Saints QB Drew Brees discussed the team's bounty scandal on NBC’s “The Tonight Show” last night, saying it has been a "really tough few weeks for everybody within the Saints organization." Brees said, "We’re hoping just to get through this as quickly as we can and move on to much more positive things. It’s an ongoing investigation, but certainly something that we’re hoping to get past.” NBC's Jay Leno asked, “Is it something that only the defense would know and the other players would not be aware of?” Brees: “There’s so much speculation as to what was going on and to be honest with you, I think a lot of us are in the dark on that. That’s why there’s an investigation and I’m sure the facts will come up at some point and we’ll know then.” Brees said a bounty system “has no place in our game or in any game.” The studio audience at that point applauded loudly. Brees continued, “The allegations and accusations alone make us feel extremely embarrassed. Certainly, we’re a very prideful organization that feels like we do things the right way and we stand for the right things and so this a really black eye for us. Like I said, we’re trying to get to the bottom of it just like everyone else is.” Meanwhile, Leno brought up Brees' contract negotiations with the Saints, to which Brees noted he had been given the franchise tag. Brees: "All that means is it restricts me from talking to other teams. But we can continue to negotiate towards a long-term deal.” Leno asked, “You’re so closely tied to the New Orleans Saints, is (going to another team) something that you would consider?” Brees: “I don’t want to consider that. I know that both sides are working very hard and I’m very confident that we’ll get a long-term deal done” (“The Tonight Show,” NBC, 3/14).
