(Image Source:  The Times-Picayune )

BY ANDREW CARTER

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA


Caught on tape.
Former New Orleans Saints Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams --- calling for bounty hits on the San Francisco 49ers during last season’s playoffs.
The Sporting News has -- the cleaned up version of that clip .

“We hit [expletive] Smith right there. (Williams points to his chin). Remember me, I’ve got the first one, I’ve got the first. (Williams rubs fingers together indicating cash payment) Go lay that [expletive] out.”

Documentary filmmaker Sean Pamphilon released the audio recording from last season.
ESPN reporter and former player Darren Woodson says, for the most part, the speech is the norm for a Saturday night “rah rah”.  But Woodson says it’s the specifics that raise concern.

“I think where it gets specific, when he starts to name, names, as far as Michael Crabtree going after the ACL. Taking Vernon Davis and going after the ankles, and Kyle Williams going after the head, concussion. I think that’s when specifically, that’s when it goes overboard.”

NBC Sports says it didn’t know what Williams was thinking by making those statements in front of a loaded camera.

“The answer is that Williams was thinking Pamphilon was with the Saints to make a private recording for former Saint Steve Gleason and his family. The men in the Saints’ locker room had no idea Pamphilon was ever going to make what he saw and heard public.”

Saint’s player Malcolm Jenkins has criticized Pamphilon for releasing what he calls -- private information -- for money and for taking advantage of Steve Gleason.
Pamphilon defends himself in a USA Today article .

“Some will call me releasing this audio for fame or money grab. True haters will call it exploitation. People of character and conscience call it was it is; true.”

Williams is already serving a one-year suspension from the league.
Some bloggers believe this recording will end his career.
But much like Michael Vick was compelled to become a spokesman against dog cruelty — an SI reporter believes the NFL should use Williams as an example for player safety.

“His willingness to change can help bring about the change the league seeks. Far from making Williams disappear, the NFL would do well to someday soon let him and his story take center stage.”

In addition to Williams’ suspension, the NFL also sacked Saints’ Head Coach Sean Payton for a year.
Payton was reportedly not in the room when Williams gave the recorded speech.
Payton’s suspension is under review.