New Orleans Saints head coach and Eastern alum, Sean Payton was suspended for the 2012 season by the National Football League on Wednesday.

The suspension comes after an investigation by the NFL, which discovered a bounty program where Saints players were paid thousands of dollars for “knockout” hits on high profile players, such as Kurt Warner and Brett Favre.

Payton will be suspended without pay beginning April 1. Former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, currently the defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams, has been suspended indefinitely, effective immediately. Williams’ status will be reviewed by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at the end of the 2012 season. The Saints organization was fined $500,000, while Mickey Loomis, the team’s general manager, has been suspended without pay for the first six regular season games of the 2012 season. Assistant coach Joe Vitt is also suspended without pay for the team’s first six regular season games.

Goodell said in a press release that he intended to send a message that this form of play would not be allowed in the NFL.

“When there is targeting of players for injury and cash rewards over a three-year period, the involvement of the coaching staff, and three years of denials and willful disrespect of the rules, a strong and lasting message must be sent that such conduct is totally unacceptable and has no place in the game,” he said.

Goodell also emphasized the health and safety of players.

“We are all accountable and responsible for player health and safety and the integrity of the game,” he said. “We will not tolerate conduct or a culture that undermines those priorities. No one is above the game or the rules that govern it. Respect for the game and the people who participate in it will not be compromised.”

Payton has been the Saints’ head coach since 2006 and was the 2007 NFL Coach of the Year. Payton played for Eastern from 1983-86, setting the record for single season passing yards with 10,655. Payton had his No. 18 jersey retired in 2010.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7942 or dcrenzetti@eiu.edu.