Word first broke of the "Bounty Scandal" on March 2nd, when the NFL concluded their investigation after a Saints player tipped them off in 2010. The NFL also learned that 27 Saints defensive players were involved. The Saints defense only has 30 players on it.
Williams kept a whole list of earnings as well. Knock a guy out of a game? You'll find $1,000 coming your way. That total triples come playoff time.
Sean Payton wanted to make sure Williams made the Saints D "nasty".
He did way more than that.
It was also released that Gregg Williams led bounty systems throughout his time with the Bills, Redskins, and Titans/Oilers as well.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell needed to act swiftly in handing out his punishment, and that is exactly what he did.
Williams was suspended indefinitely, while Payton was given a one year suspension.
The news sent shockwaves through the NFL. Most were stunned at the severity of the punishment, especially Sean Payton's.
Now, it is apparent Goodell made a very wise decision.
Last week, both Payton and Williams appealed their suspension, with the hearing to be held in the very near future.
The likelihood of their suspensions being overturned have been sunk by one Sean Pamphilon
Pamphilon, a documentary filmaker, released audio of Gregg Williams meeting with the Saints before their playoff game with the 49ers. Pamphilon was recording for former Saints player Steve Gleason, who suffers from ALS.
What was recorded in that tape is almost unthinkable.
In the audio clip, Williams made several comments about taking out 49ers players such as Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, and Kyle Williams.
"We've got to do everything in the world to make sure we kill Frank Gore's head."
"The little wide receiver, number 10, about his concussion. We need to f-ing put a lick on him right now."
"He (Crabtree) becomes human when we f-ing take out that outside ACL."
I only wish I was making these quotes up.
There is a way to motivate your players before a big game. Then there is Gregg Williams.
Williams used the power given to him by the Saints organization to essentially hold his players hostage.
If they don't want to take out Michael Crabtree's ACL, then you can bet there a guy behind him who is willing to do so for a starting job.
The players are simply given the choice: do as your told, or find a job with a different team.
These NFL players, who banded together to endure an NFL lockout, the ones who played on the same college teams, are now expected to turn against each because they have been offered a few grand.
The athletes who have taken part in the Bounty fund have turned against their co-workers, and have severed the bond between themselves and other players.
The brotherhood of NFL players have been almost reduced to nothing. How can you go out and play football when in the back of your mind, you know someone could end your career for some extra cash.
The fact that former NFL players have admitted that it is a common practice in the NFL is even scarier.
Even worse, using "football is a violent sport" as an excuse is embarrassing.
It is almost as if football has never existed without bounties.
Thank you Captain Obvious, football is a dangerous sport. That does not mean that the Bounty System is right by any means.
Two wrongs certainly do not make one right.
The use of bounties have brought an added aspect of danger, and a part of the sport that is not needed.
Brutal collisions are natural in football, but when somebody brings the intent to harm someone else to the field, the game is no longer played the same.
Guys who used to play hard for the love of the game, have now been reduced to puppets.
Gregg Williams became the puppet master, and there was nothing the players could do about it.
Rat the Bounty System out to the league, and you have apparently done something more incredibly egregious paying to injure people.
At least that is how Gregg Williams taught it.
I commend Roger Goodell for putting his foot down. In a situation the NFL has never dealt with before, Goodell set the precedent with his massive punishment.
I guarantee that any team that was running the bounty program immediately ceased after hearing word of the punishment.
Meanwhile, people like the father of Kyle Williams can only hope Gregg Williams has criminal charges brought against him (which he is absolutely deserving of).
Through his actions, Gregg Williams has become no better than a Mafia head, ordering his players to take opponents out.
Williams has apologized repeatedly for his actions, but would only truly be sorry once a jail sentence was handed down to him.
For Payton, Williams and the Saints, I hope this was all worth it. The Bounty Scandal and its repercussions are far from over for any of them.
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