The NFL announced on Friday that 22 to 27 defensive players on the New Orleans Saints maintained a bounty program during the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons that targeted opponents with an intent to injure. A lengthy investigation found that payments were administered by then-defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who now serves the same role with the St. Louis Rams. At the height of this "pay for performance" program during the Saints' Super Bowl run in the 2009 playoffs, payouts might have reached a staggering $50,000.
-NFL.com
This takes competitive violence to a whole new level. As an avid football fan all my life, I have come to respect and appreciate the devastating hits produced during a game, but whats too far? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for jaw crushing hits. I've actively sputtered utter dis-taste for the ridiculous new "devastating hits" penalties. Personally I think they're crap and take away from the true origins of the game. That being said, placing a $50,000 award for breaking Kurt Warner's knee is a whole different story. I mean seriously? How does that not effect the game and how players play? Put in a position to sack Warner, instead of simply dragging him to the ground...lets see if we can land a quick shot to his ribs? Why not, if they break, there's 50 G's. Its one thing for players to think up this ridiculousness but its another for coaching and management to be not only allowing it but administering it. Sorry New Orleans but I wouldn't rule out a possible trophy pull here considering this was allegedly taking place in the 2010 super bowl run. I believe anything is fair game in terms of punishment for this one.
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