Gleason's statement says he did not give permission for the Gregg Williams tape to be released. (Getty)
When the audio of Gregg Williams’ pregame pep talk was released Thursday, one had to wonder -- after the initial shock of his words began to wear off -- how the Saints could have allowed a documentarian to record the speech. Especially since the organization knew the NFL had taken a close look to see if a bounty program was in place.

Well, the Saints didn’t know Pamphilon would release the tape, maybe because it would have been a largely irrelevant moment in the context of Pamphilon’s film that was on former Saints player Steve Gleason's journey through his ALS diagnosis.

And now Gleason has released his own statement, via Rapid Reporter Larry Holder, saying Pamphilon had no right to make the tapes available for public consumption. Here is part of the statement Gleason released Friday morning.
Despite my diagnosis in 2011, my wife, Michel, and I chose to have a child. Rivers Varisco Gleason, my son, was born on October 19, 2011. As soon as Michel became pregnant, I began creating a video journal library, documenting my thoughts on life to pass on to Rivers. It's an incredibly rewarding and productive activity.

In the spring of 2011, Sean Pamphilon approached me, and we agreed to collaborate to further document my family’s journey. …

Since my retirement, and specifically this year, the Saints have opened their doors and included me in countless team functions. I included Sean Pamphilon in some of these activities, because I felt my relationship with the Saints was an integral part of my overall journey. The Saints trusted me and gave us unlimited access in filming, and I, in turn, trusted Sean Pamphilon.

Sean Pamphilon and I have an agreement that all recordings ultimately belong to me and my family. Nothing can be released without my explicit approval. I did not authorize the public release of any recordings.

A multitude of feelings have passed through me. I feel deflated and disappointed. I feel frustrated and distracted. Nevertheless, these feelings will pass, and I will continue steadfast in my mission.

Finding a solution to a terminal disease with no known cure and inspiring ALS patients to thrive after diagnosis is my purpose and the purpose of Team Gleason. This presents epic challenges that need  our intense focus. I believe that we can cure ALS.

Whether you believe Pamphilon was right to release the tape to YouTube -- and in his mind, he did when the bounty program became public and to help protect youth football players -- it’s unclear if he had actually had the right to do so.

But if Gleason says he didn’t, you have to wonder what Pamphilon’s true motivation was to reveal what Williams said in private.  

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Josh Katzowitz on Twitter here: @joshkatzowitz.