NFL Officially Reinstates Bounty-gate Architect Gregg Williams
By Josh Hill
Gregg Williams’ suspension for his involvement in the bounty-gate scandal is officially over. The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell have announced that Williams has been officially reinstated and is free to resume his coaching career. That coaching career will take him to Tennessee where effective upon his reinstatement, Williams has been hired by the Tennessee Titans as the new senior assistant for the defense.
The Titans released a statement today announcing and addressing the hiring of Williams and his reinstatement into the NFL.
"“Commissioner Roger Goodell today notified Gregg Williams and the Tennessee Titans that Williams’ contract with the Titans has been approved and that he has been reinstated. The commissioner cited several reasons for the reinstatement, including Williams’ forthcoming acknowledgement of and acceptance of responsibility for his role in the bounty program at the Saints, his commitment to never again be involved in a pay-for-performance or bounty system, and his pledge to teach safe play and respect for the rules at all levels of the game. The commissioner emphasized that Williams must fully conform to league rules and will be subject to periodic monitoring to confirm his compliance.”– Statement released by the Tennessee Titans"
Titans head coach Mike Munchak said that he admires Williams and plans on doing anything and everything he can to help his friend and mentor get back on his feet in the NFL.
“I have known Gregg for over two decades and have seen him work his way up from a quality control coach to a head coach,” Munchak said. “He will bring a great deal of defensive knowledge and energy to our staff. The decision to bring him here only came after going through a thoughtful and thorough process.”
Williams was hired as the St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator last year but he was almost immediately suspended for his involvement in the bounty-gate scandal. This will be Williams second stint with the Titans, as he spent time with the team dating back to their Oilers years form 1990-2000.
The reinstatement of Williams comes on the heels of Sean Payton’s reinstatement and the Super Bowl, which was held in New Orleans. With Williams officially back in the NFL, all the loose ends from the bounty-gate scandal have been tied up.