The head coach of New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton, has been reportedly suspended for one year without pay by the National Football League.

According to reports, Sean Payton was suspended a few weeks after it was revealed that his team, New Orleans Saints, conducted its own “bounty” program on defense in 2009. The players pooled their own money and awarded one another for leveling such fierce, often illegal hits that opponents would be carted off the field.

ESPN reporter Schefter said on Wednesday, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis will also be suspended for eight games and fined $500,000. The New Orleans Saints team will also be fined $500,000 and will lose a second round pick in the 2012 and 2013 NFL Drafts.

Aside from head coach Sean Payton, the Saints also lost two second round draft picks and Gregg Williams, the defensive coordinator at the time, has been suspended indefinitely from his new job with the Rams.

In light of the suspension of Sean Payton, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement:

“We are all accountable and responsible for player health and safety and the integrity of the game. We will not tolerate conduct or a culture that undermines those priorities. No one is above the game or the rules that govern it. Respect for the game and the people who participate in it will not be compromised.”