Offering players cash bonuses if they can inflict a bad enough injury on an opponent to knock him out of the game. This didn't take place during one game, but went on for three seasons. These players are paid millions to play at their very best. To think they needed extra incentive to injure an opposing player is sinking about as low as you can get.
We all know about all the chatter about player safety, but I guess that only applies to your own teams safety. It's naive to think this is an isolated case. What happens when a player is cut from the team or traded to another team? Does he keep the secret? What if he has a friend or relative on the other team? Does he condone intentionally inflicting a possibly career ending or life threatening injury?
Tom Benson, the owner, should be fined something in excess of a $million, with the fine going to the retired players disability fund. This is not the first time something like this has taken place in the league. The head coach should be fined 250K and suspended for five games without pay. He can deny knowing, but that doesn't get him off the hook.
Greg Williams was the defensive coordinator and the architect of the pay for injury bonus plan. He has made a statement admitting his participation. He is now the defensive coordinator for the Rams. The investigation will center around him and should uncover all the other participants and mete out proportional fines and suspensions.
The Saints gave their city a great lift after Hurricane Katrina. Everyone appreciates the intensity with which the game is played, but where do you draw the line. Is hiding a razor blade In your glove or squirting an irritant in the opponents eye going to far? It appears the players all kneeling down and crossing themselves after an opponent has been hurt is not as sincere as they would have you believe.