Tagged: bounty program

NEW YORK (AP) — A former U.S. attorney hired by the NFL to evaluate its investigation of the New Orleans Saints' bounty program says the evidence shows payments were handed out and received for some hits on targeted opponents. She adds the players always had the option to say no, but didn't.

NEW YORK (AP) — New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has been suspended without pay for the entire 2012 season by the NFL. He was one of four players suspended Wednesday. Defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, now with the Green Bay Packers, is suspended for eight games, while Saints defensive end Will Smith is barred for four games. Linebacker Scott Fujita will miss three games and all of the suspensions are without pay. 

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Saints' 2012 regular season bye comes in Week 6, meaning interim head coach Joe Vitt's six-game suspension won't end until after the Saints play at Tampa Bay in Week 7. The Saints open the regular season at home against Washington.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Saints are done with their first day of voluntary workouts and there was no sign of quarterback Drew Brees. Brees was in New York on Monday to join players' union officials at NFL offices to discuss the team's bounty program. It's not clear when Brees might join Saints teammates for workouts. He's seeking a long-term contract extension.