The Smoking Gun : The Benson Email

saintz08 · 11-03-2005, 12:31 AM

Full text of Benson note to the NFL

(Editor's note: The following is a letter that NFL sources say Saints Owner Tom Benson sent to the league. It was dictated to Eyewitness Sports' Lee Zurik)

My trip to Baton Rouge was a total disaster. As my wife and the rest of my party left the suite, well before the end of the game, we were attacked by a number of hecklers who shouted obscentities at me and my party and put my wife and family in danger. Security was inadequate and nonexistent and we were led out through a hostile crowd on a very long route. If it had not been for my grandson and his friend, we could have all been severely injured or killed. In addition, the media was forcing cameras in our faces and slowing down our escape from a very dangerous situation and experience. We finally escaped without serious injury, but only due to luck and the intervention of my grandson and his friend. Secruity had completely abandoned us.

After this traumatic experience, I will not return to Baton Rouge for any reason, including any games scheduled for the end of this season or a contemplated next season. No person, much less the owner of an NFL team, should have either he, his family, or his friends subjected to this form of danger, intimidation, and abuse. We will not be back in Baton Rouge for any reason. I was advised not to go, but wanted to support the league. It was my mistake. I wanted each of you to know of this miserable experience and disappointment to me after i had tried to cooperate in every way.

Sincerely,

Tom Benson

http://www.wwltv.com/sports/stories/....21541f13.html

BoudinSandwich · 11-03-2005, 02:20 AM

So, Benson writes the league about a traumatic experience which occured to him in Baton Rouge. All the more reason for him to move to San Antonio?

This is no more traumatic than an average day of public school. It's no more traumatic than travelling to anywhere else in this nation and, being a Saints fan, talking to the locals about football.

I remember making the comment that I would like to see Benson take the field during the Dolphins Vs. Saints game in Baton Rouge. I thought it would be interesting to see everyones reaction to him. There was one moment where, in a commercial showing the Saints' aid to hurricane victims, Tiger Stadium erupted in "boos" as the name "Tom Benson" was mentioned.

SapperSaint · 11-03-2005, 08:50 AM

Did he think anything different would happen. He is the most hated man in the state right now.

ScottyRo · 11-03-2005, 10:50 AM

As my wife and the rest of my party left the suite, well before the end of the game, we were attacked by a number of hecklers who shouted obscentities at me and my party and put my wife and family in danger.

WTF???? He should get someone with half a brain to type his little whinny emails to league before he admits to things he didn't intend to admit.

First, what the hell are you doing leaving the game early, Tom? Does the product you've provided for us make you sick, too? You're the head of this team. You should be there until the end. The fact that you left early lets us all know - even more clearly - where you stand with this team. Can anyone else imagine an owner leaving early?

Second, your team was getting their butts handed to them AGAIN and you decide to leave while the majority of the deservedly upset fans are still around. Why is that, Tom? Maybe you knew the likelihood of an incident happening was increased when more fans were present. Seems like someone whose team just got raped AGAIN by another not-so-great NFL team would have the insight to remain in his private suite until most of those in attendance had left the stadium in order to avoid the possibility of such incidents.

I was advised not to go.

Really? On what basis? The one that your team was going to get killed and you were going to sneak out early through a crowd of upset fans? That sounds about right coming from you. I've got a theory for you, Tom. It's called "self-fulfilling prophesy". I wont go into detail on it, but it pretty much means that you get a set of circumstances in your head and you do what ever is necessary - consciously or unconsciously - to make sure that it comes about.

You were worried about going - most likely fearing the exact circumstances you found yourself in. Yet, now you choose to ignore your culpability in causing such an incident. That is so Tom Benson of you. I've got to hand it to you though. At least you're more consistent than your team.

