Sean Payton might want to dial back the intensity on the sideline (oh, and show a bit more class).
The Saints' head coach was caught giving Falcons running back Devonta Freeman the "choke" sign in the fourth quarter of Thursday's NFC South game in Atlanta.
#Saints HC Sean Payton yelling, “choke” on the sideline 👀 pic.twitter.com/hRgCD6yavm
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) December 8, 2017
The reason isn't 100 percent clear, but it might have been part of a verbal exchange between the two:
Watch the replay. Freeman runs by Payton. Payton turns and chirps at him. Freeman turns back leaving the sideline and says something. Payton starts doing the choke sign multiple times. It’s after Freeman’s run for no gain at the 12:40 mark in the fourth quarter. https://t.co/0Th9E7QzQz
— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) December 8, 2017
Payton told reporters after the game (per ajc.com) he didn't remember doing it, but if he wants his memory refreshed, there's indisputable video evidence (see above).
It also would have been easy for Payton to say he was yelling at officials for missing a Falcons lineman holding Saints linebacker Manti Te'o:
Immediately prior to Payton's choke gesture, Manti Te'o being grabbed by the neck pic.twitter.com/LSBoyxmDXH
— Greenwave Blog (@quickpitches32) December 8, 2017
Freeman probably wouldn't buy that, though. He tried to shrug it off in his postgame interviews, but it seemed clear the gesture stuck was directed at him:
#Falcons RB Devonta Freeman on #Saints coach Sean Payton making the ‘choke’ sign at him: “that man don’t know nothing about choking. He ain’t from where I’m from.” pic.twitter.com/WrTXzeJlqV
— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) December 8, 2017
Freeman finished with 91 rushing yards and a touchdown in Atlanta's 20-17 victory.
Payton, meanwhile, drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the final minute of the fourth quarter to end the Saints' hope of a comeback.
