PALM BEACH, Fla. -- New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson addressed his fellow owners Monday morning regarding his team's "bounty" scandal, according to league sources who were in attendance.
Benson's comments weren't categorized as an apology for the scandal that resulted in coach Sean Payton being suspended for the season, general manager Mickey Loomis being suspended for eight games and the team being fined $500,000 and docked two draft picks. Former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was suspended indefinitely.
It was an "appropriate" address, according to one team owner, who echoed others who said Benson spoke about feeling bad about his team's involvement with bounties. Benson also reiterated he was unaware about bounties that awarded his players for making big hits and intentionally trying to harm opponents.
"He was disheartened about the situation," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said. "He was very supportive of his people. His tone was great."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wouldn't go into specifics about what Benson said, only revealing that the Saints' owner was "open" and "disappointed."
Benson didn't address the media.
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