We recently posted about the “Bounty Fund” that was established within the Saints Football Team that paid players to deliver game ending hits to opposing players. Â Since then former Saints Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams has spoken up addressing his involvement in the fund, as well as other players, former players, and other NFL employees. Â Check the jump to see what people around the league have to say about this system of play!
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Gregg Williams apologized Friday for his role in a bounty program that rewarded players for injuring opponents while he was with the New Orleans Saints.
Now the defensive coordinator in St. Louis, Williams and the Saints could be subject to significant penalties, including suspensions, fines and the loss of draft picks.
“It was a terrible mistake, and we knew it was wrong while we were doing it,” Williams said. “Instead of getting caught up in it, I should have stopped it. I take full responsibility for my role. I am truly sorry. I have learned a hard lesson and I guarantee that I will never participate in or allow this kind of activity to happen again.”
Williams has been known for his aggressive, physical defenses both as a coordinator with four NFLÂ teams and as head coach in Buffalo. Several Redskins told the Washington Post that Williams used a similar system when he was their defensive coordinator.
An NFL investigation found between 22 and 27 defensive players were involved in the program administered by Williams, with the knowledge of coach Sean Payton.
Commissioner Roger Goodell did not hand out any punishment and will meet with the NFL Players Association and individual players to discuss appropriate discipline.
“Health and safety is a paramount issue to the NFLPA,” the union said in a statement. “The NFLPA was informed of this investigation by the NFL earlier today and will review the information contained in the league’s report.”
Williams often has told his players that defenses are “respected when they’re feared.” Opponents, including Brad Childress when he was coaching the Vikings, have questioned whether Williams’ units went over the edge of fair play.
Childress suggested the Saints were trying to hurt Brett Favre during the 2009 NFC title game.
Former defensive end Philip Daniels, now the Redskin’s director of player development, said the most he received was $1,500 for a four-sack game against the Dallas Cowboys in 2005; player performance bonuses are outlawed by the NFL.
“I think it is wrong the way they’re trying to paint (Williams),” Daniels added. “He never told us to go out there and break a guy’s neck or break a guy’s leg. It was all in the context of good, hard football.”
Two-time NFL MVP and former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner said it was “troubling” to learn Friday of a bounty hit-and-reward system.
“They have a completely different perspective on it than I do,” Warner said. “Your kids are sitting there watching and they realize, this guy’s trying to hurt your dad, trying to knock him out. It takes on a whole different meaning for me than maybe it did for me in the competitive (playing) part of it.”
Source USA Today
