Hidden Agenda of NFL- Get Saints Out Soon
 

I like many people on the forum were made very happy when the NFL said it would pitch in to help rebuild the Superdome. But then I read something that made me a little more pessimistic.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...nfl/index.htmlWhy would the NFL wish to change the deal if they were planning on staying for the long term? Are they just sprucing up the Superdome as a solution for next season with a plan to get out the season after next? Correct me if I am wrong, but don't the Saints get another chance to leave in 2008? Why would the NFL want to make it cheaper to leave before then? What is their motive?

They could ask for many things, but instead the NFL (NOT Benson) is asking for an easy out. Is this a bad sign?

Sorry I only post depressing things on the forum. I'm not a depressing guy in real life, I just don't know many Saints fans so when bad news comes I want to know what real fans think about it (besides all my family). I would love for the Saints to stay in N.O. forever, and I think the best thing about Katrina was it delayed their leave. Also I would like to see the team regionalized (the Gulf Coast Saints) if the alternative is moving.

L.A. has too many teams as it is, and other NFL teams like the Cardinals have such low attendence that they play regular season games in Mexico. Why aren't they threatened with moving (please someone tell me that kills me)? Or some other team. Why must N.O. be the victum? Makes me so mad...

What do you all think?

RE: Hidden Agenda of NFL- Get Saints Out Soon
 

I think the Saints are staying home.
period.
And I live in L.A. and I dont see the people here supporting another team...(other than soccer)
Saints stay in NO...news at 11...

This seems to give some credence to my post "Interesting Lienart Theory . . .". I think the NFL, not unlike any big organization, does make deals that don't provide a backdoor option for themselves.

The Saints aren't going anywhere for at least 2 years and that's why it is so important that we draft players and acquire FA's that will have an immediate impact. That doesn't mean drafting a high paid QB who is going to take at least 1/2 to 1 year before he is ready to play. I would rather spend the money on a couple of quality FA QB's, O and D linemen.

Why would you think the Saints had two years, when Benson has TWO out clauses for 2007, and why would you use a discussion not about Leinart, to once again push the agenda of not drafting him? That has nothing to do with this subject. But since you brought it up, you want people to follow this team and go to the games, you draft Leinart. Period. You want to see people yawn on Sundays, pick up Jon Kitna or David Garrard or any other such FA QB. As much as I don't want to draft him, even Vince Young will put butts in the seats. What you're pushing, will get this team out of here in 2007, cause of poor attendance and indifference.

I guess opinions vary but I have said all along that if we don't win next year there will probably not be a next year. I think the NFL and Benson will allow at least 2 more years before they pull the plug on their kind gesture of keeping the Saints in New Orleans and if you think that Leinart will put fans in the seats while he sits on the bench, more power to ya. I just don't see that logic.

LMAO!!! If we draft Leinart, you think he will be on the bench? Wow. Also, why would the NFL be willing to give us two years, if they are asking for a discount on the out clause NEXT YEAR? Lastly if Benson does not take advantage of these out clauses in 2007, he is stuck until 2011 when the deal runs out, cause there are no more out clauses after that. You think he, his lawyers, and the league don't know that? Come on man.

First of all, I would like to see a quality QB drafted, but, if his developement doesn't allow him to see the playing field it wouldn't have an impact on putting people in the seats. And why, after all these years, would you think Saints fans need any more incentive for selling out games in N.O.? We do pretty good with the circus we've had through the years. Quality TEAM play, an awesome defense, a competent coaching staff, that's what puts the fans in the seats. That, and the ever hopeful faithful knowing the next year is going to be THE year, no matter what. And as far as the NFL kicking in $20 million dollars but wanting it refunded if the state will lower the buy-out clause is just good business sense, I wouldn't read too much into that. Deals are made like that all over the world where big corporations are involved. It's just a given procedure. I think overall we are on the right track for the New Orleans Saints.

