In January we brought you the odd story of Shawn Payton, a Lions fan who apparently thought he could stop his favorite team’s playoff loss to the Saints by calling the Superdome during the game and making a bomb threat that he asked to have relayed to his namesake, Saints coach Sean Payton. Now that fan has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of using interstate communications to transmit a threat.
Payton, who lives in Jackson, Michigan, admitted that he called the Superdome twice during the game and delivered threats to the receptionist who answered the phone.
“I want you to relay a message to the sideline. If your stupid Southern team keeps winning, there will be reper . . . severe consequences. OK?” Payton said in the second threatening call he made, which was recorded by police after the receptionist alerted them to the first threat, in which Payton said he would blow up the building.
The felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Payton’s sentencing will take place on September 6.