New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton effectively motivated his players before a 52-14 stomping of the Cincinnati Bengals, but he may have gone a little too far in pregame theatrics. Per Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune, fire alarm klaxons rang throughout Paul Brown Stadium “for about 15 minutes” before kickoff. So Payton smashed a loud signaling device in the visitor’s locker room to draw his team’s attention before kickoff.
Vandalism and criminal damaging are felonies in Ohio punishable with up to 12 months in prison, or a $2,500 fine. The Bengals staff notified local authorities of the destroyed fire alarm, but it’s unclear whether they will take action.