Suspended New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said Wednesday that he will use much of his free time this fall and winter with his children and helping coach his son's football team. He said he has not been prohibited from working as a television commentator.
Regarding the latter, Payton, who has been suspended without pay this season as a result of the team's three-year bounty program, said he wouldn't be able to enter a stadium on weekends but that he still could fill a television role, and that doing so is a consideration.
Sean Payton poses with Ruth Bok (L) of New Orleans and Carol Shoemaker (R) of Chalmette after he signed their "Free Payton" t-shirts on the third hole during the Pro-Am tournament of the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.Speaking after Wednesday's pro-am at the TPC Louisiana, during which he played with pro Ryan Palmer and amateurs Rick Farrell and Desi Vega, Payton called the level of support he and the organization have received from Saints fans "humbling" and "overwhelming."
"We've got the greatest fans in this sport," he said. "There's a close relationship that I ... don't take for granted."
While admitting he will miss coaching NFL games, Payton said he will fill the void by taking advantage of the opportunity to spend time with his children. In particular, he said he looks forward to helping coach the team of his 12-year-old son, Connor.
"Doing a few things that you normally wouldn't be able to do," he said.
He also echoed the sentiments shared Tuesday by interim coach Joe Vitt, who will serve a six-game suspension without pay for his role in the bounty program. Payton said the Saints have handled adversity and setbacks during his tenure and "we'll handle this one."
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