings fan could have figured this out with how they went out of their way to hurt Favre 2 years ago.

 

[pyonir]

Any Vikings fan could have figured this out with how they went out of their way to hurt Favre 2 years ago.

And Kurt Warner. It was pretty obvious it was on purpose in the 2009 playoffs. I'm not surprised they had a "program", but I am surprised Williams actually admitted to it finally.

 

[Crono]

That's low.

I figured it was highly "encouraged" (unfortunately), but awarding intentional injury is even lower than that.

 

[KeithTalent]

Wow, like I didn't hate the Saints enough already. Disgusting. Seriously, fuck them.

KT

 

[SlitheryDee]

Greg Williams has been nothing but trouble for us. To think he had to do this just to come up with a barely passable defense. This is going to cost draft picks.

Get rid of Williams.

 

[Glitchny]

Greg Williams has been nothing but trouble for us. To think he had to do this just to come up with a barely passable defense. This is going to cost draft picks.

Get rid of Williams.

He is already gone, Williams works for the Rams now.

 

[Q]

Looks like the Saints needed Harrison.

 

[SlitheryDee]

He is already gone, Williams works for the Rams now.

Oh yeah, that's right.

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

 

[dud]

This is big news on Sports Nation. My wife was watching and told me about it. I saw the story about Drew Bree's contract negotiation whereas the Saints were offering a generous a little less than $18M per season (comparable to Brady and Manning) while Brees is demanding about $23M.

The first (unfiltered) thing out of my mouth was "Saints who wear black are not saints."

It would be great if any Saint's fans would chime in with their "feelings" on the greed and corruption unfolding before New Orleans fans ...

 

[Atomic Playboy]

The Saints defense was never really all that good. They won because of their explosive offense... But, yeah, that's pretty fucked up right there.

 

[Corporate Thug]

This is big news on Sports Nation. My wife was watching and told me about it. I saw the story about Drew Bree's contract negotiation whereas the Saints were offering a generous a little less than $18M per season (comparable to Brady and Manning) while Brees is demanding about $23M.

The first (unfiltered) thing out of my mouth was "Saints who wear black are not saints."

It would be great if any Saint's fans would chime in with their "feelings" on the greed and corruption unfolding before New Orleans fans ...

I'm a huge saints fan and I don't see any problem with the Brees contract negotiations. They guy is a to 5 QB and the biggest piece to the Saints rise to relevance. I think they will meet at the middle as usual somewhere in the 20 mil range.

 

[pyonir]

Oh yeah, that's right.

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

That's the only reason he admitted it, since he's no longer there. I hope the league punishes Williams too...otherwise it'll just be the Saints that get hit while one of the major players who encouraged it, gets off with no punishment and a ring to show for it.

 

[Muse]

OMG, if true (the link makes it abundantly clear that it is true) that really puts the lie on their name, Saints indeed! That tarnishes the whole post Katrina Drew Brees era renaissance of the team. What a shame. I really doubt they'll be a top echelon team for some time to come.

 

[Gibson486]

so....what will they call this? Damage gate? Hurt gate? Take out gate?

 

[pyonir]

so....what will they call this? Damage gate? Hurt gate? Take out gate?

Bountygate.

 

[dud]

I'm a huge saints fan and I don't see any problem with the Brees contract negotiations. They guy is a to 5 QB and the biggest piece to the Saints rise to relevance. I think they will meet at the middle as usual somewhere in the 20 mil range.

I am sorry that you are a "fan" of any of these prima-donnas but there is a relative new saying that goes "You get what you negotiate." These people take in more in one game than most "ordinary" people earn in 5 years or more.

Disgusting ... I am tempted to become either a socialist or communist ... whichever is worse.

 

[Balt]

The bounties offered wouldn't have even covered the fines for a lot of what is considered a dirty hit. Granted, there's plenty of stuff you can do that won't get fined.

So basically, a really stupid thing to do. In terms of dirty play, though, I don't rank the Saints very high on the list. I have to admit I was always a Saints fan growing up, though, so my judgment may be clouded.

Edit: Also it's very unfortunate for the Saints that the NFL is now being sued by former players for injuries sustained during play. The NFL is going to be harsh and set an example to show how 'tough' they have always been and how much they've always cared about players' welfare.

 

[EagleKeeper]

OMG, if true (the link makes it abundantly clear that it is true) that really puts the lie on their name, Saints indeed! That tarnishes the whole post Katrina Drew Brees era renaissance of the team. What a shame. I really doubt they'll be a top echelon team for some time to come.

When the Saints go MARCHING....

 

[EagleKeeper]

The bounties offered wouldn't have even covered the fines for a lot of what is considered a dirty hit. Granted, there's plenty of stuff you can do that won't get fined.

So basically, a really stupid thing to do. In terms of dirty play, though, I don't rank the Saints very high on the list. I have to admit I was always a Saints fan growing up, though, so my judgment may be clouded.

Amazing what can happen in a pile up/on

 

[SlitheryDee]

Bountygate.

Oh shit. Are we going to hear about this as much as pats fans hear about spy gate, cheat riots, and belicheats?

Fuckshitfuckshit

 

[Glitchny]

Oh shit. Are we going to hear about this as much as pats fans hear about spy gate, cheat riots, and belicheats?

Fuckshitfuckshit

You certainly should, as it is easily a greater offense than what happened with the Pats.

 

[Glitchny]

The bounties offered wouldn't have even covered the fines for a lot of what is considered a dirty hit. Granted, there's plenty of stuff you can do that won't get fined.

So basically, a really stupid thing to do. In terms of dirty play, though, I don't rank the Saints very high on the list. I have to admit I was always a Saints fan growing up, though, so my judgment may be clouded.

Edit: Also it's very unfortunate for the Saints that the NFL is now being sued by former players for injuries sustained during play. The NFL is going to be harsh and set an example to show how 'tough' they have always been and how much they've always cared about players' welfare.

Saints 3rd most penalized team from 09-11

The first chart, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information, shows the Saints ranking third from 2009 to 2011 in penalties for unnecessary roughness, facemasking, roughing the passer, personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct.

 

[Nintendesert]

Roger Goodell needs to Katrina that team! Really lame way to ruin such a remarkable resurgence in popularity and toss away all the good they did for the state and city after the hurricane.

 

[DrewSG3]

Coaches need to be suspended, included Payton