NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Drew Brees says the Saints are ready to put the bounty scandal ``to bed,'' be gracious Super Bowl hosts and look forward to next season.

Brees has been an ambassador for New Orleans since he arrived in 2006, and is maintaining that role with a busy schedule this week as the Big Easy prepares to host its first Super Bowl in more than a decade on Sunday.

The Saints entered 2012 believing they were contenders to be the first team to play a Super Bowl on its home field. Then came the NFL's bounty probe of the Saints and sanctions including the season-long suspension of coach Sean Payton, followed by a losing season.

Brees says he's disappointed, but ready to help showcase his adopted home town's resurgence now.