Tag: policy

Report: Sean Payton never paid fines for COVID-19 policy violations during 2020 season

ESPN reports Sean Payton never paid fines for violating the NFL’s COVID-19 policy in 2020, allegedly laughing at Jon Gruden for doing so:

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Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton made a cameo in a dynamite report from ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. and Seth Wickersham on the fall of longtime NFL personalities Jon Gruden (the ex-Las Vegas Raiders coach) and Dan Snyder (the soon-to-be former Washington Commanders owner). Payton has been close friends with Gruden for decades, dating back to their early careers together with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Back in the 2020 season at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, both Payton and Gruden were fined $100,000 for violating the league’s health and safety protocols after failing to properly cover their faces during a high-profile game at the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium. But ESPN reports that only Gruden paid up.

“I never paid the fine,” ESPN quotes Payton as telling Gruden, “You’re the only dumbf— that paid the fine.”

ESPN adds that Payton claimed multiple other coaches declined to pay their fines; the NFL issued discipline to a group including Pete Carroll (Seattle Seahawks), Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers), and Vic Fangio (Denver Broncos), though it’s unclear who Payton was allegedly referring to.

Payton has a famously frosty relationship with the NFL head office in New York stemming from the 2012 Bountygate scandal, so it’s not too surprising that he would refuse to pay up if not forced to. The Saints were later docked a 2022 sixth-round draft pick for additional COVID-19 policy violations, being the only team in the league to do so (the Raiders also initially forfeited a draft pick, but won it back upon appeal). We’ll have to wait and see whether Payton’s acrimonious relationship with league commissioner Roger Goodell has followed him to Denver.

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Michael Thomas deadlifts 530 pounds, says he’s been hit with random NFL drug screening

Michael Thomas deadlifted 530 pounds while recovering from toe surgery, later saying he was selected for random NFL banned-substance screening:

Michael Thomas hasn’t yet been cleared after November toe surgery (for what it’s worth, he has a deadline to pass a team physical coming up on April 21) but he’s hard at work training for the upcoming season. The New Orleans Saints wide receiver shared a video on social media of his work in the weight room, deadlifting an impressive 530 pounds with surprising ease.

But no one was more surprised than Thomas from what came next. He shared a message from an NFL representative asking to arrange a meeting for sample collection as part of the NFL’s performance enhancing substances testing policy. These are random tests, but the timing couldn’t be more suspect. Hopefully Thomas clears it and returns to work while preparing for a pivotal 2023 season.

Thomas has missed a lot of time recovering from ankle and toe injuries over the last three years, but he played a big part in recruiting free agent quarterback Derek Carr this offseason and hopes to reestablish himself as one of the league’s best receivers now that he has a proven passer to work with. We’ll see how it all shakes out over the summer.

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Browns announce cold weather allowances for fans attending Week 16 Saints game

Browns announce cold weather allowances for fans attending Week 16 Saints game, allowing guests to bring their own blankets and thermos:

Hey, that’s generous of them: the Cleveland Browns announced that fans attending Week 16’s game with the New Orleans Saints may bring some of their own accommodations in light of the severe winter weather impacting the area. With temperatures plunging near zero overnight and kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET/noon CT on Saturday, the Browns are allowing fans to bring their own blankets, thermos, and portable chargers for heated apparel.

Of course there are some stipulations. Thermoses are limited to a volume of 20 ounces, size restrictions are in effect for batteries (non dry cells only, please), and battery packs must be disconnected during security checks at the gates. You can get more into the specifics from the team’s release here.

And props to you if you’re braving the winter storm and making the trip. There have been nationwide travel complications in recent days and many members of the Saints media corps have been unable to travel to Cleveland themselves due to flight cancellations. With strong wind gusts and several inches of snow in the forecast, this is shaping up for quite a unique spectacle for any Saints fans visiting Ohio. Travel safely, and be mindful of any local weather advisories.

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Saints release statement on Superdome capacity, vaccination requirements

Saints release statement on Superdome capacity, vaccination requirements

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced new public health and safety measures on Thursday that require proof of vaccination or a negative test result for admittance to indoors bars, restaurants, and venues like Caesars Superdome due to the latest surge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

And the New Orleans Saints soon released a statement outlying their compliance with this policy and how to make the process as smooth as possible for fans visiting their home games, which you can read here. Be prepared to show up early on game days, and above all else, remember to practice patience with the Superdome staff putting these policies into practice.

But the gist of the message is this: following these rules is the only way to ensure the Saints enjoy a home crowd at full capacity during the 2021 season. Anyone purchasing tickets must present either their vaccination card (or a photo of it on their phone; the team recommends the LA Wallet app, though it isn’t available for out-of-state visitors) or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of kickoff. Additionally, masks must be worn at all teams inside the Superdome when not eating or drinking.

