WASHINGTON, DC – The NFL announced Monday it has fined the New Orleans Saints for “impersonating a professional football team,” citing repeated instances of sloppy play and general confusion that more closely resembled a backyard cookout than an NFL contest.
League officials said the fine was triggered after Sunday’s 31–19 loss to Buffalo, when referees reported several players appeared to be “auditioning for a Mardi Gras commercial” instead of running routes. One official claimed the Saints defense looked so lost, fans started offering them directions back to the French Quarter.
The fine reportedly matches the amount of hot dogs sold at the game during the fourth quarter, roughly $85,000. The league said the money will be redirected to fund actual football instruction for the Saints offense.
Coach Kellen Moore called the fine“unfair,” arguing the team had been upfront about not meeting professional standards for several years. Meanwhile, city leaders expressed relief, noting the fine finally confirmed what residents have suspected since week one.
The Saints are expected to appeal, but sources say their case collapsed after players failed to show up to the hearing until midway through the second quarter.