A classic "The Saints ain't going nowhere" post. Wow. The problem is not the FANS not selling out the dome, the problem is SUITES ARE NOT BEING SOLD. That's where the NFL makes their money, and that's where Benson was losing his. Before the hurricane, New Orleans had one fortune 500 company(or was it all of Louisiana?) Entergy, now I believe they are gone. So now not only does New Orleans not have that, a lot of the businesses have left, and won't be back anytime soon, if ever. So who is now gonna buy the few suites that were bought? Got an answer? I don't. I don't see people who are trying to rebuild their lives being able to shell out a few thousand dollars every few weeks to buy the suites, do you? Realistically, I don't see how we will fill the dome up for 8 games. I am praying to God we do, I am gonna do my part even as far away as I am, but to have your head in the clouds with some "we did it before" nonsense is ludicrous. We weren't totally devastated by a hurricane before either. We weren't at the deadline for the out clauses before either. It's a TOTALLY different situation, so the same attitude ain't gonna get it done. I hope there are very few fans who carry that attitude, and more with a sense of urgency about being proactive to keep this team in New Orleans. Wouldn't read too much into the league asking for a 20 mil discount? That's mind boggling someone could be so indifferent about such a clear signal of the league's intent should we fail to provide enough support. :?

I am neither ludicrous or have my head in the clouds. I do not live in N.O. but I, for one, will be at the first game back and as many thereafter as I can get to. Unlike other fans who would rather cry, "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!" I will support the team as I always have and know that the businesses with the incentives that will be and are being offered will take up residence in N.O. once again. And the dome was not being sold out solely by the residents of N.O. but by the entire Gulf Coast and inland areas of several states. So, instead of arguing and crying about 'woe is me' I chose to believe and support and I'll still be here when the chips fall where they may, but unlike others I won't stroke out over it. You would be hard pressed to convince me the Dome won't be sold out for the first game back, and if it is, why not the rest of the season? Only time WILL tell.

Yeah, cause the best approach is to think it can't happen, and duck your head under the covers. Does that usually work? We ALL are gonna support this team no matter what, but guess what, that means diddly poo to an owner who was trying to move BEFORE the hurricane hit, and a league that's all about dollars. So please, by all means, if digging your head in the sand like there is no problem is your solution, have at it. I am not that naive. And you still missed the basic issue, SELLING SUITES. Got an answer for that? Who's gonna buy them? Seats aren't the problem, suites are. Solution? Benson also wanted a new stadium, and lfat out refused the renovated dome as an answer before the hurricane. Do you believe this problem somehow disappeared? Solution? If all you have is pie in the sky answers, I can guess the response so I don't need one. I am asking for real solutions to these issues, that were present pre-Katrina, but are even worse now.

Wow....this is a tough call. Its the NFL cares about New Orleans vs. The NFL is giving New Orleans enough rope to hang itself with scenario. I for one kinda share Cassady's optimism...but Whodi does have a valid point. Whodi....do you think its possible for business to now look at New Orleans as a fresh new area to market in? Think about it....as you said.....many business have packed up and left. But other businesses are growing....do you think its possible that those businesses will see New Orleans as a territiroy in which they can come in and land major influence in? I know that this is a big "if" but...If you had a thriving business and see a city like New Orleans and realize that there are no major players in that area...wouldn't you go and give your business a shot over there? Right away you would become the major player in economic affairs. Shortly after....once you've attracted attention...the competition will come in and follow. This hurricane...may actually have an upside (although we would definitely rather not have had it at all). It looks like this city could be in for a serious rebirth. And maybe....just maybe....the NFL sees it too. I know I sound hopeful but.....I think its also possible. If anything needs to go first....its Nagin and Blanco!

