There was talk about possibilities of leaving but no one said he was absolutely gone.

Not trying to be a jerk, or start a big argument, but actually -- Fletcher Mackel of WDSU did predict Payton was going to be gone, on more than one occasion. He almost seemed to revel in it, like he couldn't wait for the sky to fall and bad news to happen to the team. He also proclaimed it was "the end of an era of Saints football" and predicted the end of Drew's career, when Brees missed one game. These are quotes from him, I'm not making this up.

I don't doubt what you're saying about Fletcher Mackel, and actually I think I remember that. But there again, you said "predicted". That's what I'm talking about. There are trolls who want to make statements, with nothing to go on, but they are just giving their opinion. They aren't lying. They're just wrong.

And then there are reports that actually claim there are negotiations going on. But no one is saying it's a done deal. That's why I'm not all worked up about it. It's just an overreaction by the media, but not anything I deem as malicious.

No one said there was anything malicious. We actually agree on this subject. By saying that Payton was on his way out, or even considering leaving, was not a lie. It was simply a total lack of reporting on actual fact instead of stating as fact baseless speculation by blogging hacks.

Gullible fans then freak out and think the worst for no reason whatsoever. I repeat what I said earlier that it is stupidity to believe what you hear on talk radio and opinion pieces from many so-called insiders.

I kinda wish all the hand-wringing was on a different thread.

My personal feeling about Sean Payton's announcement is this:

Unfortunately some people aren't happy unless they **** on someone's parade