Re: Goodell upholds suspensions of Payton, Loomis, Vitt
 

[quote=Dirtbag59;907700]I think part of the reason behind the appeal was to buy some time for Payton to get everything set up before he left for the year. The process itself bought Payton 15 days (April 1 was the original suspension date now it's April 16).[/quote]

Yup, if anything this just bought him some more time. Plus the commish may reduce the fines if everything goes smoothly, and possibly reduce the severity of the draft pick.

Re: Goodell upholds suspensions of Payton, Loomis, Vitt
 

It's so peculiar that the Saints plan to name Joe Vitt the interim head coach, considering he can't coach the first six games of the season.

So he'll be the head coach until the opener, then they'll basically rotate responsibilities among the other assistants, and then Vitt comes back in week 7?

Re: Goodell upholds suspensions of Payton, Loomis, Vitt
 

[quote=SmootSmack;907906]It's so peculiar that [B]the Saints plan to name Joe Vitt the interim head coach[/B], considering he can't coach the first six games of the season.

So he'll be the head coach until the opener, then they'll basically rotate responsibilities among the other assistants, and then Vitt comes back in week 7?[/quote]

Wow. I would not have guessed that. In addition to the curious logistics of this move, it also seems a little like the Saints giving the middle finger to Goodell. - "Yeah, you suspended him, but we don't care".

Maybe it's not intended that way or perceived that way. At the same time, it just seems to me that the Saints organization is determined to do themselves no favors in this whole mess.

Re: Goodell upholds suspensions of Payton, Loomis, Vitt
 

[quote=SmootSmack;907906]It's so peculiar that the Saints plan to name Joe Vitt the interim head coach, considering he can't coach the first six games of the season.

So he'll be the head coach until the opener, then they'll basically rotate responsibilities among the other assistants, and then Vitt comes back in week 7?[/quote]

Yeah, I don't get that either. You would think they would want just one voice in the locker room throughout this whole punishment ordeal, but instead they're going to have some guy "run" the show from weeks 1-6 then have Vitt take over from there?

I know anything can happen, especially with Brees and that offense, but I'm starting to think the Saints are doomed to have a crappy season. Their defense was already a weak point and I don't think they will be able to have a good season throughout this mess.

Re: Goodell upholds suspensions of Payton, Loomis, Vitt
 

[url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7799825/retired-nfl-players-known-toughness-say-new-orleans-saints-gregg-williams-crossed-line]Retired NFL players known for toughness say the New Orleans Saints and Gregg Williams crossed the line - ESPN[/url]

Re: Goodell upholds suspensions of Payton, Loomis, Vitt
 

[quote=SmootSmack;908190][url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7799825/retired-nfl-players-known-toughness-say-new-orleans-saints-gregg-williams-crossed-line]Retired NFL players known for toughness say the New Orleans Saints and Gregg Williams crossed the line - ESPN[/url][/quote]

Very good article, glad to see this perspective and hopefully this will quiet down those fans who thing that Goodell is softening the league. There is always a risk in football, but bounties and erratic play are making it worst. You can still have quality football with the precaution that the league is taking.

Re: Goodell upholds suspensions of Payton, Loomis, Vitt
 

The Saints should bring in Zorn and Vinny for the year. I think every team should have to do that at least once.

Re: Goodell upholds suspensions of Payton, Loomis, Vitt
 

[quote=Ruhskins;908194]Very good article, glad to see this perspective and hopefully this will quiet down those fans who thing that Goodell is softening the league. There is always a risk in football, but bounties and erratic play are making it worst. [B] You can still have quality football with the precaution that the league is taking[/B].[/quote]

This.

Play hard, play to win, play safe. It is not impossible to do all three.

Re: Goodell upholds suspensions of Payton, Loomis, Vitt
 

[quote=CrustyRedskin;908196]The Saints should bring in Zorn and Vinny for the year. I think every team should have to do that at least once.[/quote]

That would ruin them for a decade, even on an interim basis.

He'll draft 5 WRs and sign Shaun Alexander.

Re: Goodell upholds suspensions of Payton, Loomis, Vitt
 

I'll give Williams credit for this

[url=http://www.ksn.com/news/local/story/Disgraced-coach-helps-with-storm-clean-up-in/0LoNpwCo3kidqyJr2hiWow.cspx]Disgraced coach helps with storm clean up in Wichita - KSN TV, Kansas News and Weather[/url]

Re: Goodell upholds suspensions of Payton, Loomis, Vitt
 

[url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7822994/new-orleans-saints-sean-payton-barred-all-league-contact-source-says]New Orleans Saints' Sean Payton barred from all league contact, source says - ESPN[/url]

Lol. Sean Payton is going to have a lot of fun not talking to anybody he knows. What's that leave? His wife?