Well by all means, since you have the ear of big business in N.O. maybe you CAN change the economic outlook. I didn't know you had that much power since I haven't heard mentioned in the news lately that someone had come up with a soloution to a problem that has existed in N.O. for the last 50 years. I hear you talking about sticking your head in the sand, where exactly are you sticking yours? It seems to me your great insight is just as helpful as my soloution. But by all means, blow baby blow. I'm sure your that much closer to selling out those luxury suites from your keyboard, Donald.

whoodi, i believe before katrina, it was rumored benson had a buyer for a bil.............
if he opts out and pays the 80 mil, you don't think he's texas bound, do ya?
a lot of red tape there, and not league approval as far as i've read.......
so where? la? who's gonna buy then...........because last i heard, he does not have any intention of selling...........he could sell here...................but stated he has no intention of selling. please enlighten me....................i know it'll be for money, but where? smitty

if he can't go where he wants, why not sell?

Damn man, can you see the forest for the trees? You answered your own question and my worst fear. That we draft Leinart and he will sit the bench for a year, I don't care how good everyone thinks he is, he will sit the bench at least until our season is over once again and the NFL feels we can't support the team and move them to LA. Thanks for stating the obvious Whodi. You are good at that! I think they may give us 2 years just for PR reasons and nothing more and that is only if we don't win next season.

Where did you get that info from Whodi, post a link please? and where are your from? Benson doesn't get his subsidy from suites, he gets it from the state and the Saints make more money than most teams. Look up that link.

Why are the Saints one of the most profitable teams if Benson is not making any money? Come on Whodi are you pushing for them to actually move somewhere? and where might you want them to move?

You got a link for that one? Post a link to that shiiiiiiit and I will answer that question. Milk does a body good.

A classic, "I want the Saints in San Antonio post". It's so obvious that you are still angry that the team didn't stay in San Antonio and where are you from again Whodi? Don't come here spouting that crap and trying to taint the Saints fans attitude about support. If you don't support them where they are then so be it but don't try to make it appear as if corporate support is all the Saints need when Benson has been making bank on the team being in New Orleans for years. Go look that link up and have a nice day.

:D

A high draft pick that will be riding the Pine, or even if he plays for that matter will not in no way shape or form even sell out a High school stadium let alone the dome, unless a competitive winning team is fielded. I live in NJ where the jets are sold out every year because there is a 20 odd year waiting list to get tickets, but let me tell you that stradium was quite empty that Sunday night in December, why might you ask Because both teams SUCKED. Thats right I don't care if Payton Manning was playing for the Jets you will not see people wasting there day or Money at a game when the likly out come is a loss even when you have season or free tickets. (Add up the additionals Parking, Food, Drink + loosing = waste of time and Money). The only way the team is going to thrive is by fielding a winning team. If the teams winning, people will give up a weekend or two to travel to see them. The economics behind the whole subsidies were based on getting cash into NO. That was the driver. People comming to see games spend time and Money in NO. Right now not many people are willing to do that. But a garentee that if a winning TEAM is put together and fielded the econmics of the situation will keep them there for years to come. One draft pick will not do that, and anyone who thinks so is surely mistaken. With the out clause it reads between the lines win NOW garner support and advertising and promotional dollars from local and or National buisnesses and the team stays. And what National buisnesses would not pour some money in for a winning team for good PR.

Um, slow or bad day? I'll guess the latter. You made my point EXACTLY. NOONE can buy the suites Benson has been crying about. NOONE. And now there are even less companies to attempt to buy them. Does 1+1=2 in Tenn? And you say noone has come up with a solution? EXACTLY!!! Holy crap. You took what I said, pretty much the exact same thing, and are still arguing. Priceless. Question? If the problem existed for 50 years, do you think it got better or worse with the hurricane? Hello? McFly? Guess noone's home/ :?

This whole post is ignorant. Ask around about where i'm from, then get back at me. You will look like the tool you sound like. But just to help you along:

You must have missed even this in this thread hey Cher? Get a clue.

So you make your point by talking ignorance?? What, are you Billy's twin?? I never ask to be personally attacked by an obviously mentally and socially challenged closet-bully. I choose to be optimistic you chose to be an ignorance-spouting Saint's fan wannabe. I said the problem has existed for the last 50 years , with relocation and selling the dome out and market shares being the same crap spouted since before I can remember. Katrina didn't do anything to speed the process, it's always existed. This next few years are no different than any other year Benson has owned the team. If you want to talk football, talk football, I don't expect to be personally insulted by anyone, anywhere.

