League to review Payton this week

The NFL is set to review the conduct of Saints coach Sean Payton in the Falcons’ 20-17 win on Thursday.

Payton gave the choke sign to Falcons running back Devonta Freeman and his conduct toward game officials, which drew an unsportsmanlike penalty with 1:05 to play, will be reviewed.

It is standard to review any unsportsmanlike conduct whether penalized or not, according to NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy.

Payton’s memory about the choke sign was foggy after the game.

“I don’t remember that,” Payton said.

Freeman remembered it just fine.

“I saw it,” Freeman said. “That man don’t know nothing about choking. He ain’t from where I’m from. He’s a good competitor so the competing probably came out. But you don’t let that bother you.”

The Falcons were down 17-10 when Payton gave them the choke sign.

The act occurred after Freeman ran out of bounds on a first-and-10 play from the Saints’ 33 for no gain. It could be heard, “You choke, you choke” on the audio of the broadcast.

Payton apparently was referring to the Falcons blowing a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl.

Payton ripped the officiating in the game. The Saints were called for 11 penalties, nine of which gave the Falcons first downs.

Earlier in the season, Payton was seen yelling at Tampa Bay coach Dirk Koetter after Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston instigated a fight between wide receiver Mike Evans and Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

He also claimed not to remember that incident.

Joe Lockhart, the league’s executive vice president of communications, held his weekly teleconference on Monday and addressed Payton.

“I think everyone is aware of the rules that are in place on public criticisms of our officials, and those who need to be reminded occasionally are reminded,” Lockhart said of Payton.

The Falcons play at the Saints on Dec. 24.