An NFL investigation revealed last week that up to 27 Saints defensive players and a former defensive co-ordinator had a bounty system that offered rewards for knocking opponents out of games with injuries over the last three seasons.

“If the facts prove that players voluntarily and willingly participated in conduct that jeopardized health and safety, we will work with them and the league to put in place additional safeguards to prevent this in the future,” the NFLPA said in a statement.

“Dangerous play and acts on the field by players intended to injure have no place in football. We must do better to ensure that this activity is not a part of our game.”

The NFLPA has asked the NFL to help set up interviews with Saints coaches and front-office staff.

According to the NFL’s investigation, payments were in the $1,000-$1,500 range with payouts doubling or tripling in the playoffs.

Shortly after the investigation was revealed last Friday, former Saints defensive co-ordinator Gregg Williams issued a statement acknowledging his involvement in the program.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis, in a statement released on Tuesday, both confessed to having knowledge of the bounties and doing nothing to stop the program.