(The Spread) – New Orleans Saints fans got a little bit of good news on Monday when Roger Goodell said that he may allow Sean Payton to coach the team if he appeals his season-long suspension.
Goodell says Monday at the league meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., that should Payton appeal, he “probably” would let him continue coaching after April 1, when the suspension is to begin. Goodell says he would expedite the hearing and his decision on an appeal.
The commissioner also is waiting for recommendations from the players’ union before punishing any players for participating in the three-year bounty system that targeted opponents for big hits. He has discussed the bounties with NFLPA leader DeMaurice Smith.
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Goodell adds the league approached the Saints before their playoff game with the Lions in January and warned them to make sure the bounties had ceased.
Oddsmakers currently list the Saints’ odds to win the 2013 Super Bowl at 10/1. Before Goodell handed down punishment for the team’s “bounty program,” the Saints’ odds were 7/1 at most sports books. It should also be noted that Payton reportedly spoke with Bill Parcells about possibly coaching the Saints during his suspension.
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