The NFL is investigating the New Orleans Saints and former assistant coach Gregg Williams who allegedly used a bounty program during the '09-'11 seasons.

The bounty program that pays players for knocking out or injuring opponents is acknowledged by players as a long-accepted practice in the sport. 

The investigation involves around 22 to 27 defensive players on the Saints, as well as Williams who has admitted to running the pool. 
Saints owner Tom Benson is standing behind general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Sean Payton who, according to NFL's investigation, knew but did nothing to prevent it. 

"The team completely understands the ramifications, is taking the matter very seriously and has cooperated fully with the league," said the Saints official. 

"Mr. Benson is in constant contact with (Commissioner) Roger Goodell and his office, yet he remains steadfast in his support of Mickey and Sean, and his focus is on the upcoming free agency, making the team better and hosting the Super Bowl. ... We have a lot of positive things on our plate that we have to get working on."

The NFL said that the Saints bounty pool ran up to $50,000 the last three seasons for making game-ending injuries on targeted players. "Knockouts" were $1,500 and "cart-offs" were $1,000 and the payments doubled or tripled for the playoffs. 

Williams issued an apology last week calling it a "terrible mistake." He can receive suspension, fines and loss of draft picks as punishment by NFL.