The New Orleans Saints’ loss of a second-round draft pick this year and again in 2013 is harsh, but isn’t totally unprecedented.
Let’s turn to ESPN Stats & Information for a look at draft picks that have been forfeited for various reasons since 1980:
2011 Lions forfeit seventh-round pick for tampering with Chiefs players
2008 49ers forfeit fifth-round pick for tampering with Bears linebacker Lance Briggs
2008 Patriots forfeit first-round pick for Spygate scandal
2002-05 Broncos forfeit 2005 third-round pick, 2002 third-round pick for circumventing salary cap between 1996 and 1998
2001-02 49ers forfeit 2002 third-round pick, 2001 fifth-round pick for salary cap violations
2001 Steelers forfeit third-round pick for exceeding 1998 salary cap
1986 Patriots forfeit third-round pick for illegal use of injured reserve list
1981 Broncos forfeit third-round pick for contract violations involving Bill Thompson
1981 Raiders forfeit fifth-round pick for illegally sequestering two players in 1978
1980 Eagles forfeit third-round pick for holding illegal tryout
1980 Raiders forfeit fourth-round pick for evasion of player limit