Report: Williams Used Bounty Systems In Buffalo And Washington
Embattled St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams used bounties while he was head coach of the Buffalo Bills and as defensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins, according to reports.
The Buffalo News reported that Williams set up bounties while he was the head coach of the Buffalo Bills. Informed by former Bill Coy Wire, he said, "There were financial payments." Three other unnamed players have confirmed Wire's allegations. At least a couple of players were rewarded for "knock-out shots ". "Knock-out shots" are when a player gets injured and cannot return to the game.
Wire went on to say about Williams' bounty program, "There were rewards. There never was a point where cash was handed out in front of the team. But surely, you were going to be rewarded. When somebody made a big hit that hurt an opponent, it was commended and encouraged."
The Washington Post reported that similar bounty systems were in place while he was a defensive coordinator with the Washington Redskins. Former Redskin and current director of player development for the Redskins Phillip Daniels, four former Redskin players, and an unnamed coach all told the Washington Post of their experiences after the NFL's probe was released.
The paper was unclear whether the Redskins would be held accountable if the NFL does in fact determine that the team did use a bounty system.
Daniels told the paper that he received $1500, the most he has ever received, for posting his first ever four sack game in 2005 against their vaunted rival Dallas.
"I think it is wrong the way they're trying to paint (Williams)," Daniels told the Washington Post, "He never told us to go out there and break a guy's neck or break a guy's leg. It was all in the context of a good, hard football game."
Redskins head coach while Williams was coordinator, Joe Gibbs, said that he was unaware of a bounty system in place.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is to rule on a possible punishment for the New Orleans Saints after a probe discovered Williams' bounty system in New Orleans.




