Michigan man charged with threat during Lions-Saints game

Published: Jan 30, 2012 at 02:06 PM

JACKSON, Mich. -- A Michigan man faces federal charges on accusations he phoned in a bomb threat to the Superdome while the Detroit Lions were playing the New Orleans Saints in the NFL playoffs.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in New Orleans said 34-year-old Shawn H. Payton of Jackson made the call on Jan. 7, when about 70,000 people were inside the stadium in New Orleans.

The office said he made a second call 45 minutes later, saying there would be "severe consequences" if the "stupid southern team keeps winning." The Saints beat the Lions 45-28.

The FBI arrested Payton on Monday. He's free on bond after appearing in Detroit federal court. He's due Feb. 14 in New Orleans federal court.

Payton tells The Detroit News he feels "bad for making some stupid phone calls."

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