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METAIRIE, La.— Sean Payton apologized Friday for the bounty system under which Saints players were offered payouts for big hits on opponents, saying he takes "full responsibility" for the program that operated for three years under his watch.

"I share and fully support the league's concerns and goals on player safety," the New Orleans coach said in a written statement released by the team. "It is, and should be paramount.

"Respecting our great game and the NFL shield is extremely important to me," Payton added, referring to the league's famous logo.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday suspended Payton for the 2012 season, effective April 1, one of several unprecedented penalties he issued against the Saints.



Read more: Sean Payton takes responsibility for Saints scandal - NFL - Sporting News

spkb25

I am the biggest saints fan out there, but now we know why the penalties we're so stiff. You can't be warned and then continue doing it. I don't think our season is done, and I look for us to compete for a championship. Who dat!

SloMotion

Responsibility for the conduct of the team does ultimately fall upon the H/C. What's done is done, get busy on that appeal!

Danno

He should play nice, because his actions can still affect the decisions King Roger makes regarding player suspensions.

If he whines and complains, Roger may decide to hammer our players too. If he plays nice, our grand poobah may be a bit more lenient.

OldMaid

Wrong . Bounty thing was wrong. Was warned to stop as were other teams. Saints did not. Wrong. Ok. Got a punishment. Seany is in the corner for a year. Absurd, but ok. Nice press release from him as is expected. You have to say soemthing to the Saints organization, fans, and NFL. Done.
Nice and sweet. Last week's news.
How long is this thing going to be harped on? Enough.
Saints are not done.
Spags , HC , we think. Players , owners, fans in ticket sales which matters, money bottom line, roll out 2012. Play the game. Play the game in more ways than one, .
I agree with spkb there
I really don't think Saints' players will come under King Roger too much. Player's Union protects the palyers and sort of handles some things for them. Show proof of players acting dangerous, beuyond the legal bounds of agressive tackle football.

Marlboro Man

It's ok Sean, we know Goodell was standing there with a loaded gun to your head when you made that statement.

ChrisXVI

We've got your back Sean and the Saints are going to ball-up in your honor next season. We're going to shove it up the NFL's ass by showing them that they can't keep us down. In fact, thank you Goodell for building up that chip on the Saints shoulder and giving us the inspiration to prove that we're not some red-headed stepchild.

QBREES9

Coach lost 5 million dollars for the season.

neugey

This repeated litany of "protecting the shield" makes it sound like we live in some dystopian world with an all-powerful ruling capitol. Will the NFL be like the Hunger Games in 200 years?

QBREES9

Maybe.