Sean Payton and the Saints, along with the NFL find themselves in unchartered territory with the suspensions of coaches, GM’s and soon to be multiple players, and like most places that enforce or institute new rules, not all the angles were figured out beforehand.  The Saints are said to be looking at a few options to “Replace” Payton as head coach.  It would be my thought that the NFL figured they would temporarily promote from within if the Saints decided to keep both Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis the G.M.  It seems the Benson family has decided to give each a second chance.  Sean has also been rumored  to be  doing some work at FOX this season.

Here’s My Take:  The Commissioner should write the Saints and Sean Payton a quick note stating that if the Saints Replace Peyton from outside the organization, then Sean will have been deemed to be “replaced” in the organization.  Also if Sean decides to leave the NFL and work for FOX, he will be deemed as no longer under the employ of the NFL or the Saints.  What does this accomplish?

Well if Sean is no longer employed by the league or the Saints….he will be deemed to have NOT served his suspension.  Just like when Manny Ramirez was suspended from MLB, and he decided to leave baseball….upon his return he still needed to serve his 50 game suspension. I say the same should apply here.  If Payton goes and works for FOX, then he needs to leave the NFL formally, afterall how can you have a suspended coach entering other teams facilities to do interviews.  How can he be allowed to have access to all the information given in confidence?  How can you ensure he wouldn’t be on the phone passing along info to the Saints?  Both The Saints and Payton should be forced to make a decision…..Keep Payton, promote from within, and have him serve his suspension, or have him step down, resign from the team and the NFL, and take the chance at getting re-hired while still needing to serve his season long suspension.  It’s only fair.