ESPN: NFL Voids Sean Payton’s Contract Extension
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Chris Graythen/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The NFL has dealt Sean Payton another blow. According to ESPN, the NFL has voided the contract extension Payton signed back in September 2011.
This move will make Payton a free agent at the end of the season, and suddenly his future with the Saints is in question.
The main reason for the reported move by the NFL was language in Payton’s extension. There was a specific clause that would have enabled Payton to walk away from the deal if general manager Micky Loomis was suspended, fired, or left the team. Loomis wound up being suspended by the NFL along with Payton for their roles in the team’s bounty scandal.
The NFL issued a statement on Sunday saying they had “made no determination” on Payton’s contract status.
“All contracts between clubs and their employees must be approved by the commissioner, and we do not comment on specific terms of individual contracts,” the statement said. “Any comment regarding that manner should come from Coach Payton and the Saints.”
Payton has been with the Saints since the 2006 season.
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