Saints’ Appeal Denied by Goodell

It should come as no surprise, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has upheld the punishments handed out to the New Orleans Saints, head coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis and defensive coach Joe Vitt.

Goodell had indicated he would rule quickly on the appeals and he did just that.

Payton's suspension will begin on April 16th.

Loomis is suspended for the first eight games of the 2012 season.  Vitt is suspended for six games.

The Commissioner, however, left the door open for lightening of penalties for the club for 2013, specifically their second round draft pick, under certain conditions.