The NFL has upheld suspensions for members of the New Orleans Saints organization over the team?s bounty payments, including a one-year ban for head coach Sean Payton.
Payton?s suspension without pay will begin April 16, the league said in a statement.
General manager Mickey Loomis will be suspended for eight games, while assistant coach Joe Vitt will serve a six-game ban.
Commissioner Roger Goodell heard the appeals Thursday after finding that former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams had paid players for hits that injured opponents. The NFL said Payton tried to cover up the payments after the league started making inquiries.
The Saints were also fined $500,000 and forced to surrender second-round draft picks in 2012 and 2013.
The league said Goodell may consider reducing the financial losses of Payton, Loomis and Vitt if the organization meets certain conditions.
?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.
?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.?
Williams, now with the St. Louis Rams, received an indefinite suspension but did not file an appeal.
Loomis and Vitt will begin serving their suspensions after the preseason.
?At the conclusion of their suspensions, the commissioner will review the status of each of the three individuals to determine their eligibility for reinstatement,? the NFL said.
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