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 7th-round pick for tampering with Chiefs players
2008 49ers forfeit 5th-round pick for tampering with Bears linebacker Lance Briggs
2008 Patriots forfeit 1st-round pick for Spygate scandal
2002-05 Broncos forfeit 2005 3rd-round pick, 2002 3rd-round pick for circumventing salary cap between 1996-98
2001-02 49ers forfeit 2002 3rd-round pick, 2001 5th-round pick for salary cap violations
2001 Steelers forfeit 3rd-round pick for exceeding 1998 salary cap
1986 Patriots forfeit 3rd-round pick for illegal use of injured reserve list
1981 Broncos forfeit 3rd-round pick for contract violations involving Bill Thompson
1981 Raiders forfeit 5th-round pick for illegally sequestering 2 players in 1978
1980 Eagles forfeit 3rd-round pick for holding illegal tryout
1980 Raiders forfeit 4th-round pick for evasion of player limit