Current, former Saints react to bounty punishments

The New Orleans Saints are reeling in light of the bounty punishments handed down by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday. Goodell suspended Saints head coach Sean Payton for the entire 2012 season, GM Mickey Loomis for eight games, and assistant coach Joe Vitt for six.

That's all in addition to a $500,000 fine levied against the franchise and the loss of two second-round draft picks (one each in 2012 and '13).

The reaction to the NFL's decision from current and former Saints has been a mix of shock and anger. Here's a collection of tweets that have gone out since the punishments were announced:

I am speechless. Sean Payton is a great man, coach, and mentor. The best there is. I need to hear an explanation for this punishment
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) March 21, 2012

This is unbelievable!!!
Feels like I just got punched in the gut
— Thomas Morstead (@thomasmorstead) March 21, 2012

Reaallllyyyy!!!
— Jermon Bushrod (@j_bushrod7475) March 21, 2012

We take the good with the bad. You find out who's in and who's out and you go play ball. Its an attitude @Saints
— deuce mcallister (@dmcallister26) March 21, 2012

this ish cray!!!
— Pierre Thomas (@Pierre_Thomas) March 21, 2012