Doug Pederson Wins Bet - Sean Payton Will Donate to Autism Charities in Philly and New Orleans

(STATELINE, Nev.) – The Eagles Autism Challenge, an charity supported by the Philadelphia Eagles, is a bit richer today, thanks to New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson finished the American Century Championship on Sunday with 31 points and easily won the head-to-head bet with Payton (minus-33 points) in the 29th annual celebrity tournament at Lake Tahoe.

The tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course uses a modified Stableford scoring system which rewards points for eagles (six), birdies (three) and pars (one) and deducts points (two) for double bogeys or worse. Bogeys are worth zero points.

“It’s very special. I’m very pleased,” said Pederson, who led the Eagles to a Super Bowl title last season. “If I would have donated, it would have been just as special either way. This is a charity that is close to the Philadelphia Eagles and our owner, Jeffrey Lurie.”

The two coaches made the wager on Thursday, on the eve of the tournament. Pederson had won a bet with Payton when they played a round of golf in March, and as a result the Eagles will get to wear their home green uniforms when they play the Saints in New Orleans on Nov. 18.

The Eagles Autism Challenge (eaglesautismchallenge.org) raises money for research and programs in the fight against autism. Had Payton won, KultureCity (kulturecity.org) in New Orleans would have received a donation from Pederson. Payton, though, said he would donate to both charities.

“Hey, Doug’s a great guy,” Payton said. “It’s hard to describe how beautiful Lake Tahoe is, and my donation benefits autism in both cities, so it’s all good.”

Pederson, who has dominated both of his golf bets with Payton, said if they bet in the future he would be prepared to offer Payton strokes. But Payton said he would pass.

“Will I be asking for strokes in the future? No. At this tournament I think you just have to get better,” he said.