Bounty-ful Punishment

"It goes way beyond the rules of any sporting contest, at least team contest, to intentionally inflict harm on another person for a financial reward." — Senator Dick Durbin.

Aside from the Peyton Manning drama, the fun of free agency, and possible rule changes, one story has dominated the NFL headlines the past month — the bounty scandal involving the New Orleans Saints. On Wednesday the NFL doled out punishment to the franchise, coaches, and administrators involved. And what a punishment it was.

Saints' head coach Sean Payton was suspended, without pay, for a year. Gregg Williams, former defensive coordinator, was suspended indefinitely. Micky Loomis, Saints' general manager, was suspended for eight games. And Joe Vitt, assistant head coach, was suspended for six games. In addition, the Saints will lose second round draft picks each of the next two years and $500,000. It's a stiff penalty, and the player penalties haven't even been announced yet.

Understandably, there has been much debate about this topic. And, now, the United States Senate will hold hearings to discuss the idea of bounties. Doubtless this will cast a shadow on the legacy of all those involved and, sadly, the Saints, whose resurgence has been a boon to the city of New Orleans.

When the bounty scandal first broke, I read an article that said Payton and Loomis should be fired. I couldn't understand the logic at the time. It seemed harsh and like an over-reaction. But as the story has continued, and the facts of the situation have come out, my opinion has changed.

As a football fan, I'm grieved by this story. Not because it's cheating. Not because of the long-term damage to the Saints. But because this represents the worst of professional sports and personal conduct among athletes and celebrities.

I have long struggled with the disparity between how athletes and celebrities are treated for their off-the field transgressions and that of how average people are treated. Sometimes — such as in the case of Michael Vick — the system works. That's why I love the Vick story. He did something terrible, paid a huge price for it, and has worked to rebuild his life, reputation, and career. That, I would like to think, is how things should work in America.

Which brings me to Payton and the Saints. Their transgressions were on the field, yes, but in reading the accounts, Payton is guilty of gross misconduct off the field as well. By all accounts, he lied not only to the NFL, but to his own boss, the Saints owner. Not only that, he allowed and, quite possibly, participated in the bounty program, which shows a disgusting lack of sportsmanship and class. And they did it for years.

I admire Payton's talent as a coach and play caller, but that cannot make up for this incredible lack of character and justice. The NFL suspended him for a year, which is a harsh on-the-field penalty, but it's hard to see how the Saints can justify keeping him employed at all.