saintz08

Benson reportedly plans to move Saints



Eyewitness news has confirmed an ESPN.com report that Tom Benson has told his players that he wants to keep the Saints in San Antonio next season. He also reportedly said that he is willing to sue the NFL for the right to do so.


Tom Benson speaks prior to the start of the NFL Owners' meetings in Washington, D.C.

The agent of a veteran offensive player spoke with his client tonight. The player confirmed to the agent that Benson had discussed the move to San Antonio with the team at a meeting a few days ago.


The agent said that Benson told Saints players that they better renew leases on their homes and apartments in San Antonio because that is where they are going to be next season.



According to the agent, Benson also told the team that he may sue the league. Benson also reportedly told players that he can't rely on the NFL to make decisions and bring stability to the organization.



The meeting between Benson and his players took place shortly after the head of the NFL players association contradicted Benson's plan. The team was told by the head of the players association that they would move back to New Orleans, which according to the agent, upset Benson.



Eyewitness news spoke with NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue's top executive - Vice President of communications Joe Browne. Browne called the reports on Benson and San Antonio just speculation, but did say that where the Saints play next year is not up to Benson.

“The commissioner will decide where they play next year,� Browne said.



Browne said NFL teams have until mid-January to apply for a franchise transfer. Without the application Benson has no power to determine where the Saints will play.



“We don't have rules that say this is what happens if a team wants to move for 1 year, or this is what happens if a team wants to move for two years, or this is what happens if a team wants to move forever. We don't have rules like that,� Browne said.



At the present time, Browne said, it would be the decision of the commissioner concerning where the Saints play next year because, the Saints haven't applied to move the franchise.

If they haven't applied to move, it's still the New Orleans Saints and they need to play in New Orleans,� Browne said.

According to state officials, contractually the Saints are obligated to be the New Orleans Saints next year and can't get out of their deal. State sources told Eyewitness news that about two weeks ago the Saints signed a contract, which extends "The act of God" clause in their contract with the state, through January of 2007. State officials said that means that the Saints cannot opt out of their Louisiana contract for another 13 months.

The Saints did not respond to a request for a comment on this story.

The NFL’s New Orleans based liaison, Eddie Jones, told Eyewitness News Saturday night that he thinks there is nothing to this report.

http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stor....1e0d222a.html

\"Americans play to win at all times. I wouldn\'t give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed.\" - George S. Patton
On another note, I\'ll take a bite of that crow 08. - Saintfan
Brooks is a moron!! - Halo

Halo

Man you guys didn't see that. I guess it wasn't posted. This was all the buzz yesterday. Of course it changes everyday.

Today Benson visited New Orleans and an alien ship came down and gave Mr. Benson an anal probe. He said, "just another reason why no one can live here. My ass is killing me. We're not coming back."

He came out yesterday and talked about going to court against the NFL and they aren't coming back because he wanted the turnstyle count to be low, and he's done a great job. Meanwhile, there's ticket discounts and give aways all up in San Antonio. Watching this drama is like watching that movie Major League.

BTW, 08 my quote in your signature came true, right? After I finally gave up on him, he drops to second string and will probably never step on the field again. I just couldn't stand it anymore.

saintz08

It just took you awhile to figure it out .....:08:

Euphoria

SALE THE TEAM TO BRADSHAW