Actually, you choose to be ignorant from Tenn, and ignore the problem, and I choose to trumpet loud and clear that we damn well better be showing up en masse this season to keep the team in New Orleans. If we listen to you, we really have nothing to worry about, and we can just go about business as usual. And how am I bullying you? Cause you wanna play Johnny sunshine with no facts while I quote the up to date status, as well as the pre Katrina status, of Benson and the league's intent in regards to the Saints? I don't give a flip about you feeling personally insulted. Don't speak to me if you are gonna start crying. But don't try to make snide remarks and back-handed comments and then act like you are Polly-Anna. I'm not the one to play that game. Go twist your pony tails with someone else if you can't handle it.

Thank you. You just made MY point exactly. From the comfort of you bedroom you talk like a real bad-*ss as do so many other closet-bullies. I'm sorry that you're life is so meaningless that you can't talk without being insulting. I, for one, will be at the Saint's first home game and then you can back up that mouth of yours face-to-face. I do not like people insulting my state or my intelligence because they can't make a point without speaking garbage. But do not mistake my intelligent, optimistic demeanor for that of a pony-tailed pollyanna because I assure you, show up on the 24th and we WILL take care of the personal insults you don't give a flip about. And if for one second you think I'm in the least bit kidding I'll see you in N.O. to wipe the smile from your lips.

Wait, wait, wait. I'm ignorant, yet you wanna get physical off an INTERNET argument? Homie, if that's how it is, you damn sure right we can take it to the gutter. Noone on any forum could get me that wound up, but if you are that sensitive to where you wanna make it an outside the forum issue, so be it. I will be seeing you the 24th, and we will see what's what then. No more need for words. If that's where you wanna take it, you found your man. Believe that.

Word.

I'm feelin the heat in this thread...I'm down for some trash talk....;0) Seriously though....like I posted already.....I think New Orleans has enough under its belt to attract new businesses and revitalize. GET RID OF YOUR DIRTY A@# POLITICIANS!!!!!

the NFL makes most of its money through its TV contracts, then ticket sales, then merchandising, then ancillaries like parking, concessions, etc. I believe (though I may be wrong and I can't find the link, but will look for it and post it later) that over 55% of NFL total revenues come from TV. Ticket sales account for about 25%. Classic 80/20 rule. With the Saints ticket prices being in the top 5% and having one of the larger indoor stadiums, Benson makes more than most. Add in the State subsidies, and Benson's got one if not the most profitable franchises just on those criteria. Where they lack is in the ancillaries. Profits on the margins sometimes do drive businesses. However, those ancillaries have a very high correlation to the success of the franchise. Winning drives merchandising, it drives concessions, parking, corporate endoresements/partnerships. FanNJ's point about the Jets' lack of attendance hurt all their ancillaries, as merchandising, parking, concessions, etc., were all way down this year and they are sold out for the next 20 years. The Cardinals are in one of the most desireable markets and get outdrawn by women's high school soccer because they've just sucked (among other reasons).

If the idea is to determine viability, which I think is a rather fatuous idea given the rather uniform distribution of the NFL right now (revenue and geographic), give the fans a winner. Maybe someone here has an idea on how to field one?

Hey Whodi I know exactly where you live now and you know that was what I was saying. Tool, that's the best you got? Your sad dude, real sad.

Hey Whodi, how come you didn't answer any of the questions I asked? I guess your way of explaining it is just calling some names and claiming everyone else in the thread is ignorant. Keep up the good work.

If you two are gonna fight, I'm gonna sell tickets. You guys need to chill.

What the hell is going on???
I'm gone for a couple of days and the whole place is in chaos.
I'm a pretty good "cut man" if one of you need my services....
ya'll play nice...hahahahaha..... :biggun:

Wasn't me Joe. I was only arguing. I'm a Luva not a Fita.