Saints' Sean Payton doesn't want to speak with Gregg Williams

Posted: January 24, 2013

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton returned to work Wednesday following a nearly yearlong suspension for his role in the team's bounty program.

"We're at a point where it's time for closure. It's time for us as a team, it's time for us as a league, to take this next step forward," Payton said.

Goodell lifted Payton's suspension Tuesday, nearly two weeks earlier than expected.

Payton said he has not spoken to former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who remains suspended indefinitely, and "I have no interest in talking to Gregg."

Seau family sues

The family of Junior Seau sued the NFL, claiming the former linebacker's suicide was the result of brain disease caused by violent hits he suffered while playing football.

The wrongful death lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court in San Diego, blames the NFL for its "acts or omissions" that hid the dangers of repetitive blows to the head.

Seau, 43, died of a self-inflicted gunshot in May.

Callahan defends self

Former Oakland coach Bill Callahan denied allegations made by former receivers Tim Brown and Jerry Rice that he "sabotaged" the Raiders in their Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay 10 years ago.

"I am shocked, saddened, and outraged by Tim Brown's allegations and Jerry Rice's support of those allegations made through various media outlets over the last 24 hours," Callahan said Tuesday in a statement. ". . . I categorically and unequivocally deny the sum and substance of their allegations."

Brown said on Sirius XM Radio on Monday that he believed Callahan altered the game plan less than two days before the game because of his close ties to Gruden, the former Raiders coach who hired Callahan, and because Callahan hated the Raiders.

- Associated Press