Commish talks tough on Saints' PaytonÂ

Commish talks tough on Saints' Payton 

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Sean Payton appeals his suspension for his part in the Saints BountyGate.

Roger Goodell will hear Sean Paytons appeal on his one-season BountyGate suspension this week, but he wont be wearing one of those Free Sean Payton T-shirts that have been popping up in New Orleans.

If Payton is smart, he wont be wearing one, either.

Payton met with Goodell just two weeks ago it was their second meeting and it came just two days before the commissioner handed out the penalties in one of the worst scandals in NFL history. So, its likely that if Payton had any bombshell evidence that would have prompted leniency, he would have presented it then. Its unlikely Goodell is going to overrule himself and reduce Paytons suspension. He doesnt seem concerned about the blacklash in the Big Easy.

We have 32 clubs. We have rules in the league. When rules are violated for three consecutive years and they deny it, there are going to be consequences, Goodell said Monday. Thats the way it works. We have fans in 31 other markets that want to make sure the game is played the right way. I know the fans in New Orleans are frustrated by what happened and I understand that. They also want the game to be played the right way. Were going to ensure that. My job is the credibility of the NFL.

Goodell said he will take any new information into consideration. He has promised an expedited decision. I f Paytons suspension for the entire 2012 season sticks, its expected the interim job will be offered to Bill Parcells, who is Paytons mentor.

If Parcells steps in to coach the Saints this year, it will help restore some of the credibility the franchise lost as a result of BountyGate.

Bill is a great coach, Goodell said. Im sure he will add a lot of personality and intrigue and hes as competitive as they get. So, Im sure he will do a great job.

The NFL Players Association sent a contingent to the league offices Monday to discuss the player involvement in BountyGate. The league said between 22 and 27 Saints took part.

Goodell said the league has talked to players in the past who denied BountyGate was going on, but said he had heard from dozens of players over the last several weeks and theyve been very open.