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ALBANY, GA -- The NFL handed down punishment to the New Orleans Saints for their involvement in a bounty program from 2009-2011. During those three seasons, Saints players hit hard knowing extra incentives may be coming their way for any superstar injuries to the opposition. On Wednesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hit back even harder.

The penalties didn’t sit well with former Saints Defensive End and Miller County product Charles Grant.

“In my opinion, it's just too steep for a team. Everybody out there playing football...guys got million dollar contracts. You think they're going out there to pat a guy on the back or play flag football? No they're going out there to play football,” Grant said.

Grant has strong ties with the Saints playing a majority of his career in New Orleans. The defensive end was the teams first round draft pick in 2002 and played eight seasons with the organization.  Grant earned a ring with the team in Super Bowl XLIV. As in his nature, Grant was defensive about the rulings.

“I think the situation could have been handled in a better fashion and I think Roger Goodell just made an example out of the Saints organization," Grant added.

League suspensions for Saints management started at the top. Saints head coach Sean Payton has been suspended for the entire upcoming season. General Manager Mickey received an eight game suspension. While former defensive coordinator and current St. Louis Ram coordinator Greg Williams was suspended indefinitely.