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I think it's about time to express an opinion from the other side! Up to a few days ago, I leaned towards Benson's position but then I read the news release about the new TV contract. TV revenue will be almost double what it was previously and it is apparent that it will be impossible for ALL teams not to show a large operating profit.

If I want to borrow money from the bank I am expected to open my books and show the bank my earnings and expenses. In the case of the state making significant financial grants to a professional team I think it is very reasonable to require the team to open its books to the state. I have seen one figure quoted that each team in the NFL will receive a little over $100,000,000 - that is one hundred MILLION dollars - from the new TV contract. I read a recent report - I think it was on the ESPN or Sports Illustrated website discussing this. The report added that this would probably mean that Los Angeles would probably have to pay a billion for a franchise.

So - unless Benson opens his books to show otherwise, I think it is reasonable to assume that the new TV contract means the Saints will show a net operating profit of over $50,000,000. And Benson pleads poor mouth! It's certainly reasonable for Benson to want to leave a large estate to his family but considering the financial position of the state I think he is asking too much to expect the state to essentially write a check for many millions when he just might be sitting on a gold mine!

On the other hand, if Benson can show that he is NOT making lots of dollars and will be making almost twice that, with the new TV contract, I think we would want to give his position greater consideration.

Ben S.
Pensacola, FL

Hey, I am a life-long Gretna resident, although I now physically reside in Mexico. Still maintain everything in Gretna, taxes, bank, church, etc. Believe me, as a foreign missionary, I still keep up with US sports, and esp. the Saints, LSU, & Tulane. The Sun. PM that LSU beat Oklahoma for the national championship, I arranged to go to a friends house after the church service to watch it. Wouldn't have missed it for the world! I follow the Saints usually through the net, although I did get to watch them beat Dallas last year. (I am at the mercy of the local stations--we got lots of Cowboys & Pittsburg games.) My first memories of Saints football are from '83, the last game of the year, when a rookie TE (later turned center) Steve Korte recovered a fumble in the end zone for the go-ahead TD. Unfortunately, Mike Lansford broke our hearts with a GW field goal to put the Rams in the playoffs and deny the Saints their first winning season & playoff birth (I was 8 at the time.). Since then, my Sundays have revolved around church services and Saints football (in that order, BTW). I would prob. follow the Saints even if they left, but do not want to even think about the idea. BTW, I see us getting 10 wins and making the playoffs this year, maybe as NFC South champs--IF our defense moves its rank from 32nd to say, 20th. Offense will be at least as good as it was last year, possibly better if Deuce stays healthy.

JOSEPH, GRETNA--Saints/LSU/Tulane fan from all the way in central Mexico!

I'm in brother nd I will bring atleast 20 peple with me. Let's do it let's show them what dedication is all about. God bless you for taking the time to do this site...

Joe and Gayla D.

I have grown up watching the Saints. I can remember the first time my dad took me to a game. It was a preseason game versus, the Vikings. We got up to the ticket counter and they were sold out! I was sad, but didn't care. At that time, I was too young to be a football fan. But it was in that year, I became obsessed with the sport and the Saints. I have been the biggest fan ever since. I remember every playoff appearance we made. The saints had a lead on the Eagles and lost in the 4th Quarter. The same happened with the Falcons. I still remember loosing to the Bears in the frigid cold. I was in the dome when Hakin DROPPED THE BALL and the saints won their first ever playoff game. See the Saints aren't just a football team to me, they are a huge part of my life. Just as my dad did with me, I plan on taking my little boy to a game when he gets a little older and turning him onto the Saints, just I am. They will become a big part of his life. I look forward to watching the games with him every Sunday, just like me and my dad have for 20 years. Please give me that opportunity, by keeping them here. There's no amount of money, I wouldn't pay to keep them right where they are if I had it to pay.

Thanks,

SIncerly,

Ken Johnson

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