Intro:

Sean Payton says he has accepted his punishment from the NFL but will find it tough to take a year out from football.

The New Orleans Saints Coach is facing a season-long suspension for his role in the team's bounties programme.

Script:

Q. Do you accept this as justified?
A. Sean Payton: "No I accept this. I've heard that argument. But I think that trying to look closely at how I can improve has probably been a better way for me to handle this than to vent or look outwardly at other programs. I've tried to take that approach."

Q. How difficult have the last five days been?
A. Sean Payton: They've been difficult. Challenging. It's interesting, you find out how close some of your friends are. And I said this in the statement, but our fans back in New Orleans have been amazing. My peers, guys that I'm very close with in this league. The players on our team - really it's like a family and that's the thing that'll get you through something like this."

Q. Have you had any contact with Gregg Williams over the last few weeks.
A. Sean Payton: "I have not, no."

Q. What personally has this done for you?
A. Sean Payton: I don't - certainly you take lumps and I've taken some before. But I look forward to getting back. and I look forward to winning and being successful. I think the biggest challenge - you know driving in here this morning - it's probably 39 years - as a Pop Warner (youth) player, as a high school player, college player, and then college coach, professional coach - this potentially is the first time in 39 years where you're not directly involved in football for a season. But that being said, I look forward to getting back in this position, I look forward to winning. And we'll do that."

Q. Is there any doubt that next year you will return? You are 100% certain on that?
A. Sean Payton: "100% certain."