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The NFL’s investigation regarding the use by the Saints of a bounty program began after a Super Bowl run that featured big hits on Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and Vikings quarterback Brett Favre.

“Our investigation began in early 2010 when allegations were first made that Saints players had targeted opposing players, including Kurt Warner of the Cardinals and Brett Favre of the Vikings,” Commissioner Goodell said in the league’s release announcing the determination that the “bounty” rules had been violated. “Our security department interviewed numerous players and other individuals. At the time, those interviewed denied that any such program existed and the player that made the allegation retracted his earlier assertions. As a result, the allegations could not be proven. We recently received significant and credible new information and the investigation was re-opened during the latter part of the 2011 season.”

That “significant and credible new information” possibly came from a former Saints player or coach with direct knowledge of the bounty program.

NFL.com news: Ex-Saints safety Sharper calls allegations of bounties 'ridiculous'

WhoDat!656

League says they have documentation and GW has already apologized for his role in it.

The Saints can't un-ring the bell now.

subguy

I don't really think this is damaging....stupid but not a real issue. Unless I am not fully seeing implications.

SaintPauly

What documentation? What forenics? Really? Where did they get it from? Who were the investigators? I think the fans, not to mention the people being "presumed guilty", have a right to see the damn evidence..... And by everything im reading, this has Gregg Williams written all over it! And how convenient for him to be already gone!

alleycat_126

Here's my thing, I have always said that since these fines the league had been dishing out had become so many in nature that players and coaches might set up some fund so that the defense could go out and play with a mind free off " How should I tackle this guy " or is this leagal, or not. I know this is not what that was, but that is how I would be thinking.

And I haven't seen this mentioned by anyone. Our Tackling has sucked since after the 09 season, I've seen no one on stretchers but our players ( Tracy Porter, Courtney Roby ). As much as you try you can't taint those victories. One you had refs in place who are supposed to call the game down the middle. So your telling me in 09 they were told in the Two just two years beyond winning that game we had the same thing done to us in San Fran!!!!

Witch hunt if you ask me!!!!!

Euphoria

I think there is either more to the story or not much to the story. I don't feel they have given us enough information for the public to decided for themselves what really happened yet.

Right now its just a rush to judgement and careful wording going on that there is no exact account to what happened.

Glad we aren't in the NCAA.

Another reason we should have got rid of GW in my opinion. I just didn't like what he was doing and rubbed me the wrong way after that first year. So glad the jerk is gone. But if you look at the way the D played it sort of makes sense... deliver a knock out hit and get money and fame in the locker room but to hell with technique when it comes to tackling?

Its not like this is a surprise... teams do this all the time. I am not scared of the NFL handing out punishments. I don't thing the Saints should be slapped with anything to heavy. I won't lose sleep over it. But if they have hard evidence and want to make examples then hit up the individuals hard for it so Loomis pays a fine. GW gets a fine and 4 game suspension.

E U P H O R I A

SanDiego49er

They could lose draft picks for this. Including a 1st rounder. You can't intentionally try to hurt other players for a bounty. That's not the spirit of the game. It's a physical rough game but it's not about intentionally hurting people for a bounty. That's beyond dirty.

The league says they have the documentation and some have already admitted to this apparently. If that's really the case punishment can and probably will be handed down.

SanDiego49er

I agree they can't un-ring it. It's pretty serious and it could have a punishment along with it.

SaintPauly

So i'm just curious..... No one believes what Sharper is saying? He has no reason to remain loyal to the organization.... Williams is obviously slime... He knew about it but did nothing? He had complete control over the defense, and he has already been exposed for doing it in Washington.... Bet he did it in Jacksonville... Now he wants to taint our team, because he isnt here anymore? No one, other than Williams has "confirmed" anything..... So im holding my judgement, until Payton, and Loomis release a statement....

SaintPauly

And as far as Benson's statement? He's so far out of the loop, anything he says is almost conjecture....