NFL Denies Saints' Appeal

NFL denies Saints' appeals

Updated: April 9, 2012, 1:18 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

The NFL upheld its discipline in the New Orleans Saints bounty case, meaning head coach Sean Payton will begin his year-long suspension April 16.

The league announced the penalties Monday, noting that the bans for general manager Mickey Loomis (eight games) and assistant coach Joe Vitt (six games) stand and will begin after the preseason.

"The club and the individuals will be expected to cooperate in any further proceedings and to assist in the development and implementation of programs to instruct players and coaches at all levels on principles of player safety, fair play, and sportsmanship," the league said in a statement. "If they embrace the opportunity and participate in a constructive way, Commissioner Goodell said he would consider mitigating the financial penalties on the individuals. In the case of the team, the commissioner would consider whether there are factors that would support modifying the forfeiture of the team's 2013 second-round draft choice."

Payton, Loomis and Vitt had an appeal hearing with the league on Thursday.

Well no matter how many times that they try. The Commish will not change his mind it seems. That is the price that Payton and others are paying for. Players to come next.