Williams apologizes for Saints’ bounty scandal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gregg Williams knows he’s got to prove himself every day.

The former Saints defensive coordinator said he received a “great rebirth” Thursday when he was reinstated by the NFL and hired by the Tennessee Titans after serving a nearly yearlong suspension for his role in the New Orleans bounty scandal.

But now that he’s back in the league, he’ll have to change the way he’s done things in the past.

“I’ve got a very positive outlook on things,” Williams said. “I understand and respect the game an awful lot, and the past is the past and what I’m talking about doing right now is creating a resume from this day forward.”

Williams took the first step when the Titans hired him as a senior assistant coach for defense. Williams thanked Commissioner Roger Goodell for reinstating him while speaking at a news conference.

“I take full responsibility and apologize for my previous actions, and I’ve used this year to reorganize my life and put focus on positive energy and positive ways to inspire and coach and motivate in this profession,” Williams said, reading from a statement. “I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

The league issued a statement saying that Goodell cited several reasons for reinstating Williams, including Williams accepting responsibility for his role in the bounty program, his commitment to never be involved in any pay-for-performance system and pledging to teach safe play and respect for the rules.

Williams, suspended indefinitely last March, now is the last person involved in the scandal to be reinstated by league. New Orleans coach Sean Payton had his suspension lifted on Jan. 22.

Titans coach Mike Munchak said he called Goodell for a long talk to learn about the bounty situation and Williams’ status.

Titans coach Mike Munchak said hiring Williams was “the right thing to do.”

“What better place for him to come back to for a second opportunity after making some mistakes and to recharge his career going forward,” Munchak said.