Bountygate was over five years ago, but it's still fresh on the mind of New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton.
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The NFL made matters worse for Payton after the league hired former Saints defensive Mike Cerullo, who was the whistleblower during the scandal. Payton tweeted that the hiring of Cerullo was "troubling."
Related: The Saints were apparently not the only team with a bounty program
Payton was suspended for a year for the Saints for Bountygate, and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was also suspended. Several players were suspended, and the Saints lost two draft picks.
Cerullo provided the evidence to the NFL that the Saints had a bounty program, and now he works for the NFL. ESPN's Mike Triplett reported that Cerullo won't have a role in disciplining players, but Payton believes it's a conflict of interest.
"NFL spokesman Michael Signora said Cerullo works closely with senior vice president of football administration and club services Rod Graves on matters related to club administration and development, as well as supporting efforts involving college all-star games and project management," Triplett reported.
It's clear why Payton isn't a fan of the move, and he has every right to be displeased with the league hiring Cerullo. Even if Cerullo isn't responsible for discipline, Payton and the Saints likely feel like league won't be on their side.
[h/t Bleacher Report]
