With his coach heading into long-term storage and his team in shambles, Drew Brees wasn't about to bite his tongue Wednesday.
I am speechless. Sean Payton is a great man, coach, and mentor. The best there is. I need to hear an explanation for this punishment
- Drew Brees (@drewbrees) March 21, 2012
Of course, if Brees is looking for an explanation, all he has to do is listen to what Commissioner Roger Goodell told Rich Eisen in an interview on NFL Network.
"This went on for three years, and it was investigated. We were misled, there were denials throughout that period," Goodell said. "Clearly, we were lied to. We investigated this back in 2010. We were told it was not happening, and it continued for another two years."
Goodell has earned a reputation for coming down hard when he wants to make a statement, and improving player safety appears to be a big part of what he wants his legacy to be. The "bounty" investigation proved to be a perfect storm.
The Saints (read: Payton) lied to the league (read: Goodell) about an issue that that "threatened the health and welfare" of NFL players. A one-year ban is harsh, but the explanation is out there.











