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Roger Goodell is an interesting individual. Back when he was handing out suspensions with an iron fist, he gave Sean Payton a year for his role in the bounty deal. That suspension was set to run through February 3rd of this year.
Today the NFL has announced that Sean Payton has been reinstated to the New Orleans Saints. Two weeks might not seem like that big of a deal, but it is when you look at what goes on in the next two weeks.
First, he can now go to the Senior Bowl. That is huge because it gives him time to scout and interview prospects that are participating in the game. Sure, they already had people down there, but you can't replace getting to see with your own eyes and hear with your own ears.
It also means that he can attend the Super Bowl in official NFL capacity. A lot of business gets done at the Super Bowl, and now Payton will be there to handle that stuff himself.
*Also no coincidence that this happens right before the entire NFL world heads to New Orleans for the Super Bowl.