NFL denies Saints' appeals

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7792405/nfl-upholds-suspension-new-orleans-saints-sean-payton-mickey-loomis-joe-vitt

snip-

The NFL upheld its discipline in the New Orleans Saints bounty case, meaning coach Sean Payton will begin his yearlong suspension April 16.

The league announced the penalties Monday, noting that the bans for general manager Mickey Loomis (eight games) and assistant coach Joe Vitt (six games) stand and will begin after the preseason. Payton's suspension will last through Super Bowl XLVII, which is being held in New Orleans.

-snip

snip-

A league official tells ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that means, for example, that Payton is "not allowed to engage in any coaching activities. Roger [Goodell] commented on that at the league meeting press conference, saying he's not naïve enough to think there won't be some contact but [Payton's] not allowed to coach from home ... If a player has a baby, can he call to congratulate him? I don't think we're going to worry about that, or have a wiretap on his phone."

-snip

snip-

Monday's decision could open the way for the Saints to coax retired coach Bill Parcells -- Payton's mentor since their days together in Dallas -- out of retirement.

-snip