Tagged: New Orleans Saints

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. 

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says he's angry about allegations that his Superdome booth was wired so he could eavesdrop on opposing coaches radio conversations. Loomis spoke shortly before Thursday night's first round of the NFL draft. The Saints don't currently pick until Friday night's third round. 

NEW YORK (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league is still doing interviews regarding player punishments that likely will be handed down for the Saints' pay-for-hits bounty system. Goodell says he doesn't expect to issue a decision this week but says he's in the final stages of working on discipline involving the players. 

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Saints assistant head coach Joe Vitt says allegations that general manager Mickey Loomis had his Superdome booth wired so he could listen to opposing coaches "ludicrous." A joint Louisiana state police and FBI task force began investigating the allegations Tuesday.