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NFL reviewing Sean Payton's conduct during Falcons game

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton's conduct at the end of Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons is under review by league officials, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed.

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton's conduct at the end of Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons is under review by league officials, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed.

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The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

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Payton was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct when he ran onto the field and yelled at an official with about a minute left in the game. The penalty gave the Falcons a new set of downs and allowed them to run out the clock for a 20-17 victory.

"I called a timeout, and then he asked me again, and I said, 'I've already called a timeout,'" Payton told reporters on a conference call Friday (per The Times-Picayune). "I probably said it with a little more oomph or vigor than I was supposed to, but I'd had enough. I've got to be smarter than that."

Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties are often reviewed by the NFL, which can issue a fine or suspension. Payton said Friday afternoon he had not been interviewed by the league office.

NFL.com was the first outlet to report the league was reviewing Payton's actions.

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