New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton will be back coaching on the sidelines next year after a season-long suspension was lifted Tuesday, nearly two weeks earlier than expected.
The decision to lift the suspension, made by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, will allow Payton to attend the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Saturday, where some of the top NFL prospects for the NFL draft will be competing.
''Coach Payton acknowledged in the meeting his responsibility for the actions of his coaching staff and players and pledged to uphold the highest standards of the NFL and ensure that his staff and players do so as well,'' Goodell said in a statement. '''Sean fully complied with all the requirements imposed on him during his suspension.
''More important, it is clear that Sean understands and accepts his responsibilities as a head coach and the vital role that coaches play in promoting player safety and setting an example for how the game should be played at all levels.''
Payton, along with assistant head coach Joe Vitt, general manager Mickey Loomis, and four players including Jonathan Vilma, was suspended after an investigation found the team had a performance pool offering cash rewards for key plays, including big hits and forced injuries on opponents.
Goodell fined the Saints $500,000 and took away second-round picks in 2012 and 2013. However, Goodell left open the possibility of restoring the 2013 second-rounder and instead docking the team a later-round pick if he is satisfied with the club's level of cooperation in the bounty matter.
''I clearly recognize that mistakes were made, which led to league violations,'' Payton said in a statement. ''Furthermore, I have assured the commissioner a more diligent protocol will be followed.''
The suspension was scheduled to end after the Super Bowl on Feb. 3, but was moved up after Payton and Goodell met on Monday.
Earlier this month he signed a contract extension running through the 2017 season.
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