On Friday, March 2, the NFL announced it had determined, via a lengthy investigation, that 22 to 27 defensive players on the New Orleans Saints, and at least one assistant coach, maintained a "bounty" program, in violation of NFL rules during the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons.

The league's investigation determined that Gregg Williams, the Saints' defensive coordinator during that time, administered the "pay for performance" program with the knowledge of the other defensive coaches. Players were given cash for big plays, such as interceptions and fumble recoveries, as well as "bounty" payments, which were $1,000 for a "cart-off" (meaning an opposing player was assisted off the field by the medical staff) and $1,500 for a "knockout" (knocking an opposing player out of the game). Payments would sometimes double or even triple during the playoffs.

The NFL's rule against "non-contract bonuses" clearly states: "No bonus or award may directly or indirectly be offered, promised, announced, or paid to a player for his or his team's performance against a particular team or opposing player or a particular group thereof. No bonuses or awards may be offered or paid for on field misconduct (for example, personal fouls to or injuries