It’s not an ideal situation, but that’s life during a pandemic. Delta-variant infections of the coronavirus are on the rise nationwide, and measures like these are the only way to ensure this year’s Saints season kicks off safely. Here’s hoping all goes well in the months ahead.

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Ravens announce mask policy ahead of Week 1 preseason game vs. Saints

The Baltimore Ravens require fans to wear masks indoors at M&T Bank Stadium, starting with their New Orleans Saints preseason game:

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The Baltimore Ravens announced Wednesday that fans visiting M&T Bank Stadium must adhere to Baltimore City’s COVID-19 guidelines, beginning with Saturday’s preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. This applies to any Saints fans making the trip, so here is what you need to know:

“All ticketed fans will be required to wear an approved face covering at all times when in an indoor area of M&T Bank Stadium, regardless of vaccination status, unless actively eating or drinking.

The indoor face covering requirement will include, but is not limited to, retail stores, restrooms, the Club Level concourse, elevators, corridors, suites, first aid rooms, Guest Service Locations and the Press Level.

Masks must be worn on the Club Level concourse. However, masks will not be required in the Club Level seating bowl. Mask wearing will be required inside suites but not required on suite balconies.”

While M&T Bank Stadium is an outdoor venue, similar policies are in effect for New Orleans’ own enclosed Caesars Superdome. City communications director Beau Tidwell said on Tuesday that: “The citywide mask mandate is in effect. The Dome is in the city. Anybody at the Dome is going to be expected to be wearing a mask regardless of any other changes that may or may not be made. So the expectation is that everybody is going to be masked up.”

New Orleans will host its first preseason game on Aug. 23 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and barring a change of course fans will be expected to wear masks inside the Superdome. Just as they did last year. The latest wave of COVID-19 infections have prompted sustained public health policies around the country. While indoor capacity has not been restricted within New Orleans, it does appear we aren’t quite “back to normal” as hoped for the Saints’ 2021 season.

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It’s unclear how long David Onyemata could be suspended under new CBA

It’s unclear how long David Onyemata could be suspended under new CBA

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Losing David Onyemata for any length of time will be a tough break for the New Orleans Saints, but that’s where they’re headed after the defensive tackle announced Friday morning that he is facing a suspension “for part of the 2021 NFL season” following a positive test result for a banned substance.

But it could take some time before we know what Onyemata tested positive for, meaning no one knows exactly how long he could be suspended. The new NFL-NFLPA collective bargaining agreement differentiates between performance-enhancing drugs.

Under the new CBA, players who fail a test for stimulants or diuretics must miss two games (five games for a second violation), while a first failed test for steroids would mean a six-game suspension (and all 17 games for a second failed test). According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, “manipulation and or substitution and use of a prohibited substance” nets an eight-game suspension.

So in the best case scenario, Onyemata only misses the first two matchups against the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers. At worst, he could lose six or eight games, meaning he won’t be available until after New Orleans’ Week 6 bye.

On top of all this, we still don’t know if Marshon Lattimore will be suspended following his offseason arrest in Cleveland. The Saints could potentially face Aaron Rodgers and the Packers without their best defensive tackle and their top cornerback. That’s obviously not ideal.

It’s complicated by Onyemata’s single-game suspension in 2019 for violating the NFL’s marijuana policy at the time, which was rewritten under the new CBA. Punishments under the league’s previous substance-abuse policy should not impact the current policy for performance-enhancing drugs, but it’s a murky situation given the lack of details. Stay tuned as more information becomes available.

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NFL ditches 1-helmet policy paving way for Seahawks throwback uniforms

The NFL will be eliminating its one-helmet policy, paving the way for the Seattle Seahawks to introduce new throwback uniforms.

The NFL has announced a small rule change that could very well have a major impact on the Seattle Seahawks. Every offseason, the league constantly tweaks the rules to improve its product, and on Thursday morning, the NFL decided to ditch the one-helmet policy starting in 2022.

How does this impact the Seahawks? Two words . . . Throwback. Uniforms.

Since 2013 the NFL has implemented a one-helmet policy in its constant effort to make the game safer for players. The idea behind the policy was to have one set of helmets for the players with strict safety standards and custom fitting. Removing other sets of helmets that might not have been up to the NFL’s code was the intent.

However, this truly limited uniform options for a lot of clubs. Teams like the Rams, Dolphins and Bills were able to still keep their throwback uniforms because they could simply change the logo decal on their helmets to match an older design. But it eliminated throwback options for teams like the Patriots, Buccaneers and of course, the Seahawks.

