National Football League

Payton has shot to coach during appeal

Published Mar. 26, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell might allow Sean Payton to coach the Saints if he appeals his season-long suspension for his role in the team's bounties program.

Goodell says Monday at the league meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., that should Payton appeal, he ''probably'' would let him continue coaching after April 1, when the suspension is to begin. Goodell says he would expedite the hearing and his decision on an appeal.

The commissioner also is waiting for recommendations from the players' union before punishing any players for participating in the three-year bounty system that targeted opponents for big hits. He has discussed the bounties with NFLPA leader DeMaurice Smith.

Goodell adds the league approached the Saints before their playoff game with the Lions in January and warned them to make sure the bounties had ceased.