State lawmaker urges Tom Benson to keep Saints playing amid NFL contract negotiations
 

A Democratic state senator sent a letter to New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson last week urging a resolution to the stalemate that could lead to a lockout of National Football League players when the current collective-bargaining agreement between players and team owners expires in early March.

Sen. Eric LaFleur, D-Ville Platte

"Louisiana taxpayers have invested millions of their hard-earned dollars in the Saints organization, and Saints fans have been loyal for decades," said Sen. Eric LaFleur, D-Ville Platte. "They deserve earnest negotiations and a resolution of this matter as soon as possible."

It's the second time this fall that LaFleur has written Benson to urge an end to the impasse, which could jeopardize the 2011 season if the two sides can't agree on how to divide the money from TV contracts, ticket sales, merchandise and other sources. In a Nov. 8 letter to the Saints owner, LaFleur warned that a lockout would have "devastating effects" on the state's economy and New Orleans in particular. "Transportation companies, hotels, bars, stadium workers would all suffer tremendously if an agreement is not reached," LaFleur wrote. As of Wednesday, neither letter had received a response from the team.

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Errr.. i don't think many fans have much of a say so on this.. I mean New Orleanians have somewhat of a say so since they not only pay for Ticket Sales but also fork over a portion of the state treasury over to the Saints but Saints are a Single entity and there are 31 other teams involved, However Brees being the leader of the CBA could maybe get things going a little faster and positively sooner than later.

I really just see it as a little political letter saying, in the nicest terms, "You know, Tom, we scratched your back... you **** us over, and it won't be pretty".

Does anybody know who chairs the labor committee? I know Benson is head of Finance, but labor?