I am officially announcing the new Abita Springs Cafe bounty...er...incentive program. One free soft shelled crab eggs Benedict to any Saints player who is responsible for a "cart off". One free Oyster poboy to any Saints player who is responsible for knocking an opposing player out of the game. All you can eat free breakfast for four for knocking some sense into Roger Goodell !!!!
And still, no one even talks about the 2 Giants players who admit they targeted the 49ers receiver who was coming off a concussion.
These are the things that tick me off. Also, what about the 49er's defense that bragged about all of the running backs they knocked unconscious? As players in the league, the money trail connection between their pay and their intentions to knock other players out is a lot more concrete than poker money wagering (aka "bounty" payments).
On the bright side, nola.com reminds us that because the suspensions come with no pay, that's money saved under the salary cap....about 2 million's worth that can go to Drew Brees.
Something else several people (on ESPN) have pointed out. The league says the Saints were repeatedly warned, and that plays into the severity of the penalties. But, did the players know about the warnings? We know Loomis/Payton were warned, but if they didn't pass that on to the players, then they didn't get the opportunity to police themselves.
Here is the other thing that I hope gets pursued. The NFL originally made the accusation that something like 22-27 former and current players were involved, but the league apparently only had enough evidence to merit suspending 4 players. If that is the case, did the NFL really have enough evidence to suspend Payton and Loomis? I want so bad to see Payton file a lawsuit over this.
What about Suh? He plays to kick, stomp and hurt opposing players... and what about the most heavily fined Steeler? Where's their year suspensions?
For a piece of Vilma's one year salary, I'm sure there is a good hungry lawyer out there somewhere that would take Goodell to court. If other's follow suit, Goodell will be broke quite soon having to ante up legal fees.
He's appealing with the help of the NFLPA, and the NFLPA would be willing to go to court over this if needed.
