There is big news today in the football world. New Orleans Saints are guilty of allowing bountys on other players. Somewhere in the area of 22-27 players along with former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams are all said to be at fault. NFL investigators found that this had been going on for the past three seasons. A bounty is when players are paid for monstrous hits including cart-offs, fumble returns, and knock-outs. Knock-outs were said to reach $1,500 each. Saints owner Tom Benson, was said to have told the general manager Michael Loomis to stop this program, but did not take the steps to stop the program. “I want to express my sincere regret and apology to the NFL, Mr. Benson, and the New Orleans Saints fans for my participation in the ‘pay for performance’ program while I was with the Saints,” Williams said in a statement. “It was a terrible mistake, and we knew it was wrong while we were doing it. Instead of getting caught up in it, I should have stopped it. I take full responsibility for my role. I am truly sorry. I have learned a hard lesson and I guarantee that I will never participate in or allow this kind of activity to happen again.” Roger Goodell is still determing the appropriate punishment.
It’s going to be real interesting to see what the NFL does about this because I think they have the opportunity to really make their point about player safety. With regards to the bounties themselves I think it’s absolutely horrible that this is necessary in a league that is based on violence. But with that being said we know this isn’t the first and probably won’t be the last instance of the bounty program. The Saints and Gregg Williams and the rest have done a terrible thing and should be punished. It’ll be crazy to see how this affects their reputation and how this punishment as well as the public ramifications compare to that of Spygate. Also, you think you could take a look at my blog cuz I’d love to know what you have to say http://chrisross91.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/saints-bounty-scandal-overblown/