Hidden Agenda of NFL- Get Saints Out Soon

cardboardboxer · 02-06-2006, 09:17 PM

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.html

The NFL's $20 million commitment to help pay for repairs to the Superdome may come with a string attached. The league has proposed that state officials reduce the $81 million exit penalty in the Saints' contract as part of the deal, according to the attorney for the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District. The reduction essentially would serve as a refund of the league's contribution if the Saints opt out of their contract and relocate before the end of the team's contract with the state.

Why 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?

CHACHING · 02-06-2006, 10:58 PM

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...

DblBogey · 02-07-2006, 09:10 AM

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.

CheramieIII · 02-08-2006, 06:25 PM

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.

saintswhodi · 02-08-2006, 09:38 PM

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.

CheramieIII · 02-08-2006, 09:44 PM

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.

saintswhodi · 02-09-2006, 08:22 AM

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.

Cassady37 · 02-09-2006, 08:46 AM

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.

saintswhodi · 02-09-2006, 09:01 AM

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.

Cassady37 · 02-09-2006, 11:32 AM

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.

02-06-2006, 09:17 PM	#1
cardboardboxer Registered Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 65	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.html The NFL's $20 million commitment to help pay for repairs to the Superdome may come with a string attached. The league has proposed that state officials reduce the $81 million exit penalty in the Saints' contract as part of the deal, according to the attorney for the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District. The reduction essentially would serve as a refund of the league's contribution if the Saints opt out of their contract and relocate before the end of the team's contract with the state. Why 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?
cardboardboxer Registered Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 65

02-06-2006, 10:58 PM	#2
CHACHING 500th Post Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Golden State Posts: 830	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...

02-07-2006, 09:10 AM	#3
DblBogey 500th Post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 538	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.
DblBogey 500th Post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 538

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02-08-2006, 06:25 PM	#4
CheramieIII Fan Since 1967 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Nomad Posts: 7,457 Blog Entries: 3	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.

02-08-2006, 09:38 PM	#5
saintswhodi 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 6,941	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.

02-08-2006, 09:44 PM	#6
CheramieIII Fan Since 1967 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Nomad Posts: 7,457 Blog Entries: 3	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.

02-09-2006, 08:22 AM	#7
saintswhodi 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 6,941	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.

02-09-2006, 08:46 AM	#8
Cassady37 100th Post Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kilgore, Texas Posts: 337	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.

02-09-2006, 09:01 AM	#9
saintswhodi 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 6,941	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.

02-09-2006, 11:32 AM	#10
Cassady37 100th Post Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kilgore, Texas Posts: 337	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.