11-03-2005, 12:31 AM	#1
saintz08 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,020	The Smoking Gun : The Benson Email Full text of Benson note to the NFL (Editor's note: The following is a letter that NFL sources say Saints Owner Tom Benson sent to the league. It was dictated to Eyewitness Sports' Lee Zurik) My trip to Baton Rouge was a total disaster. As my wife and the rest of my party left the suite, well before the end of the game, we were attacked by a number of hecklers who shouted obscentities at me and my party and put my wife and family in danger. Security was inadequate and nonexistent and we were led out through a hostile crowd on a very long route. If it had not been for my grandson and his friend, we could have all been severely injured or killed. In addition, the media was forcing cameras in our faces and slowing down our escape from a very dangerous situation and experience. We finally escaped without serious injury, but only due to luck and the intervention of my grandson and his friend. Secruity had completely abandoned us. After this traumatic experience, I will not return to Baton Rouge for any reason, including any games scheduled for the end of this season or a contemplated next season. No person, much less the owner of an NFL team, should have either he, his family, or his friends subjected to this form of danger, intimidation, and abuse. We will not be back in Baton Rouge for any reason. I was advised not to go, but wanted to support the league. It was my mistake. I wanted each of you to know of this miserable experience and disappointment to me after i had tried to cooperate in every way. Sincerely, Tom Benson http://www.wwltv.com/sports/stories/....21541f13.html
saintz08 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,020

11-03-2005, 02:20 AM	#2
BoudinSandwich OldiesDJ Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Scott, LA Posts: 951 Blog Entries: 12	RE: The Smoking Gun : The Benson Email So, Benson writes the league about a traumatic experience which occured to him in Baton Rouge. All the more reason for him to move to San Antonio? This is no more traumatic than an average day of public school. It's no more traumatic than travelling to anywhere else in this nation and, being a Saints fan, talking to the locals about football. I remember making the comment that I would like to see Benson take the field during the Dolphins Vs. Saints game in Baton Rouge. I thought it would be interesting to see everyones reaction to him. There was one moment where, in a commercial showing the Saints' aid to hurricane victims, Tiger Stadium erupted in "boos" as the name "Tom Benson" was mentioned.
	Season Ticket Holder Since 2005

11-03-2005, 08:50 AM	#3
SapperSaint Pink Nightmare Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 3,028 Blog Entries: 7	RE: The Smoking Gun : The Benson Email Did he think anything different would happen. He is the most hated man in the state right now.

11-03-2005, 10:50 AM	#4
ScottyRo 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Williamsburg, VA (ugh, the food here) Posts: 1,704	RE: The Smoking Gun : The Benson Email As my wife and the rest of my party left the suite, well before the end of the game, we were attacked by a number of hecklers who shouted obscentities at me and my party and put my wife and family in danger. WTF???? He should get someone with half a brain to type his little whinny emails to league before he admits to things he didn't intend to admit. First, what the hell are you doing leaving the game early, Tom? Does the product you've provided for us make you sick, too? You're the head of this team. You should be there until the end. The fact that you left early lets us all know - even more clearly - where you stand with this team. Can anyone else imagine an owner leaving early? Second, your team was getting their butts handed to them AGAIN and you decide to leave while the majority of the deservedly upset fans are still around. Why is that, Tom? Maybe you knew the likelihood of an incident happening was increased when more fans were present. Seems like someone whose team just got raped AGAIN by another not-so-great NFL team would have the insight to remain in his private suite until most of those in attendance had left the stadium in order to avoid the possibility of such incidents. I was advised not to go. Really? On what basis? The one that your team was going to get killed and you were going to sneak out early through a crowd of upset fans? That sounds about right coming from you. I've got a theory for you, Tom. It's called "self-fulfilling prophesy". I wont go into detail on it, but it pretty much means that you get a set of circumstances in your head and you do what ever is necessary - consciously or unconsciously - to make sure that it comes about. You were worried about going - most likely fearing the exact circumstances you found yourself in. Yet, now you choose to ignore your culpability in causing such an incident. That is so Tom Benson of you. I've got to hand it to you though. At least you're more consistent than your team.

Latest Blogs
2023 New Orleans Saints: Training Camp Last Blog: 08-01-2023 By: MarchingOn Puck the Fro Browl! Last Blog: 02-05-2023 By: neugey CFP: "Just Keep Doing What You're Doing" Last Blog: 12-08-2022 By: neugey