TheDeuce

For the last few days, as article after article has been released by newspapers across the Gulf Coast region and beyond, I have been struck by the surreal feeling that this is it. After almost 40 years in New Olreans, it seems that finally my beloved Saints won't be in the Big Easy anymore. A damaged stadium, a poverty stricken state, a greedy owner, a natural disaster, a public feud between the governor and the owner, several tempting opportunities in other cities, a history of failure, the firing of two officials who backed the team staying in Louisiana, and finally a greedy owner (did I already mention that?) seems to have taken its toll on this franchise remaining where it belongs. Sure the Saints are still technically the "New Orleans Saints," but it just seems to me that this is the beginning of the end. I just heard Peter King say that it would be surprising if the Saints were still in New Orleans in the 2006 season. I've only been around for about 20 years, but every day since I can remember I've been a New Orleans Saints fan. I would hate to spend Sundays without caring about any one game, I would hate to not have anybody to root for, but most of all I would hate to see my hometown without its team. Hopefully, all of this will pass by as if it never happened, but there seems to be a growing sense that Tom Benson will finally get his way; his way out of New Orleans.