Payton’s conduct toward Freeman, officials to 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 competin’ probably came out. But you don’t let that bother you. He don’t know nothing about choking.’ ”

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.

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.

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

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 are set to play the Saints again Dec. 24 in New Orleans and could face them in the playoffs.

In 2014, Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman was fined $7,875 for making a choking gesture toward San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the NFC Championship game.

Back in 2009, former Falcons coach Mike Smith was fined $15,000 by the NFL for his role in a sideline fracas involving Washington defensive back DeAngelo Hall.

Smith contended that he was restoring order after Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was hit out of bounds by Washington safety LaRon Landry.

Also, former Falcons director of player performance Jeff Fish was fined $2,500 for his role.

Hall contended he was trying to help out a teammate when he was swarmed by a group of Falcons, including Fish and Smith. He was not fined.

Landry was fined $5,000 for the hit. Washington defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was fined $7,500 for going into the Falcons' bench area.

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— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM)