The NFL has suspended New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton for the upcoming season, one of a slew of harsh punishments thrust on the team for its bounty program, whereby players were rewarded for injuring opponents on the field. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has been banned indefinitely from the league, while general manager Mickey Loomis has been sidelined for the first eight games of the 2012 season and assistant coach Joe Vitt will sit out the first six. The Saints are also being forced to give up second-round draft picks this year and in 2013, in addition to paying a $500,000 fine. The Washington Redskins are also being investigated for operating a similar blood-money system from 2004 to 2007.
