(Image source: The Times-Picayune )

BY BLAKE HANSON

What was a high point in the Saints football history may be sinking to a new low. A new NFL investigation shows former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and more than 20 players chipped in toward a pool of money — then awarded the dough to players who injured opponents. Here’s CBS This Morning with details...

“The NFL says the New Orleans Saint violated the league’s ‘bounty rule’ and may face stiff fines.”
“The bounties were paid to those who hurt opponents, hitting them hard enough to knock them out of the game.”

The New York Times reports the pool paid $1,500 for knocking a player out of a game and $1,000 when an opponent was carted off the field. Payouts doubled or tripled during the playoffs. Media outlets have been quick to dub this the next big NFL scandal — with some already calling it “BountyGate”. Bleacher Report writes...
 

“Though [Saints Owner Tom Benson] tried to stop it, his once-honorable franchise now has a black cloud that hovers worse than SpyGate … New England tried to gain a competitive edge by stealing signals through videotape … What happened in New Orleans was and is of absolute criminal behavior.”

According to the NFL, Saints head coach Sean Payton knew about the program — but did nothing to stop it. Fox Sports columnist Greg Couch calls for a harsh punishment...

“ … Sean Payton didn’t help to put the system in place, but did nothing when he found out about it. Nothing. Didn’t stop it. Didn’t look into it. Didn’t tell anyone that they shouldn’t do it.
If that’s true, then Sean Payton should be fired.”

But CSN’s Ray Didinger says this happens more than you think...
 

“Not surprised that this sort of thing goes on, because I think most people in pro football know this sort of goes on. But to have it documented to this degree”
“ … that’s the surprise.”

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter says the impact will reach much further than just the individuals involved...

“We’ve never seen something this exhaustive and this conclusive in regards to a team engaging in this type of behavior.”
“This is a monster blow from the NFL security department.”

Some of the alleged targets of this program: Brett Farve and Kurt Warner. Williams has apologized for his involvement. The NFL has yet to issue its punishment...