Coach, GM apologize for Saints scandal

NEW ORLEANS, March 6 (UPI) -- New Orleans Saints head Coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis apologized Tuesday for the scandal that could bring about suspensions for both.

The NFL announced Friday defensive players on the Saints had been paid bounties to injure opponents intentionally. Although Commissioner Roger Goodell has yet to announce any punishment in the case, Payton and Loomis could both face a suspension.

In a joint release, the coach and general manager said they took "full responsibility for the violations disclosed by the NFL during their investigation of our club."

"These are serious violations," the statement said. "Both of us have made it clear within our organization that this will never happen again, and make that same promise to the NFL and most importantly to all of our fans.

"This has brought undue hardship on [Saints owner Tom] Benson, who had nothing to do with this activity. He has been nothing but supportive and for that we both apologize to him."

The NFL investigation accused former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams of administering the slush fund that paid players for knocking opponents out of a game. Williams is currently on the staff of the St. Louis Rams.