Sean Payton's one-year suspension, effective on April 1, came as a shock not only to the entire sports world, but to the New Orleans Saints head coach himself. The NFL Network's Jay Glazer interviewed Payton immediately following commissioner Roger Goodell's decision. Payton was reportedly stunned.
Saints Punishment: Sean Payton Stunned, Didn’t Expect 1-Year Suspension
“I did talk to him and he’s stunned to say the least,” Glazer said. “I think the entire team thought maybe there’d be a four-game suspension, but not a year. I said, ‘Are you OK?‘ And he said, ‘No, I’m not OK.’ He is stunned. He’s going to lose about $8 million. He is beside himself here.”
Payton had anticipated a four-game suspension, and was set to appoint assistant head coach Joe Vitt as the interim leader of the Saints. Vitt was himself handed a six-game suspension, however, forcing New Orleans to come up with a Plan B. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, or defensive coordinator and former St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo may now be asked to take over the reigns.
For more on Payton’s suspension, be sure to stay tuned to SB Nation’s ongoing StoryStream, as well as Saints blog Canal Street Chronicles.
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