Jackson Man Charged with Threat during Lions-Saints Game

JACKSON, Mich. - A Michigan man faces federal charges on accusations he phoned in a bomb threat to the Superdome while the Detroit Lions were playing the New Orleans Saints in the NFL playoffs.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in New Orleans says 34-year-old Shawn H. Payton of Jackson made the call on Jan. 7, when about 70,000 people were inside the stadium in New Orleans.

The office says he made a second call 45 minutes later, saying there would be "severe consequences" if the "stupid southern team keeps winning." The Saints beat the Lions 45-28.

The FBI arrested Payton Monday. He's free on bond after appearing in Detroit federal court. He's due Feb. 14 in New Orleans federal court.

Payton tells The Times-Picayune he's not a bad person. ""I got caught up in the heat of the moment, and I seriously, highly regret making those calls," Payton told the paper.

-The Assoicated Press contributed to this report