An unsportsmanlike conduct on New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton sealed a Thursday night win for the Atlanta Falcons, but the NFL hasn’t moved on from his actions.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, the league is looking into the situation and could fine Payton if his behavior “crossed the line.”
In addition to the late penalty, Payton also garnered negative press for shouting and gesturing “choke” toward the Atlanta offense early in the fourth quarter.
Josh Katzenstein of NOLA.com notes the Saints coach said he didn’t recall that action. Payton also provided an explanation for the heated interaction with an official that resulted in an automatic first down for the Falcons, allowing them to burn the clock and secure a much-needed win.
“I called a timeout and then [the official] asked me again and I said, ‘I’ve already called a timeout. I probably said it with a little more oomph or vigor than I was supposed to, but I’d had enough. I got to be smarter than that.”
The loss dropped the Saints to 9-4, so they hold a half-game advantage on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South heading into Sunday’s action.
New Orleans owns the head-to-head tiebreaker on Carolina, but Atlanta is 8-5 and could leap the Saints by winning out. The teams square off again in Week 16, and Payton’s behavior will likely be monitored closely during the second rivalry matchup.
In the meantime, his wallet might get a little lighter.