Gregg Williams has issued a public apology for organizing a system with the New Orleans Saints that paid bounties to defensive players for big hits on opponents and big plays.

The NFL released findings of an investigation today that found Williams orchestrated an illegal system that paid players cash for three seasons with the New Orleans Saints.

“I want to express my sincere regret and apology to the NFL, Mr. (Tom) Benson, and the New Orleans Saints fans for my participation in the ‘pay for performance’ program while I was with the Saints," Williams said in a statement released by the St. Louis Rams, which hired Williams as defensive coordinator on Jeff Fisher’s staff.

"It was a terrible mistake, and we knew it was wrong while we were doing it. Instead of getting caught up in it, I should have stopped it. I take full responsibility for my role. I am truly sorry. I have learned a hard lesson and I guarantee that I will never participate in or allow this kind of activity to happen again.”

The bounty system is against NFL rules and the Saints face potentially stiff sanctions from commissioner Roger Goodell. Williams could also be fined or suspended by the NFL. This story isn’t going away real soon. Stay tuned.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune