New Orleans Saints scandal: Does the punishment fit the crime?

The New Orleans Saints have been hit hard by the NFL for their “pay-for-performance” bounty system. Really hard -- their season may be ruined. But then again, their behavior could have ruined much more than a single season for some opposing players.

After a three-year investigation, the Saints were found to be paying players -- from a cash pool made up of contributions from players, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and others -- for injuring opponents.

Four people have been suspended: Head Coach Sean Payton for the entire 2012 season without pay; General Manager Mickey Loomis for the first eight games; defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, now with the St. Louis Rams, indefinitely; and linebacker coach/assistant coach Joe Vitt for six games.

The Saints also have been fined $500,000 and must forfeit their second-round draft in both the 2012 and 2013 drafts.

It’s an extremely severe penalty -- but did the Saints have it coming? Or did the league overreact? Or maybe it should have been even more severe?

Vote in the poll, then leave a comment explaining why you voted the way you did.

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New Orleans Saints scandal: Does the punishment fit the crime?