New Orleans Saints

[kann]

Ouch.

I don't necessarily equate this with the cheating "asterisk*" that now hangs over the Patriots. I see it more as Karma revealing herself as the bitch she is. It's going to be a long season in the Crescent City...

 

[ironpeddler]

If you play with fire, you're gunna to get burnt...

 

[CBoukal]

I agree it needs to be stopped, and maybe this will set an example, but to think that every team doesn't have this is crazy. OK maybe the Colts, Vikings, and Ram's are excused but come on everyone else is doing the same thing.

 

[tomthirtysix]

As a Buccaneers fan, I feel the punsihments were a good start, but should have been more severe.

 

[kann]

As a Raiders fan, I recall hearing something like this from many years ago. Los Angeles era, I believe. No doubt it is more prevalent than just the Saints, they just happened to be the ones who got caught and tried to brush it away. If it wasn't NO, it would have been another team, and THOSE fans would be crying bullpucky.

 

[ilikefishes]

New Orleans was approached by the NFL in 2010 or earlier. They flat out lied and tried to cover up their transgressions. Then they continued their behavior knowing full well the microscope they were under. It think the penalties are so severe because of the fact that they were not honest and transparent in the process.

 

[coopsdeloops]

I don't know what the Saints are complaining about. They got a freaking Super Bowl out of it. How many other teams would suspend they're coach for a year to win a Super Bowl this year? *31 other teams raise their hands*

 

[kann]

Oakland dumped two coaches mid-stream and still have nothing to show for it...

 

[Dozerhead]

New Orleans was approached by the NFL in 2010 or earlier. They flat out lied and tried to cover up their transgressions. Then they continued their behavior knowing full well the microscope they were under. It think the penalties are so severe because of the fact that they were not honest and transparent in the process.

Exactly. Most people don't realize that they were busted for this in 2009 by the NFL. They weren't punished or disciplined back then but were told to cease and desist. Rather than complying they continued with the program and then flat out lied about it when the league go wind of it again. While the punishment may seemingly be harsh, they got what they deserved, imo.

 

[Light this!]

I feel the punishment was too harsh and crippled an entire team. Belichik and the entire NFL was warned via memo before spy gate. Belichick did it again and Sheriff Goodell was in my opinion too lenient. Sean Peyton lied and Belichick didn't that's the difference. I'm a Giants fan so I don't give a shoot about either team. The Sheriff has been consistent on handing down stiff fines and punishments but I think the Pats go off easy. Double standard?

 

[ironpeddler]

New Orleans was approached by the NFL in 2010 or earlier. They flat out lied and tried to cover up their transgressions. Then they continued their behavior knowing full well the microscope they were under. It think the penalties are so severe because of the fact that they were not honest and transparent in the process.

X2

 

[Smokin'Sims]

While I don't like the punishment I can't disagree with it. I saw on ESPN the Senate is getting involved. Don't they have better things to do than worry about bounties in the NFL? A question to you are all bounties bad? I would say that anything that promotes injury to another player yes, but a bonus for a fumble recovery or interception? So is the bounty system itself bad, or simply what the bounty is on?

 

[ilikefishes]

I would have to say that in it's essence all bounties are bad. However, giving someone an incentive for playing hard and recovering a fumble, or an interception is not in any way close to a bounty. So, I would have to answer your question with this. Bounties are bad, paying for performance is good. Even making a hit that forces a fumble is not bad if you are not doing it to hurt someone, but to get a desired affect of forcing the fumble. JMHO.