Gregg Williams' Undertakers

On February 28^th 2012, it was reported that the New Orleans Saints have had a “bounty program” for the last three years that Gregg Williams has served as the team’s defensive coordinator.  The way this program works is players were rewarded financially for aggressive hits sometimes directed at particular players.  Apparently the “bounty program” was financed by members of the team.

In reaction to this news becoming public, Williams stated, "It was a terrible mistake, and we knew it was wrong while we were doing it.  Instead of getting caught up in it, I should have stopped it. I take full responsibility for my role. I am truly sorry. I have learned a hard lesson and I guarantee that I will never participate in or allow this kind of activity to happen again."  Question Gregg….How could you learn your lesson?  YOU HAVEN’T EVEN BEEN PENALIZED!

However, If I was Gregg Williams I wouldn’t apologize for anything!  He encouraged his players to play tough, what’s wrong with that?  When you play the game of football if you tackle someone without the intent to inflict pain, something is wrong.  The way the game is governed especially with Commissioner Roger Goodell’s strict fines and penalties for what he considers “dirty play”.  It’s extremely difficult for a team to purposely injure another player in a way which would be deemed “dirty”. 

It’s not as if Williams was sending his defense on the field with guns and brass knuckles.  Nor were the Saints paying these players officially with money from the front office.  This is no different than a bunch of friends betting each other a dollar a hole on the golf course.  The media has just taken it as another opportunity to scrutinize professional sports.  Get over it.