This policy was always the hang-up for the Seahawks when it came to throwback uniforms. Now the NFL is allowing alternate helmets as long as teams abide by the same safety guidelines. This rule change paves the way for the team to once again don their original colors of royal blue and silver, with the classic logo design inspired by the coastal Kwakwaka’wakw tribe.

Teams have until July 31 to announce if they plan to wear alternate helmets for 2022, presumably to give the league’s uniform sponsor, Nike, time to develop new threads for the organizations.

Although the Seahawks haven’t announced if they will wear the throwback uniforms next season, it’s hard to imagine they won’t. The 12th Man has long clamored for a return to the uniforms the Seahawks wore from their inception in 1976 through the 2001 season. Why wouldn’t they? It’s an iconic look completely unique to the Pacific Northwest.

It doesn’t take elite detective skills to locate a throwback Steve Largent, Cortez Kennedy, or even Shaun Alexander jersey in Seattle on gameday.

Not for nothing, if the Seahawks don’t decide to wear throwback uniforms they would be passing up a goldmine in new merchandise sales to hungry 12s.

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Sean Payton jokes about deploying vuvuzelas to improve Superdome crowd noise

Saints coach Sean Payton shared his latest joking suggestion to improve homefield advantage at the Superdome during COVID-19 restrictions.

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How can the New Orleans Saints upgrade their home field advantage with depressed crowd numbers due to COVID-19 restrictions? One idea Saints coach Sean Payton floated on Friday was to gift the 3,500 spectators in attendance with individual vuvuzela horns to bray throughout their upcoming playoff game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Vuvuzelas rose to prominence during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with South African soccer fans droning on as an endless bass tone buzzing beneath tournament broadcasts. Unfortunately, artificial noise makers of any kind remain banned per most NFL fan conduct policies.

It’s not the first far-fetched idea Payton has suggested to juice up the home crowd in this odd season. He also joked about quarantining 50,000 volunteers in hotels around the New Orleans area, though the logistics aren’t feasible for that plan. He’ll just have to make do like everyone else and find new ways to keep his team energized and ready for whatever Tom Brady’s squad throws at them on Sunday.

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Report: Falcons pick Saints VP Terry Fontenot as next GM, but can’t sign him yet

NFL Network reports New Orleans Saints personnel executive Terry Fontenot is the favorite for the Atlanta Falcons general manager position.

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NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Atlanta Falcons are closing in on their next general manager, with New Orleans Saints vice president of pro personnel Terry Fontenot emerging as the favorite for their vacancy. But there’s a catch: Fontenot cannot sign with a new team until the Saints’ season is over, either by playoffs elimination or winning the Super Bowl.

Losing Fontenot would be a big blow to the front office. He’s done a great job of evaluating prospects at the pro ranks, both as free agents from other NFL teams and standouts in the CFL, as well as startup leagues like the XFL and AAF. He’s earned the assistant general manager title after years of hard work in New Orleans, and he’s now on the verge of running his own team.

Additionally, because Fontenot is a minority candidate being hired to a general manager position, the Saints would receive third-round compensatory draft picks in 2021 and 2022. That’s reliant on Atlanta sealing the deal, of course.

It’s just a shame he’ll likely be doing so across the division. But the Falcons haven’t been able to beat the Saints, so the only strategy left to them is trying to hire up-and-comers from New Orleans..

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Saints scaling back Superdome attendance limits due to COVID-19

The New Orleans Saints have been forced to scale back attendance limits at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome due to a surge in COVID-19 numbers.

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A continued surge in positive coronavirus cases has forced the New Orleans Saints to backtrack on their attendance limits for home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, with the head of the New Orleans Health Department, Dr. Jennifer Avegno, recommending that the venue be limited to 4% of its total capacity — totaling no more than 3,000 fans. The neighboring New Orleans Pelicans are being held to the same standard, with an audience of just 750 expected for their Dec. 27 home opener at the Smoothie King Center.

It’s a step back from the Saints’ last home game, which hosted 6,000 spectators for Nov. 22’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. The team was working with a phased plan expanding attendance figures up to 15,000 for upcoming kickoffs on Dec. 20 (against the Kansas City Chiefs) and Dec. 25 (versus the Minnesota Vikings), but at this point they’ll be scaling back as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to expand nationally.

The Saints are hopeful that they will be allowed to welcome larger numbers into the Superdome for January’s playoffs, but that remains to be seen. It’s just another sacrifice we’ll have to make so long as the positive test rate remains too high.

Other NFL teams are giving up significantly more. The San Francisco 49ers had to move operations to Arizona just to continue working, practicing, and playing games as local officials in the Bay Area take greater action against the spread of infections. While vaccinations are on the horizon, it doesn’t appear that the 2020 season will resume normalcy before the pandemic can be better controlled.

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