Saints coach Sean Payton offers refreshing candor on some controversial topics

It’s only the middle of May in a pandemic-interrupted spring and New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton appears to be in mid-season form.

In fact, I’d say he has his Black and Gold, NFL approved protective game mask on, based on numerous provocative comments made to Baltimore radio station 105.7 The Fan.

To which I say, thank you.

Thank you for providing a greatly appreciated distraction during yet another sports-free week spent in the throes of the deadly COVID-19 disease. Payton’s candor and transparency in discussing a myriad of topics has been a coronavirus-free breath of fresh air.

Witness:

▪ On how the NFL handled the year-long experiment of allowing pass interference calls to be reviewed by replay: “(It) had a chance to be successful,’‘ said Payton, whose team was victimized and ultimately deprived of advancing to Super Bowl LII by a controversial no-call in the 2018 NFC Championship game. “But the (league) wasn’t prepared to enforce and monitor it the correct way (last season). If we’re not ready, then we shouldn’t have it.’‘ The one-and-done rule will die an unceremonious death, a victim of virtually zero support from owners, coaches and GMs. Goodbye and good riddance.

▪ Tampa Bay coach Lovie Smith intentionally squandered a 20-7 halftime lead against the Saints, resulting in a 23-20 loss to end the 2014 season, according to Payton. That defeat at home assured the Buccaneers of the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft, which they spent on Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston. “They forced Lovie to take his starters out of the game so they could get the one spot to take Jameis,’‘ Payton said, obviously referring to Bucs’ upper management/ownership.

Tampa Bay unceremoniously dumped Winston in March after signing free agent quarterback Tom Brady to a two-year, $50 million contract. Winston has since signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract in New Orleans, presumably as insurance for 41-year-old starting quarterback Drew Brees.

“We’ll see how that unfolds,’‘ Payton said. “We’re excited that (Winston) has joined our team and he’ll be a part of what we’re trying to accomplish.’‘

▪ Former Pittsburgh defensive end James Harrison said he was given “an envelope” from Steelers coach Mike Tomlin after the player delivered a devastating hit on Cleveland wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi in 2010. Harrison would not divulge the contents of the envelope but denied that it was payment as part of a Bountygate-like system. The league originally fined Harrison $75,000 and later reduced it to $50,000.

Payton didn’t mince words when asked the likelihood of the NFL looking into Harrison’s claim.

“If people are waiting for the league to investigate that, they shouldn’t hold their breath,’‘ Payton said. “That’ll be something that is tucked away ... under the rug at Park Avenue.’‘

Payton was banished for the 2012 season and forced to forfeit $6 million in salary as a result of his alleged involvement in the Saints’ Bounty gate scandal. He called the league’s handling of the entire affair and subsequent sanctions against all accused “a sham.’‘

“And that’s just the truth,’‘ he said.

It may or may not be the truth. But, it’s impossible to put the toothpaste back in the tube.