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Payton: Kyle's long snaps a step up

LexisNexis Feed Times-Picayune
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Updated Jul 31, 2009 4:30 AM ET
     
 
Kevin Houser's release one month ago was not a "snap" decision made by team officials and had nothing to do with his involvement in a controversial film studio investment, Saints Coach Sean Payton said Thursday. The surprise move made June 29 ended Houser's nine-year association with the Saints as their long snapper. He was replaced by free-agent Jason Kyle. Several days later, a report surfaced that Houser invested a "very significant" amount of money in Louisiana Film Studios to buy state tax credits, and he encouraged Payton and nearly two dozen current and former Saints players and coaches to follow suit. The total investment approached $2 million. Houser has since signed with the Seattle Seahawks. "We worked Jason out in the spring prior to us breaking minicamp," Payton said. "When he was still available we went ahead with the opportunity. "We felt in Jason's case, we felt like we were getting someone a little bit quicker with his (snap) times on field goals and PATs, and a little bit quicker with regards to the punt (snaps). Certainly we had consistency with Kevin, but we felt Jason had better velocity, and we made the decision. "We look at each decision and make sure it's Football-related. I feel comfortable and confident that . . . we are doing the right thing with regards to a player who we feel upgrades us." Payton and Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis said the timing of Houser's release and the report of the film studio's tax credits controversy was a coincidence. "Speaking on behalf of the (people involved), no one was looking at this as an investment opportunity," Payton said. "I know I was looking to purchase tax credits. It's one thing to make investments, and a lot of us have people that are in charge of that, and it's another thing to purchase tax credits." Payton said he discussed the matter at length with Houser and did not feel the player had become a distraction in the locker room. "Listen, there's always lessons to be learned," Payton said. "This isn't something that is new to any locker room. I guess if you'd poll each player or coach that was involved, you might get a different answer. "Of course, there was a fair amount of concern as guys were preparing to do their taxes for the '08 season. But the decision that we made was not predicated on that issue." . . . . . . . Brian Allee-Walsh can be reached at ballee-walsh@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3805.
Tagged: Saints, Seahawks, Kevin Houser

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