Serious wiretapping allegations made against Saints' GM
It’s a new week and with it has come more explosive allegations against the New Orleans Saints as general manager Mickey Loomis is being investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for wire tapping.
According to ESPN, officials were told Friday that Loomis had an electronic device in his suite at the Superdome that allowed him to eavesdrop on the visiting coaching staffs at the stadium. This gadget was in place for three NFL seasons, according to the report.
Not only would this conduct be a serious violation of NFL rules, Loomis could face potentially stiff legal action because it is a federal crime to intercept communications in such a manner. Per the report, the FBI has been briefed on the matter and is expected to investigate.
The Saints, who have been rocked by the bounty scandal, have denied any wrongdoing. Loomis, of course, has been suspended for the first eight games of the season for his role in the bounty scandal.
"This is 100 percent false," team spokesman Greg Bensel told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "This is 100 percent inaccurate."
According to the report, Loomis has this capability from 2002 to 2004 before the Superdome was partially destroyed by Hurrican Katrina. An NFL spokesman said the league does not have information on the matter.
Originally, the device in the suite allowed the general manager (Randy Mueller before Loomis was hired) to listen to the communication in the Saints’ coaching box.
“There was a switch, and the switch accessed offense and defense," a source told ESPN. "When Randy was there, it was the Saints offense or defense, and when Mickey was there it changed over so it was the visiting offense or defense.”
If true, this would also be a violation of Louisiana state law. There is a ton of detail packed in the report, and this is obviously a serious matter the Saints must contend with. Talk about a rocky offseason. It’s one that isn’t over yet. Discipline for players involved in the bounty scandal is expected to come soon.
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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune